Home › Exam notes › SSC CGL › Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)

Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)

DEST — Paper-I (Qualifying) · Skill Test

Useful for: SSC CGL

Overview

DEST is a qualifying skill test for certain SSC posts that checks typing speed and accuracy on a computer.

Key points

The standard is 8,000 key depressions per hour on a computer.
The test passage is typed in 15 minutes (about 2,000 key depressions).
It is qualifying: it must be passed but marks are not added to the merit.
Accuracy matters as much as speed.
Practise on a standard keyboard layout.

Explanation

Use all ten fingers with home-row positioning (ASDF JKL;).
Avoid looking at the keyboard; practise touch typing.
Maintain a steady rhythm rather than bursts.
Practise with official-style passages.

Step by step

Read the passage.
Type steadily with touch typing.
Review for errors if time remains.

Examples

15 minutes at 8,000 key depressions per hour → 8,000 × 15/60 = 2,000 key depressions.
A typist doing 140 key depressions per minute reaches 8,400 per hour (above the standard).
A typist doing 120 per minute reaches 7,200 per hour (below the standard).

Traps and advanced points

Trap: Practising only speed and ignoring accuracy.
Trap: Looking at the keyboard.
Trap: Irregular practice.

Quick revision

8,000 per hour.
2,000 in 15 minutes.
Qualifying only.

Practice MCQs

In SSC CGL, the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) is
1. an optional essay
2. added to the merit total
3. qualifying in nature
4. a physical test
Read chapter notes · Similar questions
Show answer
Answer: (c) qualifying in nature. Marks are not added for ranking.
DEST is required for posts such as
1. Inspector of Income Tax
2. Assistant Section Officer
3. Tax Assistant
4. Assistant Audit Officer
Read chapter notes · Similar questions
Show answer
Answer: (c) Tax Assistant. Tax Assistants in CBDT and CBIC need the speed skill.
The speed requirement in DEST is
1. 8,000 key depressions per hour
2. 4,000 words per hour
3. 35 words per minute only
4. 1,000 key depressions per hour
Read chapter notes · Similar questions
Show answer
Answer: (a) 8,000 key depressions per hour. Speed is measured in key depressions.
The DEST passage is typed on a computer in about
1. 60 minutes
2. 5 minutes
3. 15 minutes
4. 2 hours
Read chapter notes · Similar questions
Show answer
Answer: (c) 15 minutes. About 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes.
In DEST, a 'key depression' means
1. each line
2. each full word
3. each press of a key, including space
4. each paragraph
Read chapter notes · Similar questions
Show answer
Answer: (c) each press of a key, including space. Spaces and punctuation also count.
The best way to prepare for DEST is
1. daily timed typing practice focusing on accuracy
2. memorising the passage
3. practising only on paper
4. typing with one finger quickly
Read chapter notes · Similar questions
Show answer
Answer: (a) daily timed typing practice focusing on accuracy. Accuracy and steady speed matter together.

Notes and questions are written by Kundali IQ for practice. They are not official papers; always check the latest official notification for the syllabus and pattern.