SSC CGL Typing Test 2025 – DEST Guidelines, Speed Requirements & Schedule
SSC CGL Typing Test 2025, also known as DEST, is a qualifying skill test under Tier 2 for specific posts like Tax Assistant and Data Entry Operator. It evaluates typing speed and accuracy over a 15-minute session. Candidates must meet category-wise error limits to qualify, no marks are added, but clearing DEST is mandatory.
According to the recently updated SSC CGL 2025 calendar by the Staff Selection Commission on 9th June 2025, the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam is scheduled to take place between 13th August to 30th August 2025 in online mode. The Tier 2 examination which comprises the SSC CGL Typing Test 2025 (DEST) is now expected to be conducted between 18th to 20th January 2026. The DEST is a qualifying skill examination which is administered in posts such as Tax Assistant and Data Entry Operator. The test takers will be asked to type 2000 key depressions or so within 15 minutes on computers provided by SSC. Though this stage does not give any mark, it is a must to qualify in this stage to proceed further in the selection process.
SSC CGL Typing Test 2025 is of great importance to those candidates who are aiming at Group B and C positions and more so any position that requires data entry or clerical duties. The UR category candidates should ensure that they have less than 20 percent errors, OBC/EWS candidates should have 25 percent and SC/ST candidates should have 30 percent errors. Until 14th June 2025, the applicants would be advised to practice typing regularly, increase their typing accuracy and become familiar with the official typing interface of SSC. PwBD and OH candidates can avail of special arrangements such as additional time or exemptions on medical certification.
SSC CGL 2025: Important Dates
SSC CGL 2025 official notification has been released on 9th June 2025 by the Staff Selection Commission with the entire exam schedule. Whether it is the application dates or the Tier 1 and Tier 2 exam schedule, below are all the key events that will assist aspirants in keeping update and plotting their preparation accordingly.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| SSC CGL Notification Release | 9th June 2025 |
| Online Application Starts | 9th June 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 4th July 2025 |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam | 13th to 30th August 2025 |
| SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam | 18th to 20th January 2026 (Tentative) |
| Typing Test (DEST) Reschedule | 31st January 2025 (for Jan 18, 2025 shift) |
| DEST Admit Card Release Date | 27th January 2025 (Expected) |
What is SSC CGL Typing Test (DEST)?
The SSC CGL Typing Test, also referred to as the DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) is a skill based test which is carried out in Tier 2 of the SSC CGL exam. It is a requirement to those candidates who have applied to particular posts which involve typing skills. The aim of the DEST is to test a candidate typing skill where he/she is supposed to type accurately data within a restricted time span, with emphasis on speed and accuracy.
- Post Applicable: Data Entry Operator and various other posts which need data entry work like Tax Assistant (CBDT/CBIC).
- Test Duration: 15 minutes
- Passage Requirement: The applicants have to type in English a passage of 2000 key depressions, which normally constitutes approximately 370 400 words. The text is mostly based on the basic English text to determine pure typing ability.
- Nature: This will be a qualifying type of test, where the candidates will have to qualify in this test to be eligible to further steps of the selection process, but the marks secured in this test will not be counted in the final merit list.
SSC CGL DEST 2025 Key Highlights
SSC CGL DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) is an important skill-based test which is held after Tier 2 exam with some specified posts such as Tax Assistant and Data Entry Operator. This is a typing test which checks the speed and accuracy of typing and is qualifying but compulsory. The major highlights are as below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Typing Language | English Only |
| Minimum Speed Requirement | Approx. 8000 key depressions/hour |
| Number of Key Depressions | 2000 in 15 minutes |
| Software Used | SSC-NIC authorized software |
| Difficulty Level of Passage | Moderate (based on general awareness topics) |
| Required Tool | SSC's provided computer only |
| Marking | No negative marking; qualifying only |
SSC CGL Typing Test Tool – Check Your Speed Online
Typing practice is required to achieve success in SSC CGL DEST 2025. The applicants are advised to time themselves when working in real circumstances and calculate their Words Per Minute (WPM) and accuracy with the help of online tools that are offered to prepare for government exams.
- Type standard practice passages daily
- Target 35+ WPM to stay on the safer side
- Maintain <20% errors for UR candidates to qualify
SSC CGL Typing Test Guidelines
SSC has provided the DEST with particular guidelines which make the examination process fair and smooth. Knowing these guidelines can help eliminate some of the pressure and improve performance during the exam.
- A 5 minute demo passage is given before the main typing begins
- Candidates must use only SSC-provided keyboard and system
- Do not retype the passage after completion, use remaining time to correct errors
- Maintain a good seating posture and finger positioning
- Performance is evaluated based on speed + accuracy, not speed alone
Minimum Qualifying Standards – SSC CGL DEST
To pass the SSC CGL DEST, your percentage of error should be within the category-wise boundary fixed by SSC. Any exceeding of these limits, no matter the typing speed, results in disqualification.
| Category | Maximum Errors Allowed |
|---|---|
| UR (General) | 20% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| SC / ST | 30% |
SSC CGL Typing Test for PwD Candidates
During DEST, PwD and OH candidates are entitled to some exemptions or accommodations. SSC has elaborate instructions to make such candidates inclusive.
- Exceptions to Orthopedically Handicapped (OH) candidates can be made on the submission of a certificate (Annexure-XV) by a Civil Surgeon
- Visually Handicapped (VH) candidates may utilize passages readers or scribes
- The compensatory support given to all PwD candidates is 5 minutes of additional time.
Extra Time Provision
- Every qualified PwD candidate is provided with 5 minutes additional time in DEST.
- The overall test duration would be 20 minutes (instead of 15).
Summary of DEST Relaxation
| Category | Typing Test Status | Extra Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OH (with proof) | May be exempted | Yes | Needs Annexure-XV |
| VH | Allowed passage reader | Yes | If using a scribe |
| Other PwD | May get extra time | Yes | Based on disability type |
Preparation Tips for SSC CGL Typing Test 2025
It is more a matter of technique than speed in typing tests. These are the strategies that have been proven to assist you to qualify SSC CGL DEST in the first sitting:
- Read SSC style passages every day to get faster and more accurate
- Do touch typing so that you do not need to look at the keyboard
- Make sure your error rate is low to remain within qualifying ranges
- adopt a good posture and hand position to prevent fatigue
- Use mock tools to track your WPM and the number of key depressions frequently
Instructions on Exam Day
This positive attitude of staying calm and composed can help you work wonders on the actual exam day. So here is what you have to keep in mind:
✔️ Arrive at the center at least 30 minutes before
✔️ Carry along with your valid ID proof and required documents
✔️ Do not retype the entire passage, only concentrate on corrections
✔️ Use your credentials to log in correctly and use instructions
✔️ Relax and feel confident throughout the 15 minutes test
FAQs – SSC CGL DEST 2025
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