Hindi Typing for Government Exams: Krutidev vs Mangal vs DevLys - Which Should You Learn?

Understanding Hindi Keyboard Layouts

If you're preparing for government typing tests in India, choosing the right Hindi keyboard layout is one of the most important decisions you'll make. With multiple options available—Krutidev, Mangal, DevLys, and Inscript—it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down each keyboard layout, compare their features, and help you decide which one to learn based on your target exams.

The Three Main Hindi Keyboard Layouts

1. Krutidev (क्रुतिदेव)

Krutidev is the most widely used Hindi typing layout in Indian government offices, especially at the state level.

History and Background

• Developed in the 1990s for Hindi typing
• Non-Unicode font (requires specific font installed)
• Phonetic layout based on English keyboard sounds

Key Characteristics

• Keys are mapped phonetically (K = क, KH = ख)
• Requires Krutidev font to display correctly
• Files may not be compatible across different systems without the font

Where It's Used

• CPCT (Madhya Pradesh): Primary Hindi typing option
• Rajasthan Government Exams: High Court LDC, RSMSSB
• Uttar Pradesh: Many state-level exams
• Bihar, Chhattisgarh: State government positions

Advantages

• Widely accepted in state government exams
• Easier for beginners due to phonetic mapping
• Large community of users for support
• Most coaching centers teach Krutidev

Disadvantages

• Non-Unicode (compatibility issues)
• Not accepted in central government exams
• Font must be installed on each computer

2. Mangal (Unicode/Inscript)

Mangal refers to the Unicode Hindi font used with the Inscript keyboard layout, which is the official standard adopted by the Government of India.

History and Background

• Inscript layout designed by CDAC and standardized by BIS
• Unicode-based (works on any modern computer)
• Official standard for Indian government computing

Key Characteristics

• Based on the structure of Devanagari script
• Consonants on the right side of keyboard
• Vowels on the left side
• Logical layout following script structure

Where It's Used

• SSC (CGL, CHSL): Required for Hindi typing
• IBPS: Banking sector exams
• Central Government: All ministries and departments
• Railways: RRB exams

Advantages

• Universal Unicode compatibility
• Works on any computer without font installation
• Future-proof (standard is not changing)
• Preferred for central government jobs

Disadvantages

• Steeper learning curve
• Layout is not phonetic (requires memorization)
• Fewer local coaching centers teach it

3. DevLys (देवल्यस)

DevLys is another non-Unicode Hindi font similar to Krutidev but with slight variations.

History and Background

• Similar to Krutidev in design philosophy
• Popular in certain regional preferences
• Non-Unicode font system

Key Characteristics

• Phonetic layout similar to Krutidev
• Requires DevLys font installed
• Minor key mapping differences from Krutidev

Where It's Used

• Some state government departments
• Regional newspapers and publications
• Specific regional preferences

Advantages

• Similar to Krutidev (easy transition)
• Accepted in some state exams as alternative

Disadvantages

• Less widely used than Krutidev
• Non-Unicode compatibility issues
• Limited exam acceptance

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	Krutidev	Mangal (Inscript)	DevLys
Type	Non-Unicode	Unicode	Non-Unicode
Layout	Phonetic	Script-based	Phonetic
Learning Curve	Moderate	Steep	Moderate
SSC Exams	No	Yes	No
IBPS Exams	No	Yes	No
CPCT	Yes	Yes	No
State Exams	Yes	Some	Limited
Compatibility	Font required	Universal	Font required
Future Relevance	Declining	Increasing	Limited

Which Layout Should You Learn?

