Plenty of candidates clear the written stage of SSC CHSL or CGL and then stumble at the typing test. It isn't difficult — but it is a skill, and skills need daily practice rather than last-minute cramming. This guide explains what the test asks for, how your speed is measured, and how to build up to it.
Please note: Speed targets, duration and rules change from one notification to the next. Always confirm the exact requirement in the official notice for your exam.
What the test usually asks for
Typing tests for SSC posts have commonly required:
| Exam | Duration | English | Hindi |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CHSL (LDC/JSA) | ~10 minutes | ~35 WPM | ~30 WPM |
| SSC CGL (Tax Assistant) | ~15 minutes | ~35 WPM | ~30 WPM |
| SSC DEO | ~15 minutes | ~8,000 key depressions/hour | — |
Hindi typing is normally done in the Mangal font using the InScript keyboard layout.
How WPM is calculated
One "word" is counted as five characters, including spaces. The formula most tests use is:
Net WPM = (correctly typed characters ÷ 5) ÷ minutes
The important part is the word correctly. Mistakes don't just fail to count — they pull your effective speed down. This is why a candidate typing at 45 WPM with many errors can score lower than one typing at 38 WPM cleanly.
Our free Typing Speed Test uses exactly this method, so the number you see is the number that matters.
Typing in Hindi (Mangal / InScript)
Two things trip people up:
- The layout is not phonetic. InScript places Devanagari characters on the keys directly, so
kis notक. You have to learn the layout — but once learned, it is fast and it is what the exam uses. - You must set it up on your own computer. Add the Hindi (India) keyboard in your operating system's language settings, or install Google Input Tools, and switch to it before practising.
Practise in the same layout you'll face in the exam. Practising with a phonetic tool (typing "kamal" to get "कमल") feels easier, but it teaches you the wrong reflexes.
A simple practice plan
Weeks 1–2 — accuracy only. Forget speed. Type slowly and correctly, 15–20 minutes a day. Learn the home row, then the rest of the keyboard, without looking down.
Weeks 3–4 — build rhythm. Aim for a steady pace with under 3% errors. Speed will rise on its own as your fingers stop hesitating.
Weeks 5+ — full-length runs. Do timed runs at the exam's own duration (10 or 15 minutes). This builds stamina, which is a real factor — most people slow down after minute six.
Beginners can start with the learning mode in our test, which begins at the home row and adds one row at a time.
Small habits that add real speed
- Look at the screen, not the keyboard. Every glance down costs a beat.
- Read one word ahead of the one your fingers are typing.
- Don't chase mistakes. In most tests, going back to fix a typo costs more than the error itself.
- Sit properly — feet flat, elbows near the body, wrists relaxed. Comfort matters over ten minutes.
- Practise daily, briefly. Twenty minutes a day beats three hours on Sunday.
Frequently asked questions
Is backspace allowed? It depends on the exam and the software used. Assume it costs you time either way, and practise typing correctly the first time.
Should I practise in Hindi or English? Whichever you'll take the test in. If you have a choice, pick the language you're already faster in, and check both targets — Hindi usually has a lower requirement.
How long does it take to reach 35 WPM? From zero, with 20 focused minutes a day, most people reach 30–35 WPM in six to ten weeks. There's no shortcut; there's just consistency.
Ready to see where you stand? Take the free Typing Speed Test — it takes two minutes, works in Hindi and English, and tells you exactly how far you are from your exam's target.