Yes, SSC CGL Tier-II includes the Data Entry Speed Test. The 2026 notice places DEST in Section-IV of Paper-I, conducted for 15 minutes in Session-II on the same day.
Yes. DEST is Section-IV of Tier-II Paper-I. Paper-I is compulsory for all posts, and the notice says DEST is mandatory for all posts and qualifying in nature, subject to the limited exemption rules stated in the notice.
Session-I
Sections I and II plus Section-III, the Computer Knowledge Test.
Session-II
Section-IV: the 15-minute Data Entry Speed Test.
Passage
About 2,000 key depressions, evaluated under the applicable DEST error standard.
Section-I: Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence.
Section-II: English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness.
Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test, mandatory and qualifying.
Section-IV: Data Entry Speed Test, held in the separate 15-minute Session-II.
There is no separate Tier-III stage for DEST in the current CGL pattern. Older articles that place the typing test in Tier 3 describe an outdated exam structure.
What the 15-minute Tier 2 DEST requires
The official notice describes a passage of about 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes. SSC states this in key depressions, not WPM. A five-character conversion gives an approximate practice pace of 26.7 WPM, but that conversion is not the official scoring rule.
At the normal standard, the notice lists maximum error percentages of 20% for UR, 25% for OBC/EWS, and 30% for all other categories. Specified posts can use higher qualifying standards.
No. Under the 2026 pattern, DEST is Session-II of Tier-II Paper-I and is conducted on the same day after Session-I and re-registration.
Is DEST scored in the final merit total?
DEST is qualifying in nature. Candidates must meet the applicable standard, while the merit calculation follows the scored sections and post-specific papers described in the notice.
Does every post use exactly the same DEST standard?
No. DEST is mandatory for all posts, but the notice allows higher qualifying standards for specified posts and limited exemption rules for eligible candidates.
Related Guides
Prepare for Tier-II DEST
DEST speed requirement
Understand the 15-minute passage length and practical pace conversion.