Best Typing Practice Strategy for Clerk Exams – Typing skill is a crucial qualifying factor in most Clerk-level government exams such as Bank Clerk, SSC CGL/CHSL, LDC, Court Clerk, State Clerk, and Cooperative Bank exams. Many candidates clear the written exam but fail in the typing test due to lack of proper strategy.
In this detailed guide, you will learn the best typing practice strategy for clerk exams, including speed requirements, daily practice plans, common mistakes, and expert tips to clear the typing test confidently.
Table of Contents
Why Typing Skill Is Important for Clerk Exams?
Most clerk exams include a qualifying typing test to check candidates’ ability to work efficiently on computers. Although marks are not added to the merit list, failing the typing test leads to disqualification.
Common Clerk Exams with Typing Test
- SSC CHSL (LDC/JSA)
- SSC CGL (DEST for certain posts)
- Bank Clerk (IBPS, SBI – region-based)
- High Court Clerk
- State Secretariat Clerk
- Cooperative Bank Clerk
Typing Speed Requirement for Clerk Exams
| Language | Required Speed |
|---|---|
| English | 30–35 words per minute |
| Hindi | 25–30 words per minute |
| Data Entry (Some Exams) | 8000–10000 key depressions/hour |
Note: Accuracy is equally important. High speed with low accuracy may lead to failure.
Best Typing Practice Strategy for Clerk Exams
1. Start with Basics (If You Are a Beginner)
If you are new to typing:
- Learn proper finger placement
- Avoid looking at the keyboard
- Use all fingers instead of 2–3 fingers
Focus on accuracy first, speed will improve automatically.
2. Choose the Right Keyboard Layout
- English Typing: QWERTY Keyboard
- Hindi Typing:
- Kruti Dev (Older exams)
- Mangal / InScript (Most modern exams)
Always practice on the same layout mentioned in the exam notification.
3. Daily Typing Practice Plan (Minimum 45–60 Minutes)
| Time | Practice Activity |
|---|---|
| 10 min | Warm-up (easy words & sentences) |
| 20 min | Speed practice |
| 15 min | Accuracy improvement |
| 10 min | Mock typing test |
Practice daily, not weekly.
4. Focus More on Accuracy Than Speed
- Target 95%+ accuracy
- Avoid unnecessary backspace usage
- Maintain steady rhythm instead of rushing
In real exams, frequent mistakes reduce confidence and waste time.
5. Practice with Exam-Level Paragraphs
- Practice long paragraphs (200–300 words)
- Use government exam-level content
- Avoid casual typing like chat or short texts
This helps improve:
- Concentration
- Real exam typing stamina
- Error control
6. Use Typing Mock Tests Regularly
After 10–15 days of practice:
- Attempt full-length typing mock tests
- Practice under time pressure
- Analyze mistakes after each test
Mock tests help simulate the real exam environment.
7. Improve Weak Areas
Common typing problems:
- Frequent spelling errors
- Wrong key press (M & N, E & R, T & Y)
- Extra spaces
- Skipping words
👉 Identify repeated mistakes and practice those keys separately.
8. Practice Without Backspace (Advanced Level)
Once accuracy improves:
- Practice without using backspace
- This builds confidence and flow
- Helps during exams where backspace misuse costs time
9. Maintain Correct Posture & Hand Position
- Sit straight
- Keep wrists relaxed
- Place keyboard at comfortable height
- Avoid excessive hand movement
Good posture reduces fatigue during long typing tests.
10. Consistency Is the Key
- 30–60 minutes daily practice for 30–45 days is enough
- Even fast learners should not skip practice days
- Typing is a skill, not a one-day preparation topic
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Typing Test
❌ Practicing irregularly
❌ Ignoring accuracy
❌ Changing keyboard layouts frequently
❌ Relying only on speed tests
❌ Not reading exam typing instructions properly
How Long Does It Take to Clear Typing Test?
| Candidate Level | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 45–60 days |
| Average | 25–30 days |
| Experienced | 10–15 days |
Final Words
Typing test may look simple, but it is a deciding stage in clerk exams. With the right typing practice strategy, consistent effort, and focus on accuracy, any candidate can clear the typing test comfortably.
👉 Start early, practice smartly, and treat typing as seriously as the written exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is typing test compulsory for clerk exams?
Answer:
Yes, in most clerk-level government exams, the typing test is compulsory and qualifying in nature. Failing the typing test leads to disqualification, even if the candidate clears the written examination.
Q2. What is the required typing speed for clerk exams?
Answer:
Generally, the required typing speed is 30–35 words per minute (WPM) in English and 25–30 WPM in Hindi. Some exams also require 8000–10000 key depressions per hour.
Q3. Does typing test carry marks in clerk exams?
Answer:
No, typing tests are usually qualifying only. The marks obtained are not added to the final merit list, but clearing the test is mandatory.
Q4. Which keyboard layout is used in clerk typing tests?
Answer:
For English typing, the QWERTY keyboard is used. For Hindi typing, exams may use Kruti Dev, Mangal, or InScript layout, as mentioned in the official notification.
Q5. How many days are required to prepare for a typing test?
Answer:
A beginner may need 45–60 days of regular practice, while candidates with basic typing knowledge can clear the test within 25–30 days of focused practice.
Q6. Is accuracy more important than speed in typing tests?
Answer:
Yes, accuracy is extremely important. Most exams require 90–95% accuracy, and excessive mistakes or backspace usage can affect performance.
Q7. Can I use backspace during the typing test?
Answer:
Yes, backspace is usually allowed. However, excessive use of backspace wastes time and reduces efficiency, so candidates should aim for error-free typing.
Q8. Is Hindi typing more difficult than English typing?
Answer:
Hindi typing is considered difficult by beginners due to keyboard layouts, but with regular practice and familiarity with the layout, it becomes easy to achieve the required speed.
Q9. Can I practice typing on a laptop for clerk exams?
Answer:
Yes, you can practice on a laptop. However, it is recommended to also practice on a desktop keyboard, as most exams are conducted on desktop systems.
Q10. What is the best daily typing practice time for clerk exams?
Answer:
Practicing 45–60 minutes daily with a mix of speed drills, accuracy practice, and mock typing tests is sufficient to clear the typing test confidently.
Note: Applicants are strongly advised to carefully verify all details such as important dates, eligibility criteria, application fee, age limit, number of vacancies, experience requirements, andselection process from the official notification and official website before applying. Candidates must submit their applications only through the official website using the direct login link provided by the recruiting authority.
For the latest, easy-to-understand, and student-friendly government job updates, visit GovtJobLink.com – Latest Government Job Updates, where we also provide structured exam preparation guidance along with detailed exam pattern and syllabus information. For more government job notifications, candidates are encouraged to regularly check our Latest Jobs section.