BSF HCM Typing Test – Complete Roadmap (Beginner to Exam Ready)
This roadmap explains the BSF Head Constable Ministerial (HCM) typing test in simple words and gives you a clear, step-by-step plan to reach the required speed. Follow it daily and you can go from a slow beginner to exam-ready in about 8 to 10 weeks.
1. Where the Typing Test Comes in BSF HCM Selection
The BSF HCM recruitment has several stages. In the current recruitment cycle, the order is:
- PST / PET – Physical Standard Test and Physical Efficiency Test
- CBT – Computer Based Test (written exam, objective type)
- Skill Test – Typing test for Head Constable (Ministerial)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Only candidates who clear the CBT are called for the typing test. The typing test is qualifying in nature – it does not add marks to your merit, but if you fail it, you are out of the selection. So do not leave typing practice for the last week.
2. BSF HCM Typing Test Pattern
| Point |
English |
Hindi |
| Minimum speed |
35 words per minute |
30 words per minute |
| Key depressions |
10,500 per hour |
9,000 per hour |
| Test duration |
10 minutes |
10 minutes |
| Words to type in 10 min (approx.) |
350 words |
300 words |
| Keystrokes per minute (approx.) |
175 |
150 |
| Mode |
On computer |
On computer |
| Nature |
Qualifying only (pass or fail) |
How speed is counted: One "word" is taken as 5 key depressions (including spaces). So 35 wpm = 175 keystrokes per minute = 10,500 keystrokes per hour. You choose either English or Hindi – you do not need both.
3. Before You Start – Choose Language and Set Up
- English or Hindi? English needs higher speed (35 wpm) but is easier for most people to learn. Hindi needs lower speed (30 wpm) but the keyboard layout takes longer to learn. If you are a complete beginner, English is usually faster to prepare.
- For Hindi: Learn the layout properly before chasing speed. Read your admit card and skill test instructions carefully to know which Hindi layout/font will be used at the centre, and practise on that same layout.
- Use a proper keyboard: Practise on a desktop-style keyboard, not a mobile phone. The exam is on a computer.
- Sit correctly: Back straight, screen at eye level, wrists relaxed, both feet on the floor.
4. Week-by-Week Roadmap
Week 1–2
Learn the Keyboard (Home Row First)
- Place fingers on the home row: A S D F (left) and J K L ; (right). The small bumps on F and J help you find them without looking.
- Learn which finger presses which key. Use thumbs only for the Space bar.
- Practise home row → top row → bottom row, one row at a time.
- Do not look at the keyboard. Speed will be slow – that is normal.
- Target: type all letters without looking, 10–15 wpm.
Week 3–4
Words and Simple Sentences
- Practise common words, short sentences and capital letters using the Shift key.
- Learn numbers and punctuation (comma, full stop, brackets, hyphen).
- Focus on accuracy – aim for 95% or above.
- Target: 18–22 wpm with good accuracy.
Week 5–6
Paragraph Practice
- Start typing full paragraphs of 5 minutes, then 10 minutes.
- Use passages similar to government exams – news, general topics, office matter.
- After every test, note your gross speed, net speed and mistakes.
- Practise the words you get wrong again and again.
- Target: 25–30 wpm (English) / 22–26 wpm (Hindi).
Week 7–8
Exam-Level 10-Minute Tests
- Give at least 2 full 10-minute tests daily, exactly like the real exam.
- Practise on different types of passages so you are not used to only one style.
- Keep a written record of your daily speed and accuracy.
- Target: 35+ wpm (English) / 30+ wpm (Hindi) with 95%+ accuracy.
Week 9–10
Build a Safety Margin
- Push your speed 5–8 wpm above the minimum: about 40–43 wpm in English or 35–38 wpm in Hindi.
- Exam nerves, a new keyboard and an unknown passage usually reduce speed on test day. Extra speed protects you.
- Practise on different computers and keyboards if possible.
- Give mock tests at the same time of day as your expected test slot.
5. Daily Practice Routine (45–60 Minutes)
| Time |
What to Do |
| 5 minutes |
Warm-up: home row drills and finger exercises |
| 10 minutes |
Practise your weak keys and the words you got wrong yesterday |
| 20 minutes |
Two 10-minute paragraph tests |
| 10 minutes |
Check results, list mistakes, re-type the difficult lines |
| 5 minutes |
Write your speed and accuracy in a notebook to track progress |
Tip: Practising every day for 45 minutes is better than practising 4 hours once a week. Your fingers learn through regular repetition.
6. Accuracy Matters More Than You Think
- Speed with too many mistakes is not useful. Wrong words, missed words and extra words reduce your net result.
- Type at a steady, even pace. Do not rush the first two minutes and then slow down.
- If you make a small mistake, keep moving. Going back again and again wastes time.
- Watch spellings, capital letters and punctuation exactly as given in the passage.
- Do not skip lines – keep your eyes on the passage, not on the keyboard.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Looking at the keyboard while typing
- Using only two or three fingers
- Practising only on mobile or on one fixed passage
- Starting serious practice only after the CBT result
- Ignoring accuracy and chasing only speed
- For Hindi: practising on a different layout from the one used in the exam
8. Test Day Checklist
- Carry your admit card, a valid photo ID and all documents mentioned in the call letter.
- Reach the centre early so you are calm before the test.
- Listen carefully to the instructions and read the on-screen instructions fully.
- Use the trial/practice time (if given) to get used to the keyboard.
- Check the chair height and screen position before you start.
- Stay relaxed and type at your normal, practised speed.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typing speed required for BSF HCM?
You need 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi on a computer. This equals 10,500 key depressions per hour in English and 9,000 in Hindi.
How long is the BSF HCM typing test?
The typing test is generally of 10 minutes.
Is the BSF HCM typing test qualifying?
Yes. It is a qualifying test. It does not add marks to your merit, but you must pass it to stay in the selection process.
Do I need to type in both Hindi and English?
No. You have to qualify in only one language – either English at 35 wpm or Hindi at 30 wpm.
How many days does it take to reach 35 wpm?
A complete beginner who practises 45–60 minutes daily can usually reach 35 wpm in about 8 to 10 weeks. If you already know touch typing, it can take much less time.
When should I start typing practice?
Start now, along with your CBT preparation. The gap between the CBT result and the skill test can be short, and typing speed needs weeks of regular practice to build.
Note: Rules can change in each recruitment. Always read the latest official notification and your skill test admit card on the official BSF recruitment website (rectt.bsf.gov.in) for final details.