Krutidev vs Unicode Hindi Typing – Which One Should You Learn?
Confused between Krutidev and Unicode? This guide breaks down the differences, government exam requirements, advantages, disadvantages — so you can choose the right system for your career without guessing.
Krutidev is a font-based Hindi encoding system that was widely used before Unicode became the universal standard for digital text. Understanding what it actually is — and isn't — is the first step to making a smart decision about which system to learn.
📜 A Brief History
Krutidev was developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s when personal computers were first becoming common in India. At that time, there was no universal standard for rendering Hindi on screens. Software developers created custom font sets where Hindi glyphs were mapped to the ASCII character codes of a standard keyboard. Krutidev became one of the most popular of these font systems, widely adopted by government offices, newspapers, and printing businesses.
⚙️ How It Actually Works
Here's the key thing to understand: when you type on a Krutidev keyboard, you are not actually creating Hindi text. You are typing standard English ASCII characters — but the Krutidev font replaces each character with a corresponding Hindi glyph on screen.
So the letter "d" becomes द, and "k" becomes क — but only because the font draws a Hindi shape in that position. The underlying data is still an English character. This is why Krutidev text breaks the moment you switch to a different font, paste it into a modern app, or try to search for it on the internet.
⚠️
Important: Krutidev text is not real Hindi text at the data level. If you copy Krutidev-typed content into an email, social media post, or WhatsApp message without the Krutidev font, it will appear as garbled English characters — not Hindi.
📍 Where Krutidev is Still Used
Legacy government documents — some state government departments still have archives in Krutidev
Older printing software — desktop publishing workflows that haven't migrated to Unicode
Some state government typing exams — particularly in Rajasthan, UP, and Madhya Pradesh legacy tests
Newspaper compositing — some older regional press operations
Krutidev
Font-Based System
ASCII characters disguised as Hindi glyphs through a custom font. Works only when Krutidev font is installed and selected.
Advantages
Required by some legacy government exams
Fast typing speed possible after practice
Familiar to typists trained before Unicode era
Still used in some state-level printing workflows
Disadvantages
Not real Hindi — breaks without the font
Not searchable on internet or in documents
Doesn't work on most modern apps and websites
Being phased out by government and industry
Cannot be displayed on Android, iPhone natively
Unicode
Universal Standard
Real Devanagari text stored as Unicode code points. Works on every platform, app, and device without any special font.
Advantages
Works everywhere — desktop, mobile, web
Searchable and indexable by Google
Government-recommended digital standard
Works in WhatsApp, Google Docs, Gmail
Future-proof — not going away
Disadvantages
Slightly steeper initial learning curve
Not accepted in all legacy exam formats
Some older software may not support it
Section 2
What is Unicode Hindi Typing?
Unicode is the global standard that assigns a unique code to every character in every language on Earth. Unicode Hindi means your text is real Devanagari — not a font trick — and it works in every modern context automatically.
🌐 The Unicode Standard
The Unicode Consortium defines unique numerical codes for over 140,000 characters across more than 150 scripts. Devanagari — the script used for Hindi — has its own dedicated block in the Unicode standard with code points from U+0900 to U+097F. This means every Hindi character, matra, and symbol has a permanent, universally recognised identity.
When you type क in Unicode, every computer, phone, website, and application in the world knows exactly what that character is — no special font required. The operating system handles the rendering automatically using system fonts.
💻 Cross-Platform Reality
This is where Unicode Hindi completely outperforms Krutidev for everyday and professional use. Unicode Hindi text works natively on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It displays correctly in Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and every major browser. It works in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, WhatsApp, Gmail, Twitter, LinkedIn, and every modern application — without installing a single extra font.
🏛️ Modern Government Push
The Government of India officially promotes Unicode for all digital Hindi content through its e-governance initiatives. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has mandated Unicode for government websites, documents, and applications. The Official Language Policy increasingly favours Unicode over legacy font-based systems for new software and services.
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Bottom line: Unicode is where the world is heading. If you're starting to learn Hindi typing today and have a choice, Unicode Remington GAIL is almost certainly the better long-term investment — especially for central government exams and modern office environments.
Section 3
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here's the complete feature comparison so you can see exactly how the two systems differ across every dimension that matters for learners and professionals.
Feature
Krutidev
Unicode
Text Type
Font-based (fake Hindi)
Real Devanagari
Windows 10/11
Needs font install
Built-in support
macOS
Very limited
Native support
Linux
Rarely works
Full support
Android
Not supported
Native support
iPhone / iOS
Not supported
Native support
Internet / Websites
Displays as garbage
Works everywhere
Google Search
Not searchable
Fully indexed
WhatsApp / Email
Breaks without font
Works perfectly
Microsoft Office
Works with Krutidev font
Native support
Google Docs
Doesn't render
Full support
Printing
Needs Krutidev font
Works with any font
Government Exams
Some state exams
Most central exams
Learning Curve
Moderate
Moderate
Future Support
Phasing out
Standard forever
💡
Key insight: The keyboard key positions in Krutidev Remington and Unicode Remington GAIL are very similar because both derive from the same original Remington typewriter mapping. This means time spent on one transfers significantly to the other — you're not starting from scratch when switching.
Practice Unicode Hindi Typing — free, right now
Remington GAIL layout · Live WPM tracking · No login needed
This is the question most people are really asking. The answer is more nuanced than you might expect — and the landscape is changing rapidly.
