NPSC Lower Division Assistant English Typing Test

About This Exam

The NPSC Lower Division Assistant English Typing Test is the skill test conducted by the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) for Lower Division Assistant (LDA) posts in Nagaland government departments. It is a computer-based English typing test where candidates must type a running passage in English within the allotted time.

The typing test is generally qualifying in nature — candidates must pass to be eligible for final selection, but marks may not be added to the final merit list.

Typing Test Pattern

Mode: Computer-based English typing on a standard input system provided by NPSC.

Test Type: Running matter (paragraph/passage) typing.

Duration: Typically 10 minutes for the LDA typing test.

Passage Length:

Commonly set to achieve 40 WPM in 10 minutes, corresponding to about 12,000 key depressions per hour (KDPH) on average (5 key depressions per word).

Keyboard Layout:

For English typing, candidates use the standard QWERTY layout.

You must type exactly what is given in the passage (including capital letters, punctuation, and spacing).

Backspace Rule:

During the test, you can correct mistakes while the timer is running.

After the test duration ends, no further changes are allowed.

Speed Requirement

For NPSC Lower Division Assistant posts, the commonly cited English typing speed requirement is:

Minimum qualifying speed: 40 WPM on computer in English.

This corresponds to about 12,000 key depressions per hour (KDPH) on average (5 key depressions per word).

Candidates should aim for at least 42–45 WPM to have a safe margin above the minimum requirement of 40 WPM.

Result & Scoring

The scoring and qualifying criteria for NPSC Lower Division Assistant English Typing Test generally follow standard government typing test norms:

Qualifying Nature:

The typing test is qualifying only (pass/fail).

Marks obtained in the typing test may not be counted in the final merit list, but failing to qualify can disqualify the candidate.

Evaluation Method:

Speed is calculated as:

WPM
=
Total strokes
/
5
Time in minutes
WPM=
Time in minutes
Total strokes/5
​

(Assuming about 5 key depressions per word on average.)

Mistakes such as:

Omission of words/letters

Addition of extra words/letters

Wrong typing of letters (capital vs small)

Spelling errors

Extra spaces or missing spaces
are generally treated as mistakes; candidates must keep mistakes within the allowed limit (often around 10% for many clerk posts, but confirm from the NPSC notification).

Passing Criteria:

To qualify, candidates must:

Achieve at least the minimum required speed (40 WPM on computer).

Keep mistakes within the allowed limit as per the notification.

Always check the specific NPSC notification for your LDA recruitment to confirm:

Minimum speed

Allowed mistake percentage

Whether the test is qualifying or merit-based.

Preparation Tips

Know the Required Speed
Practice to consistently achieve at least 40–42 WPM in English with high accuracy. This is a higher speed than the standard 35 WPM norm, so extra practice is essential.

Use Exam-like Mock Tests
Practice with platforms that provide:

10-minute timed tests

Passage of 300–400 words

Real WPM and accuracy tracking.

Focus on Accuracy First

Speed without accuracy can disqualify you due to mistakes.

Aim for 90–95% accuracy while building speed.

Daily Timed Drills

Start with 5–10 minute sessions.

Gradually increase passage length and complexity (official letters, notices, paragraphs).

Avoid Extra Spaces & Symbols

Do not add extra spaces between words.

Type only what is given in the passage; adding or omitting words is a mistake.

Paragraph Formatting

Use the Tab key for new paragraphs instead of manual spaces.

Incorrect paragraph spacing may be counted as half-mistakes.

Practice Passage Revision

If you complete the passage early, use remaining time to check and correct mistakes (within the test duration).

Selection Process Note

Typical Flow:

Application → Written Test (MCQs) → NPSC Lower Division Assistant Typing Skill Test → Document Verification → Final Merit List.

Role of Typing Test:

Generally qualifying only for LDA posts.

Candidates must clear the typing test to be eligible for final selection.

Documentation:

Bring original ID, admit card, and any required certificates.

Follow testing center rules for permitted items.

FAQs