The Complete Guide to Hindi Typing Keyboards: Remington vs Inscript
Are you confused about which Hindi keyboard to learn for SSC, Railways, or State exams? We break down the technical differences, pros, cons, and providing a clear roadmap for success in 2025.
Table of Contents
When starting the journey of learning Hindi typing, the first hurdle every student faces is the question: "Where are the letters?" Unlike English keyboards (QWERTY), where characters are printed clearly on the keys, Hindi typing requires you to memorize a specific logical layout.
In the Indian digital ecosystem, especially for government jobs, knowing how to type in Hindi is not just a skill—it's a mandatory requirement. However, the confusion arises because there isn't just one standard. India uses two distinct types of keyboard layouts: Remington (Legacy) and Inscript (Standard).
Choosing the wrong layout can cost you a job opportunity. For instance, if you learn Inscript but the Rajasthan High Court LDC exam demands Remington, your typing speed will be zero in the exam hall. This guide is designed to clear all confusion and help you pick the right path.
Quick Start: If you want to start practicing immediately without installing complex software, try our free Online Hindi Typing Tool.
1 Remington Hindi Keyboard (The Legacy)
Primary Association:
Associated with KrutiDev, Devlys 010, and old mechanical typewriters. It is a Non-Unicode system.
What is Remington?
The Remington layout (specifically Remington Gail or CBI) is the digital adaptation of the old mechanical typewriter layout. Before computers became mainstream in India, typists used mechanical typewriters manufactured by Remington. When computers arrived, typists didn't want to relearn typing, so the same layout was ported to computers.
How it Works
In this layout, characters are mapped phonetically but often require complex key combinations. It treats Hindi characters as simple graphical shapes rather than linguistic units.
- The "Alt Code" Challenge: Unlike modern systems, Remington keyboards rely heavily on "Alt Codes" for special characters. For example, to type the character 'kr' (क्र), you might need to use a specific key sequence or code like Alt+0216.
- Matra Logic: You often type the 'Matra' before the character in some cases (like the small 'i' matra), which mimics the physical movement of a typewriter bar.
Common Alt Codes (KrutiDev)
| Character | Alt Code | Character | Alt Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| क्र (Kra) | Alt + 0216 | ट्ट (Tta) | Alt + 0170 |
| ( (Bracket) | Alt + 0188 | हृ (Hra) | Alt + 0226 |
| ph (F) | Alt + 0161 | — (Dash) | Alt + 0151 |
- Huge availability of legacy documents.
- Required for many State Govt jobs (UP, Bihar, Rajasthan).
- Difficult to learn due to Alt Codes.
- Not supported on mobile phones directly.
- Non-Unicode (Text looks like garbage if font is missing).
2 Inscript Hindi Keyboard (The Standard)
Primary Association:
Associated with Mangal, Aparajita, and modern operating systems (Windows/Android). It is a Unicode system.
What is Inscript?
Short for Indian Script, this layout was standardized by the Government of India (DOE) to create a uniform typing system for all Indian languages (Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, etc.).
The Scientific Logic
Inscript is considered scientifically superior because it is optimized for touch typing based on the frequency of letters.
- Split Layout: All Vowels (Swar) are located on the Left Hand side of the keyboard. All Consonants (Vyanjan) are on the Right Hand side. This creates a rhythmic typing flow (Consonant + Vowel = Hand alternation).
- Halant Logic: Instead of memorizing codes for half letters, you simply type the full letter and press the 'Halant' key (D key) to cut it in half. This works for almost every character, eliminating the need for Alt codes.
- Very easy to learn (Scientific layout).
- No complex Alt codes needed.
- Works natively on Windows, Android, and iOS.
- Standard for SSC and Central Govt Exams.
- Cannot be used for old legacy software.
- Not accepted in some specific State High Court exams.
Remington vs Inscript: The Showdown
| Feature | Remington (KrutiDev) | Inscript (Mangal) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Non-Unicode (ASCII) | Unicode (Universal) |
| Learning Curve | Steep (Hard to memorize) | Smooth (Logical) |
| Special Chars | Requires Alt Codes | Uses Halant Key (D) |
| Govt Exams | UP Police, Raj LDC, Steno, Bihar Beltron | SSC CGL/CHSL, Railways (NTPC), CRPF, CISF, Delhi Police |
• If it mentions "Mangal Font", learn Inscript.
• If it mentions "Devlys" or "KrutiDev", learn Remington.
How to Enable Hindi Keyboard in Windows 10/11
You do not need to download third-party software to type in Mangal Inscript. It is built into Windows.
- Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language.
- Click on "Add a language" and search for "Hindi". Click Next and Install.
- Once installed, click on the Hindi language pack and select Options.
- Under "Keyboards", ensure "Hindi Traditional" or "Hindi Inscript" is added.
- To Type: Press Windows + Spacebar to toggle between English and Hindi.
Pro Tips to Increase Hindi Typing Speed
No Peeking
The golden rule of Touch Typing: Never look at the keyboard. Cover your hands with a cloth if necessary.
Home Row Focus
Return your fingers to the Home Row (F and J) after every keystroke. This is your base.
Consistency > Speed
Practice 30 minutes daily. Typing 80 WPM happens automatically when you type accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use Google Input Tools for exams?
No. Google Input Tools uses transliteration (typing 'namaste' to get 'नमस्ते'). Exams require you to use the actual keyboard layout (Remington or Inscript).
Q: Is Mangal Font the same as Inscript?
Strictly speaking, Mangal is a Font Face and Inscript is a Keyboard Layout. However, in India, people use these terms interchangeably. If an exam asks for Mangal, they mean Inscript layout.
Q: Which one is faster?
Inscript is theoretically faster because it alternates hands between vowels and consonants, reducing finger fatigue.
Start Your Journey Today!
Typing is a skill that will serve you for a lifetime. Whether you choose Remington or Inscript, the key is practice.