For clerical, assistant and data entry posts, clearing the written exam is not the end. A typing test or computer skill test follows, and candidates who scored well on paper are eliminated here every year.
Qualifying, not scoring
In most recruitments the skill test is qualifying in nature. You must reach the prescribed speed and accuracy, but the marks are not added to the merit list. Check the notification, because a few bodies do count it.
What is measured
A typing test measures words per minute in English or Hindi over a fixed passage, with a limit on errors. A data entry test counts key depressions per hour. A computer proficiency test may ask you to prepare a document, a spreadsheet or a few slides.
How errors are counted
Omitted words, substituted words, spelling mistakes and wrong spacing are usually counted, some as full mistakes and some as half. The scheme is published with the test notice. Speed without accuracy fails more candidates than slow typing does.
Language and keyboard
The language you chose in the application form normally cannot be changed. For Hindi, check which keyboard layout or font is prescribed and practise only on that.
How to prepare
Practise daily on passages of the same length as the test, on a desktop keyboard, with a timer. Review your errors after each attempt and bring them down before you push speed.
On the day
Reach early, test the keyboard during the trial passage if one is given, and report a faulty machine before the test starts, not after.
Skill test schedules are announced with each recruitment listed under government job notifications on Govtpvt.