How to Learn Marathi Typing
A comprehensive beginner's guide to mastering Remington layout and Mangal Inscript Unicode keyboards for Marathi typing.
1. Understanding Marathi Keyboard Layouts
Marathi uses the Devanagari script (identical to Hindi) and relies on two main keyboard layout frameworks depending on exam or industry standards:
- Mangal Inscript (मंगल इनस्क्रिप्ट): The standardized phonetic Unicode system approved by the Government of India. It aligns layout structures logically (vowels on the left hand, consonants on the right hand). This is widely used in Maharashtra Government recruitment examinations (like MPSC).
- Remington layout (Shivaji / Kruti Dev): A legacy typewriter layout. Uses English fonts where English keys map to specific Devanagari glyph characters. Popular in private offices and some typing institutes.
2. Setting Up Your System Keyboard
Before you begin practicing, you must configure your operating system to support the Marathi input language:
For Windows 10 & 11:
- Open Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.
- Click Add a Language, search for "Marathi" (मराठी), and install it.
- Click on Language Options for Marathi, and add the "Marathi Inscript" keyboard.
- To switch inputs while typing, toggle using Win + Space.
3. Home Row Finger Positions
Always place your fingers on the Home Row (middle row of keys) and return them to the starting positions after hitting keys on upper or lower rows.
| Left Hand Finger | English Key | Marathi Character (Inscript) | Right Hand Finger | English Key | Marathi Character (Inscript) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Finger | A | ो (o matra) | Index Finger | H | ी (ee matra) |
| Ring Finger | S | े (e matra) | Index Finger | J | र (ra) |
| Middle Finger | D | ् (halant) | Middle Finger | K | ा (aa matra) |
| Index Finger | F | ि (i matra) | Ring Finger | L | स (sa) |
| Index Finger | G | ु (u matra) | Little Finger | ; (Semicolon) | य (ya) |
4. Step-by-Step Training Schedule
Phase 1: Basic Keys
Practice typing individual characters and basic combinations on the home row. Ensure you do not look down at the keyboard layout.
Start Lessons →Phase 2: Speed Building
Practice MPSC-grade paragraphs to integrate complex conjunct characters, half-letters, and speed drills.
Practice Paragraphs →Phase 3: Assessment
Take 10-minute speed tests to assess your raw and net WPM (Words Per Minute) according to Maharashtra clerk standards.
Start Speed Test →Frequently Asked Questions
Which font is used for Marathi Government Typing Tests?
Most government examinations in Maharashtra (like MPSC, GCC-TBC) use the **Mangal Unicode font** with the **Inscript layout**.
How is WPM calculated in Marathi typing tests?
The standard calculation counts 5 typed characters (including spaces) as 1 word. Net WPM is calculated by subtracting errors from gross typed words.
How can I type special Marathi conjunct characters?
Special Devanagari letters like 'ज्ञ' or 'क्ष' are formed by typing the root letter, a halant (्), and the next letter, or by using dedicated Alt shortcuts. Check our shortcuts page for Remington Alt Codes.