Learn Krutidev If:

1. Your Target is State Government Exams

• CPCT (Madhya Pradesh)
• Rajasthan High Court LDC
• UP state exams
• Bihar state exams

1. You're a Complete Beginner

• Phonetic mapping makes it easier to start
• More coaching support available locally

1. You Have Limited Time

• Faster to achieve basic proficiency
• Widely taught in coaching centers

Learn Mangal/Inscript If:

1. Your Target is Central Government/Banking

• SSC CGL, CHSL
• IBPS Clerk
• Railway recruitment

1. You Want Long-term Career Flexibility

• Unicode is the future standard
• Works across all platforms

1. You're Comfortable with Memorization

• Layout requires learning, not phonetic guessing

Learn Both If:

1. You Want Maximum Opportunities

• Eligible for both state and central exams
• More job opportunities available

1. You Have Adequate Preparation Time

• 2-3 months for each layout
• Can master both within 6 months

Tips for Learning Hindi Typing

1. Start with Home Row

Regardless of layout, master the home row keys first:

Krutidev Home Row: ओ ए ् ि ी ु ं म न

Inscript Home Row: ो े ् ि ी ु ं म न ल

2. Practice Daily

Consistency beats intensity:

• 30 minutes daily is better than 3 hours once a week
• Set specific practice times
• Track your progress

3. Focus on Accuracy

In government exams:

• Errors significantly reduce net speed
• Aim for 95%+ accuracy before speed
• Practice difficult combinations

4. Use Proper Software

Generic typing tutors don't support Hindi layouts properly. Gurukul Typing Skill offers:

• Krutidev Keyboard Support: Complete with visual keyboard guide
• DevLys Keyboard Support: For regional requirements
• Lesson-based Learning: Structured progression from basics to advanced
• Exam Simulation: Practice with actual exam-like content
• Progress Tracking: Monitor WPM and accuracy trends

5. Learn Common Words

Practice high-frequency Hindi words:

• Government document vocabulary
• Official letter phrases
• Administrative terms

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Learning the Wrong Layout

• Verify your exam requirements first
• Don't assume one layout works for all

1. Ignoring Matras (Vowel Marks)

• Matras are crucial in Hindi typing
• Practice matra combinations extensively

1. Not Practicing with Actual Exam Content

• Government documents have specific vocabulary
• Practice with official letter formats

1. Skipping Conjuncts (Sanyukt Akshar)

• Half-letters and conjuncts are complex
• Dedicate specific practice time

Exam-Specific Recommendations

For CPCT (Madhya Pradesh)

Recommended: Krutidev or Mangal (both accepted)

• Krutidev is more common among candidates
• 20 WPM minimum required for Hindi
• Practice with CPCT-specific content

For SSC (CGL, CHSL)

Recommended: Mangal (Inscript) only

• 30 WPM required for most posts
• Unicode is mandatory
• Practice official government vocabulary

For Rajasthan High Court LDC

Recommended: Krutidev

• 25 WPM Hindi requirement
• State-specific content important
• Legal vocabulary practice essential

For IBPS Clerk

Recommended: Mangal (Inscript)

• 25 WPM Hindi requirement
• Banking vocabulary focus
• Unicode mandatory

How Gurukul Typing Skill Helps

Gurukul Typing Skill is specifically designed for Hindi typing preparation:

Multi-Layout Support

• Krutidev 010: Full course with all lessons
• DevLys 010: Complete keyboard support
• Future: Mangal/Inscript support planned

Structured Learning Path

1. Keyboard familiarization
2. Home row mastery
3. Upper and lower rows
4. Number keys
5. Special characters and matras
6. Conjuncts and half-letters
7. Speed building
8. Exam simulation

Progress Analytics

• Daily/weekly WPM tracking
• Accuracy improvement graphs
• Weak key identification
• Personalized recommendations

Offline Capability

• Practice without internet
• Perfect for students in remote areas
• No data charges while practicing

Conclusion

Choosing between Krutidev, Mangal, and DevLys depends on your target exams and career goals. For state government exams, Krutidev is the safe choice. For central government and banking, Mangal is essential.

The best strategy is to identify your primary target exam, master that layout first, and then expand to other layouts if time permits.

Start your Hindi typing journey today with Gurukul Typing Skill - the only typing software designed specifically for Indian government exam aspirants with comprehensive Krutidev and DevLys support.

Download Now and get started with your free trial!

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Keywords: Krutidev typing, Mangal typing, DevLys, Hindi keyboard layout, CPCT typing, SSC Hindi typing, Inscript keyboard, government exam Hindi, Hindi typing practice