Typing Test Tips: Score High in RRB/SSC Exams | Expert Strategies

Expert typing test tips and tricks for RRB, SSC, and other competitive exams. Learn exam strategies, time management, and how to avoid common mistakes.

10 December 2025
typing test tips RRB typing tips SSC exam tips exam strategies typing tricks

Want to score high in typing tests? Follow these expert tips and confidently clear RRB/SSC exams!

Before the Exam (Preparation Phase)

Tip 1: Understand the Exact Requirements

Know these numbers by heart:

RRB NTPC:

  • Duration: 10 minutes
  • English: 30 WPM minimum
  • Hindi: 25 WPM minimum
  • Mistakes: Penalty system applies

SSC CGL/CHSL (DEO):

  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • English: 35 WPM (8000 KDPH)
  • Hindi: 30 WPM (10500 KDPH)
  • Accuracy: Higher accuracy = safer

Why is this important?

  • Practice 5-10 WPM above target speed
  • Example: RRB requires 30, you target 38-40
  • Safety margin for mistakes

Tip 2: Practice with EXACT Exam Duration

Big mistake students make:

  • Practice 1-minute tests only
  • Or 5-minute tests only
  • Never practice full 10-minute tests

Why it’s wrong:

  • Finger stamina different at 8-9 minute mark
  • Concentration drops after 5-6 minutes
  • Accuracy typically decreases in last 2 minutes
  • You haven’t built endurance

Solution:

  • Last month: Practice only 10-minute tests
  • At least 20-30 full-duration tests before exam
  • Build muscle stamina and mental focus

Practice 10-Minute Tests

Tip 3: Master the Penalty System

CRITICAL to understand!

RRB/SSC Penalty Rules:

Mistake TypePenaltyExample
Wrong word1.0Given: “computer” → Typed: “compiter”
Omitted word1.0Skipped a word completely
Extra word1.0Added word not in text
Spelling error1.0Given: “quikly” → Typed: “quickly”
Punctuation0.5Missing comma, period, etc.
Case error0.5Given: “Computer” → Typed: “computer”

Net Speed Calculation:

Net Speed = Gross Speed - (Total Penalty ÷ Time in Minutes)

Total Penalty = (Wrong/Spelling Words × 1.0) + (Case/Punctuation × 0.5)

Real Example:

  • Gross Speed: 37 WPM
  • Wrong/spelling words: 8 (penalty = 8 × 1.0 = 8)
  • Case/punctuation: 6 (penalty = 6 × 0.5 = 3)
  • Total penalty: 11
  • Time: 10 minutes
  • Net Speed = 37 - (11 ÷ 10) = 37 - 1.1 = 35.9 WPM

5% Rule Check:

  • Total errors: 14
  • Permissible: 370 × 0.05 = 18.5 → 18 errors allowed
  • 14 < 18 → Within limit ✅

Practice calculating this! You should know if you’ll pass or fail.

Tip 4: Practice Without Visual Feedback

In exam: No green/red colors showing correct/wrong

Most students practice with:

  • Real-time highlighting
  • Sound effects
  • Instant mistake visibility

In exam:

  • Blank screen
  • No feedback until end
  • Can’t see mistakes while typing

Preparation:

  • Last 2 weeks: Practice in “Exam Mode”
  • No visual cues
  • Build confidence in typing blind

Exam Mode Practice - No feedback, real exam feel

Tip 5: Decide: Backspace or No Backspace?

Two schools of thought:

Approach A: Use Backspace Sparingly

  • Correct only major wrong words
  • Ignore minor spelling mistakes
  • Time saved > small penalties

Approach B: No Backspace at All

  • Type continuously
  • Don’t break flow
  • Maintain rhythm

Which is better?

Depends on your accuracy:

  • If accuracy 95%+: No backspace approach
  • If accuracy 90-95%: Use backspace for major errors only
  • If accuracy <90%: Need more practice first!

Pro tip: Practice both ways, see which gives better net speed

Tip 6: Build Finger Stamina

10 minutes continuous typing = tiring for fingers!

