#1. Overview of SSC Data Entry Skill Test (DEST) & CHSL Typing

The Staff Selection Commission conducts the Data Entry Skill Test (DEST) as a mandatory qualifying module for all SSC CGL and CHSL candidates. In SSC CGL Tier 2, DEST is conducted on the same day as Paper 1.

Even if a candidate scores 350+ marks out of 390 in CGL Tier 2, failure in DEST results in outright disqualification from all posts across central ministries.

#2. Speed Benchmarks & Keystroke Calculations (English vs Hindi)

The SSC measures typing speed in terms of 'Key Depressions per Hour' (KDPH) and 'Key Depressions per 15 Minutes':

• SSC CGL DEST Benchmark: 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes, equivalent to approximately 8,000 key depressions per hour or 26.67 to 27 words per minute (WPM).
• SSC CHSL Lower Division Clerk (LDC) English Typing: 35 words per minute (WPM), requiring 1,750 key depressions in 10 minutes (equivalent to 10,500 KDPH).
• SSC CHSL LDC Hindi Typing: 30 words per minute (WPM), requiring 1,500 key depressions in 10 minutes (equivalent to 9,000 KDPH).
• SSC CHSL Data Entry Operator (DEO) in CAG/Ministries: 15,000 key depressions per hour (50 WPM) in English on computerized passages.

#3. Classification of Mistakes: Full Mistakes vs Half Mistakes

The SSC evaluation engine parses test files against master text passages using a rigorous error classification system:

• Full Mistakes (100% penalty): Every omission of a word/figure, substitution of an incorrect word/figure, or addition of a superfluous word/figure not found in the original passage counts as 1 Full Mistake.
• Half Mistakes (50% penalty): Spacing errors (omitting space between words or putting extraneous space), wrong capitalization (typing small letter for capital letter or vice versa), punctuation mistakes (omitting or inserting wrong commas/periods), and transposed letters count as 1/2 Mistake.
• Total Error Formula: Total Errors = [Number of Full Mistakes] + ([Number of Half Mistakes] / 2).
• Error Percentage Formula: Percentage of Errors = (Total Errors / Total Words Typed) * 100.

#4. Permissible Error Cut-Offs Across Categories

SSC prescribes category-wise relaxation in the maximum allowable error percentage for qualifying the skill test:

• Unreserved (UR): Maximum permissible error is 5% for high-speed DEO posts and 7% for standard CGL DEST posts.
• OBC / EWS Candidates: Maximum permissible error is 7% to 10% depending on specific cadre notifications.
• SC / ST / ESM / PwD Candidates: Maximum permissible error is 10% across most central departments.

#5. Hindi Typing Fonts & Exam Interface on TCS iON Terminals

Aspirants choosing Hindi as their typing medium must select between two recognized layouts during application form submission:

• Mangal Font (Inscript Keyboard Layout): Standard Indian government layout where vowel signs (Matras) correspond to the right side of the keyboard. Recommended for new typists.
• Mangal Font (Remington Gail / CBE Layout): Emulates traditional Hindi mechanical typewriters where characters like 'Sh' and 'Ksh' are formed using composite keys. Preferred by veteran Hindi typists.
• TCS Software Features: Backspace and arrow keys are fully functional. The software does NOT provide live auto-scroll or character highlighting, requiring candidates to manually track their line position.