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SSC CHSL Typing Test: Speed, Time and How to Practise
The SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) exam ends with a skill test for most posts, and for many candidates this is where the selection is won or lost. This guide explains what is usually quoted and how to prepare. It is general guidance, not an official source.
⚠️ Posts, speeds, durations and rules change between notifications. Read the latest official SSC notice for your post before relying on any number below.
Two kinds of tests
CHSL candidates usually meet one of two tests, depending on the post: a typing test (for example Lower Division Clerk or Junior Secretariat Assistant) and a data-entry skill test (for Data Entry Operator posts). They are different skills, so check which one your post needs.
| Test | Commonly quoted requirement | In key depressions per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Typing, English | about 35 words per minute, about 10 minutes | 10,500 |
| Typing, Hindi | about 30 words per minute, about 10 minutes | 9,000 |
| Data entry (DEO) | often written as 8,000 key depressions per hour over a fixed time | 8,000 |
How scoring works
- 5 key depressions are counted as 1 word.
- A word with even one wrong character is generally a wrong word.
- Net speed = (typed words − wrong words) ÷ time.
- Many tests restrict backspace and editing, so practise without it.
Use the WPM calculator to turn a key-depression figure into WPM and back.
Preparation plan
- Weeks 1-2: touch typing from the lessons; target 95% accuracy.
- Weeks 3-4: daily 5 minute tests plus weak-key drills in Smart Practice.
- Weeks 5-6: a strict 10-minute run every day on SSC typing practice; for the data-entry side add the data entry test.
- Last week: two full tests daily at your exam time; rest the day before.
Common reasons candidates fail
- Fast typing with too many wrong words.
- Never practising 10-minute runs, so speed collapses after minute five.
- Practising on a different keyboard from the exam centre.
- Not reading the passage instructions (capitals, spacing, punctuation).
Read also: SSC typing test preparation and data entry typing speed.
Practise like the exam
Strict mode, 10 minutes, key-depression scoring.