The SSC CGL Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) gives you an English passage of about 2000 key depressions and 15 minutes to type it. It is qualifying, so it adds no marks, but the 2026 notice makes it compulsory for all posts (para 13.9.10.3), and you must also stay within the error limit for your category.
Where DEST sits in the exam
In the SSC CGL 2026 notice (published 21 May 2026), DEST is Section-IV of Tier-II Paper-I and is held in Session-II. It is in English only. Section-III of the same paper is a 15-minute Computer Knowledge Test; there is no separate Computer Proficiency Test any more.
The rules at a glance
| Rule | SSC CGL 2026 notice |
|---|---|
| Passage | About 2000 key depressions, in English (para 13.9.10.2) |
| Time | 15 minutes; 20 minutes for PwBD candidates eligible for a scribe (para 13.9.10.7) |
| Required speed | 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes, which is about 8000 an hour |
| Maximum errors (para 16.2) | UR 20%, OBC/EWS 25%, all other categories 30% |
| Editing | Allowed within the time; no need to retype if you finish early |
Higher typing standards apply to Tax Assistant (CBIC and CBDT), UDC/SSA in CBN and posts that need computer proficiency. If you are aiming for one of those, read that part of the notice carefully.
What 2000 key depressions means
A key depression is a character that ends up in your typed text, and spaces count. SSC treats 5 key depressions as one word: the CHSL notice, for example, equates 35 WPM with about 10,500 key depressions an hour. On that basis, 2000 key depressions is about 400 words, which works out to roughly 27 words per minute over 15 minutes, or about 133 characters a minute.
That is a modest speed, but you have to hold it for the full 15 minutes, and the passage runs on with figures, capital letters and punctuation. Our DEST practice uses a passage of 420 words so that you never run out of text.
How errors are counted
SSC checks the script under its "Revised Guidelines for Evaluation of Typing Test/DEST Scripts":
- Full mistake: an omitted, wrong, extra or repeated word or figure, a spelling error, a half-typed word, or matter that is not in the passage.
- Half mistake: wrong spacing, wrong capitalisation, punctuation slips, two words swapped, or a paragraph started with spaces instead of Tab.
Your mistakes are then compared with the passage to give an error percentage, and that must stay within your category's limit.
Tips for the day
- Keep a steady pace from the first minute; a fast start that fades helps nobody.
- Since editing is allowed, fix a slip when you see it at once, but do not stop to search for old ones mid-passage.
- If you finish early, use the spare time to read your text against the passage and correct it.
- Practise full 15-minute runs, not just short bursts, so your hands and focus last the distance.
What to do next
Take the SSC CGL DEST practice test, which uses the same time and error limits. Check any speed in other units with the WPM to KDPH converter, and work on weak keys in the typing lessons.