Stamina building exercises:

  1. Progressive duration:

    • Week 1: 5-minute tests
    • Week 2: 7-minute tests
    • Week 3-4: 10-minute tests
  2. Back-to-back tests:

    • Take 2 tests in a row
    • 10 min + 2 min break + 10 min
    • Builds endurance
  3. Hand strengthening:

    • Squeeze stress ball
    • Finger stretches
    • Piano finger exercises

During the Exam (Exam Day Strategies)

Tip 7: Arrive Early and Stay Calm

30 minutes before reporting time:

  • Reach exam center
  • Find your seat
  • Relax and breathe
  • Don’t discuss with others (increases nervousness)

Mental preparation:

  • “I’ve practiced this 100 times”
  • “I can easily type 35-40 WPM”
  • “Stay calm, stay focused”

Avoid:

  • Last-minute speed practice
  • Comparing with other candidates
  • Overthinking

Tip 8: Use Initial 2-3 Minutes Wisely

When passage appears on screen:

Don’t start typing immediately!

First 2 minutes:

  1. Read entire passage once (quickly scan)
  2. Note difficult words (mental note)
  3. Check punctuation patterns
  4. Adjust seat/keyboard position
  5. Take 3 deep breaths

Then start confidently

Why?

  • Reduces surprises mid-test
  • Better rhythm throughout
  • Mental preparation

Tip 9: Start Slow, Then Pick Up Pace

Pacing strategy for 10 minutes:

Minutes 0-2: Slow and accurate (70% of max speed)

  • Build rhythm
  • Get comfortable
  • Establish flow

Minutes 2-7: Optimal speed (100% of target speed)

  • Main typing phase
  • Maintain consistency
  • Focus on accuracy

Minutes 7-9: Maintain or slightly increase

  • Push a little if comfortable
  • Don’t burn out

Last minute (9-10): Careful finish

  • Don’t rush
  • Quality over quantity
  • Strong finish impression

Tip 10: Develop Rhythm and Don’t Break Flow

Key to good speed: Rhythm

Like music:

  • Consistent tempo
  • Smooth transitions
  • No sudden stops

How to maintain rhythm:

  • Don’t pause after mistakes
  • Keep typing even if unsure
  • Fingers should flow continuously

Flow breakers (avoid these):

  • Looking at keyboard
  • Second-guessing
  • Overthinking each word
  • Frequent backspace

Practice tip: Listen to metronome while practicing (sets rhythm)

Tip 11: Handle Difficult Words Smartly

When you encounter difficult/unfamiliar word:

Strategy 1: Type confidently

  • Even if unsure, type best attempt
  • Don’t pause long
  • Move to next word

Strategy 2: Skip if really stuck

  • Better to skip 1 word (1.0 penalty)
  • Than waste 10 seconds (affects overall speed)

Strategy 3: Come back if time permits

  • Mental note of skipped words
  • Fill in last 30 seconds if possible

Remember: One difficult word won’t fail you. Panicking will.

Tip 12: Monitor Time Mentally

Time checkpoints:

At 5 minutes (halfway):

  • Quick mental check: “Am I at 50% completion?”
  • If behind: Slightly increase pace
  • If ahead: Maintain current speed

At 8 minutes:

  • “2 minutes left, keep going”
  • Don’t panic
  • Maintain quality

Last minute:

  • “Finish strong”
  • Focus on accuracy
  • Every word counts

Don’t constantly check clock - breaks concentration. Just 2-3 quick glances.

Tip 13: Use Proper Posture Throughout

Exam is 10 minutes, posture matters!

Maintain:

  • Back straight (against chair back)
  • Feet flat on floor
  • Elbows at 90 degrees
  • Wrists floating (not resting on desk)
  • Eyes on screen (never on keyboard)

Why important:

  • Reduces fatigue
  • Better typing speed
  • No muscle strain
  • Consistent performance

Quick check at 5-minute mark: Adjust if needed

Tip 14: Don’t Let One Mistake Affect You

Mental game is important!

If you make big mistake:

  • Don’t dwell on it
  • Don’t let it affect next words
  • Move forward immediately
  • Stay positive

Negative thoughts (avoid):

  • “I made mistake, I’ll fail”
  • “This is going badly”
  • “Others are typing faster”

Positive self-talk:

  • “One mistake is okay, keep going”
  • “I still have 8 minutes to recover”
  • “Focus on accuracy now”

Remember: Exam evaluates NET performance, not perfection

Tip 15: Last 30 Seconds Strategy

Final moments matter!

