DEST and CPT in SSC CGL Tier 2
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam every year to recruit candidates for various non-gazetted posts in government departments and ministries. The SSC CGL 2026 exam will be held in two computer-based stages. As part of the Tier 2 examination, certain posts require candidates to qualify additional skill tests like DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) and CPT (Computer Proficiency Test).
DEST and CPT in SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus
As part of the SSC CGL Tier 2 examination process, candidates are required to undergo two skill tests: DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) and CPT (Computer Proficiency Test). These are qualifying in nature and assess the candidate’s typing speed and basic computer knowledge.
| Test Name | CPT and DEST Syllabus |
| Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | DEST will be conducted as per the Commission’s guidelines. It is a skill test and does not have a fixed syllabus. Candidates will be required to type a passage containing about 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes. The test evaluates the candidate’s typing speed and accuracy. Detailed instructions will be provided by the respective SSC Regional Offices. |
| Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) | Computer Basics Classification of a computer, Central Processing Unit (CPU), Input/Output Devices, Computer Memory, Memory Organization, Back-up Devices, Ports, Windows Explorer, Keyboard Shortcuts, Microprocessor & Microcontroller Software Windows Operating System & MS Office including basics of Microsoft Office like MS Word, MS Excel PowerPoint, etc. Database & SQL Basics Working with the Internet and e-mails Web Browsing & Searching Downloading & Uploading Managing an E-mail Account e-Banking. Basics of networking and cybersecurity Networking devices and protocols Network and information security threats (like hacking, viruses, worms, Trojans, etc.), and preventive measures. Miscellaneous Computer Abbreviations & Terminology Cybersecurity & IT Awareness |
- DEST is mandatory for all SSC CGL posts.
- CPT is only applicable for specific posts such as Assistant Section Officer (CSS, MEA, AFHQ, etc.).
- Both DEST and CPT are qualifying tests marks will not be added to the final merit.
- Candidates must clear these skill tests to be eligible for final appointment in specific posts.
What is CPT (Computer Proficiency Test) in SSC CGL?
The Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) in SSC CGL is a qualifying skill test conducted in online mode. It is required only for specific posts such as Assistant Section Officer in CSS, MEA, AFHQ, etc. The purpose of CPT is to assess a candidate’s practical knowledge of basic computer operations, such as using MS Office applications, internet usage, email management, and understanding computer fundamentals.
- Nature: Qualifying only (not counted in merit).
- Mode: Conducted online.
- Mandatory for: Candidates applying for posts like ASO in CSS, MEA, AFHQ, etc.
- Test Focus:
- MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Internet and Email usage
- Basic computer and Windows operations
- Keyboard shortcuts and file handling
What are CPT posts in SSC CGL?
The Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) is mandatory for candidates applying to specific posts under SSC CGL. It assesses a candidate’s ability to use computer applications like MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
| S. No. | Post Name | Department/Organization |
| 1 | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Central Secretariat Service (CSS) |
| 2 | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) |
| 3 | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) |
| 4 | Assistant | Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), Ministry of Corporate Affairs |
| 5 | Assistant (GSI) | Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Mines |
| 6 | Assistant | Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) |
| 7 | Assistant | Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) |
| 8 | Inspector (Central Excise) | Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) |
| 9 | Inspector (Preventive Officer) | Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) |
| 10 | Inspector (Examiner) | Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) |
| 11 | Executive Assistant | Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) |
| 12 | Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant | Department of Posts |
CPT Modules
The CPT is divided into three modules:
- Word Processing (MS Word)
- Spreadsheet (MS Excel)
- Generation of Slides (MS PowerPoint)
Module-wise Details
The Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) in SSC CGL is divided into three practical modules that check basic working knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Each module is time-bound and must be completed with accuracy to qualify.
| Module | Test Name | Task/Requirement | Time Duration | Key Points |
| 1 | Word Processing | Type an English passage of about 2000 key depressions | 15 Minutes | Minimum 95% accuracy required; no formatting needed; speed and accuracy evaluated |
| 2 | Spreadsheet | Perform basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc. | Not Fixed | Candidates must use Excel formulas and functions correctly |
| 3 | Generation of Slides | Create a PowerPoint presentation based on a given slide layout | 15 Minutes | Tasks include inserting header, footer, date, and time and replicating the slide accurately |
Which posts are non CPT post in SSC CGL?
In the SSC CGL exam, some posts do not require candidates to appear for the Computer Proficiency Test (CPT). Selection for these posts is based on Tier-1, Tier-2, and document verification. Below is a list of major SSC CGL non-CPT posts:
| S. No. | Post Name | Department/Organization |
| 1 | Inspector of Income Tax | Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) |
| 2 | Auditor | Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) |
| 3 | Auditor | Controller General of Accounts (CGA) |
| 4 | Auditor | Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) |
| 5 | Accountant / Junior Accountant | Controller General of Accounts (CGA) |
| 6 | Accountant / Junior Accountant | Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) |
| 7 | Inspector of Posts | Department of Posts |
| 8 | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Ministry of Railways |
| 9 | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Intelligence Bureau (IB) |
| 10 | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology |
What is SSC CGL DEST (Data Entry Skill Test)?
DEST stands for Data Entry Skill Test in the SSC CGL exam. It is a qualifying test meant to check a candidate’s typing speed and accuracy. Candidates are required to type 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes, which translates to a speed of 8000 key depressions per hour.
This test is applicable only for candidates applying for the post of Tax Assistant in the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
SSC CGL Posts that Require DEST
- Tax Assistant (Central Excise)
- Tax Assistant (Income Tax)
DEST – Types of Mistakes
There is no negative marking in DEST. However, marks are deducted based on the type of typing mistakes made. SSC classifies them into Full Mistakes and Half Mistakes.
| Mistake Type | What is counted as a Mistake | Examples |
| Full Mistake | Omission of a word or figure | Missing a word or number from the passage |
| Substitution of a wrong word or figure | Writing a different word/number than given | |
| Addition of a word or figure not in the passage | Adding extra words or numbers | |
| Half Mistake | Spacing errors | Typing “ihave” instead of “I have” |
| Repetition of letters | Typing “comming” instead of “coming” | |
| Omission of letters | Typing “speling” instead of “spelling” | |
| Addition of letters | Typing “spellling” instead of “spelling” | |
| Transposition of letters | Typing “sleping” instead of “sleeping” | |
| Substitution of incorrect letters | Typing “seeplings” instead of “spelling” |
Note:
- DEST is qualifying in nature. Candidates must meet the required speed and accuracy standards to be considered for the final selection in Tax Assistant posts
- Any corrections using pen or pencil are ignored and no credit is given to such corrections.
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FAQs
Ans. DEST is conducted for the Post of Tax Assistants
Ans. 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, Inspector (Central Excise), Inspector (Preventive Officer) & Inspector (Examiner) In CBIC
Ans. DEST stands for Data Entry Speed Test, where candidates must type 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes. It checks typing speed and accuracy and is qualifying in nature.
Ans. A minimum 95% accuracy is recommended in the Word Processing module to safely qualify.
Ans. If you are not applying for posts like Tax Assistant or ASO, then DEST and CPT won’t impact your selection.
Ans. DEST doesn’t have negative marking, but mistakes are counted as Full or Half, which affects accuracy.
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