CPCT Typing Test: Official Rules, Speed & Formula
Many websites quote different CPCT typing speeds — some say 25 WPM for Hindi. Below is what the official MAP_IT documents actually say: the qualifying speed, how Net Words per Minute (NWPM) is calculated, the scaled score on your score card, and whether Backspace is allowed.
CPCT typing test at a glance
- English typing
- 15 minutes · minimum 30 NWPM
- Hindi typing
- 15 minutes · minimum 20 NWPM
- Hindi keyboard
- Unicode (Mangal) — Remington (GAIL) or Inscript layout
- MCQ section
- 75 questions in 75 minutes · minimum 38 marks
- Qualifying score
- 50% in each skill (MCQ, English typing, Hindi typing)
- Backspace
- Allowed — CPCT uses the “unrestricted” type: you can correct and delete typed text
- Score card validity
- 7 years from the exam date
How CPCT calculates typing speed (NWPM)
CPCT does not deduct a penalty per mistake. It simply counts how many of the words you typed are correct. A word is whatever is separated by a SPACE.
| Gross Words (GW) | correct words + incorrect words you typed |
|---|---|
| Gross WPM (GWPM) | Gross Words ÷ time taken (minutes) |
| Net Words (NW) | correct words you typed |
| Net WPM (NWPM) | Net Words ÷ time taken (minutes) |
| Accuracy | NWPM × 100 ÷ GWPM |
Worked example
You type 330 words in the 15-minute Hindi test and 300 of them match the passage exactly. NWPM = 300 ÷ 15 = 20 → you qualify in Hindi (scaled score 50%). Accuracy = 20 × 100 ÷ 22 = 91%. Only NWPM decides qualification — there is no separate accuracy cut-off. A word you skip is not typed, so it is not counted as an incorrect word; it just doesn't add to your correct words.
CPCT scaled score table
Your NWPM is converted to a percentage on the score card. 50% is the qualifying mark.
| Net speed (NWPM) | Scaled score |
|---|---|
| 30 – 40 | 50% |
| 41 – 50 | 60% |
| 51 – 60 | 70% |
| 61 – 70 | 80% |
| 71 – 80 | 90% |
| 81+ | 100% |
| Net speed (NWPM) | Scaled score |
|---|---|
| 20 – 25 | 50% |
| 26 – 30 | 60% |
| 31 – 35 | 70% |
| 36 – 40 | 80% |
| 41 – 50 | 90% |
| 51+ | 100% |
Common CPCT typing myths
“Hindi needs 25 WPM.”
The rulebook's minimum for Hindi is 20 NWPM. A department may still ask for a higher score for a particular post, so check the job notification too.
“Backspace is disabled in CPCT.”
The official assessment document says CPCT uses the unrestricted type, where you can modify and delete typed text. Special keys outside the selected layout are blocked.
“Every mistake reduces your speed by a penalty.”
There is no penalty formula. Wrong words are simply not counted as correct words.
“Kruti Dev is used for CPCT Hindi.”
CPCT Hindi is typed in Unicode with the Remington (GAIL) or Inscript layout, not the Kruti Dev font.
How to clear the CPCT typing test
- Practise full 15-minute sessions — stamina matters more than a fast first minute.
- Aim for 25+ NWPM in Hindi and 35+ NWPM in English in practice to keep a safety margin on exam day.
- Pick your Hindi layout early (Remington GAIL if you learnt on a typewriter, Inscript otherwise) and stick to it.
- Fix wrong words as you go — Backspace is allowed, and a corrected word counts as correct.
- Don't chase the end of the passage; a correct word is worth more than a rushed wrong one.
Take a free CPCT mock test
Our CPCT simulator scores you with the official NWPM formula and pass rule above.
CPCT typing test — frequently asked questions
What typing speed is required in CPCT?
The minimum qualifying speed is 30 Net Words per Minute (NWPM) in English and 20 NWPM in Hindi (Unicode), each tested for 15 minutes.
How is CPCT net speed (NWPM) calculated?
NWPM = correct words typed ÷ time taken in minutes. Words are separated by spaces, and only words that exactly match the passage count as correct.
Is Backspace allowed in the CPCT typing test?
Yes. CPCT uses the unrestricted assessment type, in which candidates can modify and delete typed text.
Which Hindi keyboard layout is used in CPCT?
Hindi typing is in Unicode with the Remington (GAIL) or Inscript keyboard layout.
What is the CPCT scaled score for 20 NWPM Hindi?
20–25 NWPM in Hindi is a 50% scaled score, which is the qualifying mark. In English, 30–40 NWPM is 50%.
How long is a CPCT score card valid?
The CPCT score card is valid for 7 years from the exam date.