30 seconds left:

  • Don’t start new long sentence (if close to end)
  • Complete current sentence
  • Quick review if possible
  • Strong, confident finish

Don’t:

  • Rush and make careless mistakes
  • Try to type too much new content
  • Get nervous about time

Finish confidently and submit

After Typing is Done

Tip 16: Quick Review (If Allowed)

Some exams allow review before submit:

If review time given:

  1. Scan for major errors only (don’t try to fix everything)
  2. Check last few words (often hasty)
  3. Verify capitals in proper nouns
  4. Quick punctuation check

Don’t:

  • Try to retype large sections
  • Second-guess everything
  • Make new mistakes while correcting

Reality: Major damage is done or success is achieved. Review helps marginally.

Tip 17: Stay Confident Post-Test

After submitting:

  • Don’t discuss with others
  • Don’t calculate immediately
  • Stay positive

Avoid:

  • “I made so many mistakes”
  • “I think I failed”
  • Comparing with others

Remember: You’ve practiced, you’re prepared, results will be good!

Common Exam Day Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not Testing the System First

They give 2-3 minutes for system check - use it!

  • Type few words
  • Check keyboard sensitivity
  • Ensure display is clear
  • Report any issues immediately

Mistake 2: Typing Too Fast Initially

Over-enthusiasm → more mistakes → lower net speed

Better: Start at 80% speed, then accelerate

Mistake 3: Looking at Keyboard

Biggest blunder in exam!

  • Wastes time
  • Causes more errors
  • Shows lack of preparation

Trust your practice, type blindly

Mistake 4: Giving Up Mid-Test

Some students panic and type random words or stop trying.

Never give up! Even if going badly, finish properly. Partial attempt better than complete failure.

Special Tips by Exam Type

For RRB NTPC

  • Language choice: Pick English if comfortable with QWERTY
  • Speed target: 38-40 WPM (safe margin)
  • Focus: Accuracy > Speed
  • Practice: 10-minute tests mandatory

For SSC CGL/CHSL

  • Higher requirement: 35 WPM, so target 40-42 WPM
  • KDPH calculation: 35 WPM = 10500 KDPH (Hindi), 8000 KDPH (English)
  • Duration: 15 minutes (practice this exact duration)
  • Accuracy: Maintain 94-95%

For Bank Exams

  • Speed: 40-45 WPM usually
  • Professional passages: Banking/finance topics
  • Accuracy critical: Banking requires precision

Practice Resources

3 Months Before Exam:

  1. Start with Lessons - Build foundation
  2. Daily Practice Mode - Get smart recommendations
  3. Play Games - Make practice fun

1 Month Before Exam:

  1. Exam Mode Only - Simulate real conditions
  2. Take 2-3 full tests daily
  3. Track progress and weak points

1 Week Before Exam:

  1. Full 10-minute tests only
  2. Exam conditions strictly
  3. Time management practice
  4. Mental preparation

Final Checklist

Exam Day Essentials:

✅ Hall ticket and ID
✅ Reach 30 minutes early
✅ Use washroom before entering
✅ Carry water bottle (if allowed)
✅ Wear comfortable clothes
✅ Be well-rested (8 hours sleep)
✅ Light meal before exam

Mental Preparation:

✅ “I am prepared”
✅ “I’ve practiced 100+ times”
✅ “I will maintain rhythm”
✅ “Mistakes are okay, accuracy matters”
✅ “I will finish strong”

Success Mantra

Remember these:

  1. Speed without accuracy = Failure
  2. Rhythm > Random fast typing
  3. Practice makes permanent (so practice correctly)
  4. Mental calmness = Better performance
  5. You CAN do this!

Take Action Now

Start practicing smartly:

Free Practice Test - Get personalized recommendations
RRB Exam Simulation - Real exam conditions
Complete Preparation Guide - Detailed roadmap

आपकी मेहनत रंग लाएगी! Best of luck! 🎯🚀


Keywords: typing test tips, RRB typing exam tips, SSC typing tricks, typing test strategies, how to clear typing test, government exam typing tips

Ready to Practice?

Put what you learned into action with our typing tools.