Everything you need to know about how PSSSB calculates your typing speed, including Gross WPM, Net WPM, error penalties, and the critical 92% accuracy threshold.
The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) uses a specific formula to calculate typing speed for clerk and other government positions. Understanding this formula is crucial because many candidates fail the typing test not due to slow typing, but due to errors that significantly reduce their final score.
Key Requirement for PSSSB Clerk:
Minimum 30 WPM in Punjabi typing using Raavi font (Unicode)
The PSSSB typing test is fundamentally different from casual typing tests you might have practiced online. It uses a chunk-based evaluation system where your typing is assessed in blocks of 10 characters, and errors are penalized heavily. Let's break down exactly how this works.
Gross Words Per Minute (Gross WPM) is your raw typing speed before any error deductions. This is calculated based on the total number of characters you type.
Gross WPM = (Total Characters Typed ÷ 5) ÷ Time in Minutes
Why divide by 5? In typing speed calculations, one "word" is standardized as 5 characters (including spaces). This standardization ensures fair comparison across different texts, whether you're typing short words like "ਦਾ" or long words like "ਸਰਕਾਰ".
However, Gross WPM alone doesn't determine your final score. Errors significantly impact your result, which brings us to Net WPM.
Net WPM is your actual typing speed after error penalties are applied. This is the number that PSSSB uses to determine if you pass or fail the typing test.
Net WPM = Gross WPM − (Total Errors × Error Penalty)
In the PSSSB system, the error penalty varies based on the type of error and the chunk-based evaluation. Let's understand how errors are counted and penalized.
Many candidates type at 35+ Gross WPM but fail because errors bring their Net WPM below 30. Accuracy is as important as speed!
PSSSB uses a chunk-based error system that's more strict than typical typing tests. Understanding this system is crucial for exam success.
| Error Type | Description | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Substitution | Wrong character typed | Chunk marked as error |
| Omission | Missing character | Chunk marked as error |
| Insertion | Extra character added | Chunk marked as error |
| Transposition | Characters in wrong order | Chunk marked as error |
Backspace is allowed in PSSSB typing tests. However, using it takes time and may reduce your overall speed. Skilled typists use backspace strategically - only for errors they notice immediately.
This is perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of the PSSSB typing test. The 92% accuracy rule directly impacts whether your typing is considered valid.
At least 92% of your typed chunks must be correct
Accuracy % = (Correct Chunks ÷ Total Chunks Typed) × 100
With 92% minimum accuracy on 75 chunks (750 characters), you can only afford approximately 6 error chunks maximum. Every additional error could disqualify your entire test!
The chunk system is what makes PSSSB typing tests unique. Instead of evaluating character by character, PSSSB groups your typing into "chunks" of 10 characters each.
Original: "ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦਾ ਸਵਾਗਤ ਹੈ"
Chunk 1: ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਰਕਾ (characters 1-10)
Chunk 2: ਰ ਦਾ ਸਵਾਗਤ (characters 11-20)
Chunk 3: ਹੈ (remaining)
If you make even ONE error within a 10-character chunk, the ENTIRE chunk is marked as incorrect. This is harsher than character-by-character evaluation.
Original: ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਰਕਾ
You typed: ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸ਼ਰਕਾ
Result: 1 wrong character = entire 10-character chunk is an error
This is why accuracy matters so much in PSSSB tests. A few scattered errors can quickly push you below the 92% threshold.
Let's work through complete examples to see how PSSSB calculates final scores.
Result: PASS ✓ (30 WPM, 95% accuracy)
Result: FAIL ✗ (accuracy below 92%)
Result: FAIL ✗ (Net WPM below 30)
Based on analysis of thousands of typing test results, here are the most common mistakes that cause candidates to fail:
Confusing similar-looking matras like ਿ and ੀ, or ੁ and ੂ
Example: Typing "ਕਿਤਾਬ" instead of "ਕੀਤਾਬ"
Extra spaces or missing spaces between words
Example: "ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਰਕਾਰ" (double space) or "ਪੰਜਾਬਸਰਕਾਰ" (no space)
Missing or incorrect use of ੱ (adhak) and ਂ (bindi)
Example: Typing "ਪੰਜਾਬ" without bindi: "ਪਜਾਬ"
Typing too fast and making careless errors to hit high WPM
Solution: Aim for 32-35 Gross WPM with 95%+ accuracy instead of 40 WPM with errors
Practicing with other fonts and struggling with Raavi's specific key mappings
Solution: Always practice with Raavi font from day one
The optimal strategy for PSSSB typing tests is to type slightly faster than required while maintaining high accuracy:
| Week | Focus | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Accuracy Only | 15-20 WPM, 98% accuracy |
| Week 3-4 | Gradual Speed Increase | 25 WPM, 95% accuracy |
| Week 5-6 | Speed + Accuracy Balance | 30 WPM, 94% accuracy |
| Week 7-8 | Exam Simulation | 33-35 WPM, 95%+ accuracy |
A: 30 Words Per Minute (Net WPM) in Punjabi using Raavi font. This must be achieved with at least 92% accuracy.
A: Yes, backspace is allowed. However, use it strategically as it takes time. Only correct errors you notice immediately.
A: If your accuracy falls below 92%, you will fail regardless of your typing speed. The accuracy threshold is mandatory.
A: You are given a Punjabi passage to type. The software records your keystrokes and calculates your speed and accuracy using the chunk-based system at the end.
A: No. PSSSB specifically requires Raavi font (Unicode). Asees is a legacy encoding and is not accepted. Learn more on our Raavi vs Asees comparison.
A: Gross WPM is your raw typing speed (total characters ÷ 5 ÷ time). Net WPM is your actual speed after error penalties are applied. PSSSB uses Net WPM for final scoring.
A: It depends on your total chunks. With 75 chunks (750 characters), you can have maximum 6 error chunks to maintain 92% accuracy. However, fewer errors is better as errors also reduce your Net WPM.
A: This is by design to encourage careful, accurate typing suitable for government documentation work. It ensures candidates can produce error-free official documents.
Our simulator uses the exact chunk-based scoring system. See your real Net WPM and accuracy before the exam.