SSC CGL Skill Test 2022-23: SSC CGL DEST & Computer Proficiency Test

SSC CGL Skill Test

SSC CGL Skill Test is an important aspect of the SSC CGL Exam and can have a great impact on your selection. From this year onwards the SSC CGL Skill Test is incorporated into the SSC CGL Tier 2 exam. There will be no separate stage for the SSC CGL Skill test and candidates will have to pass it to get selected for their preferred post.

SSC CGL Skill Test comprises the following sections:

• Computer Knowledge Test and 
• Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)

The SSC CGL DEST and CPT are organised so, authorities can check the candidate's capabilities. These tests are not compulsory for all posts. Hence, your participation in it will depend on the post for which you have applied. If you have applied for one of the posts that require SSC CGL skill test, then below, we have mentioned all the relevant details for your understanding.

SSC CGL Skill Test Pattern

The SSC CGL Skill Test Exam Pattern is shared below:

Which all Assessments are involved in SSC CGL Skill Test?

The skill test mainly involves two assessments comprising of DEST and CPT. The details of these are provided below:

SSC CGL Data Entry Speed Test (DEST): DEST is a typing test which is qualifying in nature.  This test examines the candidates typing speed on a passage of about 2000 key depression in fifteen minutes.

SSC CGL Computer Proficiency Test (CPT): Candidates are evaluated on their computer skills through this assessment. 

SSC CGL Computer Proficiency Test

SSC CGL Computer Proficiency Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature. However, while shortlisting the candidates for the posts where Computer Proficiency is prescribed i.e. Assistant Section Officer in CSS, MEA & AFHQ, Assistant in Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Assistant (GSI) in the Ministry of Mines, Assistant in Indian Meteorological Department (Ministry of Earth Sciences), Inspector (CGST &Central Excise), Inspector (Preventive Officer) & Inspector (Examiner) in CBIC and Postal Assistant/ Sorting Assistant in the Department of Post, higher qualifying standards will be set in comparison to other posts.

SSC CGL Computer Proficiency Syllabus

• Computer Basics: Organization of a computer, Central Processing Unit (CPU), input/ output devices, computer memory, memory organization, back- up devices, PORTs, Windows Explorer. Keyboard shortcuts.
• Software: Windows Operating system including basics of Microsoft Office like MS word, MS Excel and PowerPoint etc.
• Working with Internet and e-mails: Web Browsing & Searching, Downloading & Uploading, Managing an E-mail Account, e-Banking.
• Basics of networking and cyber security: Networking devices and protocols, Network and information security threats (like hacking, virus, worms, Trojans etc.) and preventive measures.

SSC CGL Data Entry Skill Test (DEST)

The complete information regarding the SSC CGL DEST is provided below:

What is DEST in SSC CGL?

• DEST full form is "Data Entry Skill Test". DEST comprises only a typing test in which students have to make 8000 key depressions per hour, i.e. 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes. It is a speed test that can be cleared easily by practice. 
• The DEST will be compulsory for all the posts; however, it will be qualifying in nature.

Type of Mistakes in DEST

Full Mistakes

The following errors are treated as full mistakes

• For every omission of word/ figure.
• For every substitution of a wrong word /figure.
• For every addition of a word/figure not found in the passage.

Half Mistakes

The following errors are treated as half mistakes

• Spacing Errors: Where no space is provided between two words, e.g. ‘Ihope’ or undesired space is provided between the words or letters of a word e.g. hope I have, ‘I hxxave’. 
• Repetition of letter: For every spelling error committed by way of repetition, or addition or transposition or omission or substitution of a letter/letters, e.g. the word ‘spelling’ typed as ‘seeplings’ etc. 
• Wrong Capitalisation: Wrong use of capital letters for small letters and vice-versa. (This does not apply to Hindi typewriting scripts). 

SSC CGL Typing Test Speed 

For the SSC CGL DEST stage, the candidates have to maintain the optimum speed by which they can type 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes. It is a speed test that can be cleared easily by practice. Candidates should devote attention and time to this section so that they do not make any mistakes while typing and also maintain significant speed while typing with utmost accuracy. 

SSC CGL Typing Test Rules 

There is no specific SSC CGL skill test question paper it is just that candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their computational efficiency and the Data Entry Skill where candidates have to make 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes. Candidates should obey the SSC cgl typing test rules which are set by the SSC for the skill test. Some of the rules regarding the mistakes done in DEST are provided above. Candidates should go through these rules in order to be fully aware of the SSC CGL DEST Skill test. 

Section-III of Paper-I of Tier-II is qualifying in nature, in other words, both modules i.e. Computer Knowledge Test and DEST are qualifying in nature. However, in Module-I, a separate higher cut-off, as decided by the Commission, will be fixed for the posts where Computer Proficiency is prescribed in comparison to other posts. Similarly, in Module-II i.e. DEST, a separate higher standard/ cut-off, as decided by the Commission, will be fixed for the posts where either Computer Proficiency or DEST is prescribed in comparison to other posts. 

Candidates should develop the proper strategy to pass the next exam after learning about the exam pattern and syllabus for the SSC CGL Skill Test exam that were covered above. To do well on the exam, complete as many practise tests and question papers as you can.

For complete preparation, candidates are advised to go through the Online Coaching and Mock Tests by BYJU'S Exam Prep for SSC & Railways exam 2023.

All The Best !!!

DREAM, STRIVE & SUCCEED With US!