SSC CHSL PA SA English Typing Test
A quick, practical guide to the SSC CHSL PA/SA English Typing Test — covering the exam pattern, minimum speed requirement, scoring rules, and preparation tips for Postal Assistant and Sorting Assistant aspirants.
About This Exam
The SSC CHSL PA/SA English Typing Test is a mandatory skill test for candidates applying for Postal Assistant or Sorting Assistant posts under the Department of Posts. Candidates who clear Tier-I and Tier-II of SSC CHSL are called for this typing test, which follows the same speed and pattern norms as the LDC/JSA typing test.
Like other CHSL typing tests, it's purely qualifying in nature — it doesn't add marks to your final merit, but failing it disqualifies you from the PA/SA post regardless of your written exam score.
Typing Test Pattern
The test is conducted on a computer, with the passage on the upper half of the screen and the typing area below it. Candidates get 10 minutes to type the passage on a standard QWERTY keyboard (15 minutes for PwD/scribe-eligible candidates).
Candidates select their typing medium (English or Hindi) at the time of application and cannot change it on exam day. The passage generally contains around 1,750–2,000 characters.
Speed Requirement
The minimum speed required is 35 words per minute (WPM) in English, equivalent to 10,500 key depressions per hour (KDPH), calculated on a net speed basis. This speed must be sustained across the full 10-minute duration. Practicing at 40+ WPM builds a safe buffer against exam-day errors.
Result & Scoring
The test is evaluated strictly as Pass/Fail. Your gross typing speed is reduced based on errors, and if your net speed falls below 35 WPM, you're disqualified from the PA/SA post — no matter how strong your Tier-II score was. There's no partial credit or merit-list impact.
Preparation Tips
Practice touch typing on a QWERTY keyboard without looking down.
Prioritize accuracy — errors directly reduce your net WPM.
Practice with formal, letter-style paragraphs similar to the actual exam.
Time every practice session for the full 10 minutes.
Build a comfortable speed buffer above 40 WPM.
Practice on a platform that mirrors the real exam interface.
Selection Process Note
The SSC CHSL selection process for PA/SA includes Tier-I (CBT), Tier-II (CBT), and the Typing/Skill Test. The typing test is conducted only after qualifying Tier-II and is mandatory for final selection — not a scoring stage. Always confirm the latest speed and pattern details from the official SSC notification before your exam.
FAQs
What is the minimum typing speed for SSC CHSL PA/SA English typing test?
Candidates need a minimum net speed of 35 words per minute, sustained for the full 10-minute test.
Does the PA/SA typing test add marks to the final merit list?
No, it's a qualifying Pass/Fail test only and doesn't add marks to your merit score.
Can I choose Hindi instead of English for the PA/SA typing test?
Yes, but you must select your medium while filling the application form — it cannot be changed later.
What happens if I fail the typing test but scored well in Tier-II?
You'll be disqualified from the PA/SA post regardless of your Tier-II score, since clearing the typing test is mandatory.
Is the PA/SA typing test different from the LDC/JSA typing test?
No, both follow the same speed requirement (35 WPM English/30 WPM Hindi) and the same 10-minute qualifying format.