🔴
Critical reminder: Exam typing requirements change frequently. Always check the official exam notification PDF for the specific year and post you are applying for. The information below describes general patterns — your actual exam may differ.
🏛️ SSC (Staff Selection Commission)
SSC has been progressively moving toward Unicode-based typing. Recent SSC exam notifications (CHSL, CGL Data Entry Operator, MTS) have specified Unicode Hindi using the Remington GAIL or INSCRIPT layout. However, this has not been uniform across all SSC posts and years. Some older regional exams under SSC may still specify Krutidev. Always download and read the official notification before preparing.
Rajasthan — Some exams still use Krutidev; newer exams moving to Unicode
Uttar Pradesh — Mixed; check each specific exam notification
Bihar, Jharkhand — Moving toward Unicode but legacy Krutidev still appears
Haryana, Punjab — Largely Unicode-based for recent exams
🚂 Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
Railway typing tests for posts requiring Hindi typing have generally used Mangal font Unicode in recent years. The Remington GAIL Unicode layout is typically accepted. Again — verify against the specific notification for your exam zone and post.
📋 High Courts and Judiciary
Many High Court stenographer and typist recruitment exams still accept Krutidev, though Unicode adoption is increasing. Court-specific software often still runs on Krutidev-based systems in older installations.
Section 5
Should Beginners Learn Unicode or Krutidev?
The right answer depends on your specific goal. Here's a clear recommendation for each type of learner:
Students
Unicode Remington GAIL
Schools and colleges use modern digital tools. Unicode works in every application you'll encounter in education — essays, assignments, emails, presentations.
Central Govt. Aspirants
Unicode Remington GAIL
SSC, CPCT, Railways, IBPS — all trending toward Unicode. Starting with Unicode Remington GAIL aligns you with where central government exams are heading.
State Govt. Aspirants
Check your exam notification
State requirements vary. Read the official notification first. If it says Krutidev, learn Krutidev. If Unicode, learn Unicode. Don't guess — the notification is the only truth.
Office Workers
Unicode
Any modern office environment uses Unicode-compatible software (Office 365, Google Workspace, email). Unicode is the only sensible choice for professional use.
Content Writers & Bloggers
Unicode
Websites, CMS platforms (WordPress, Blogger), and Google all require Unicode Hindi. Krutidev content cannot be published meaningfully on the internet.
Freelancers
Unicode
Clients use modern tools. Deliverables need to be in Unicode to be useful. Krutidev files are nearly impossible to hand off without special font installations.
Developers
Unicode only
All programming environments, databases, APIs, and web standards use Unicode. Krutidev is completely incompatible with software development workflows.
Print / Legacy Office
Krutidev (if required)
If you work with older legacy print software or a specific state office that still mandates Krutidev, learn it. Otherwise, choose Unicode and convert as needed.
Section 6
Can You Learn Both?
Yes — and for serious government job aspirants, knowing both systems can give you a meaningful advantage over candidates who know only one.
Here's the practical reason this works: both Krutidev Remington and Unicode Remington GAIL share a large overlap in key positioning. Both systems are based on the original Remington typewriter layout, where certain Hindi characters were mapped to certain keys based on phonetic similarity and mechanical convenience. This means the muscle memory you build for one layout transfers significantly to the other.
A typist who has practised Krutidev Remington to 30 WPM typically reaches similar proficiency on Unicode Remington GAIL in just 2–4 weeks of dedicated relearning — far faster than starting from scratch. The physical finger movements are largely the same; only a handful of characters differ between the two.
The recommended approach is learn one thoroughly first — ideally whichever your immediate exam or job requires — and add the second later. Trying to learn both simultaneously from zero slows progress on both.
🎯
Recommended order for most people: Start with Unicode Remington GAIL (broader application, future-proof), practice until you reach 25–30 WPM, then pick up Krutidev in 3–4 weeks if your exam specifically requires it.
Start with Unicode Remington GAIL today
Free practice · Live WPM · Works in your browser · No sign-up needed
Everything people search before deciding which Hindi typing system to learn.
Krutidev is a font-based Hindi encoding system — not real Unicode Hindi. When you type on a Krutidev keyboard, you're actually typing standard English ASCII characters, but the Krutidev font replaces each character with a corresponding Hindi glyph on screen. The text is only "Hindi" while the Krutidev font is applied. Copy it into any other application without the font, and it becomes unreadable English characters.
Unicode Hindi produces real Devanagari text using the international Unicode standard. Every Hindi character has a unique code point that is universally recognised by all modern devices and software. Unicode text works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, websites, Google Docs, WhatsApp, and every modern application — without any special font installation.
Unicode is better for almost every modern use case. It works across all platforms without needing a special font, is searchable on the internet, is supported by all modern software, and is the official government standard for digital Hindi. Krutidev is only preferable when a specific legacy exam or software system explicitly requires it.
Recent SSC exam notifications have generally specified Unicode Hindi with Remington GAIL layout. However, requirements can vary by year, post, and region. Always download and read the official SSC notification for your specific exam — never rely on secondhand information. The notification document is the only authoritative source for exam requirements.
Yes. Several free online tools can convert Krutidev-encoded text to proper Unicode Devanagari. The conversion is generally accurate for standard characters and common matras, though complex conjuncts or unusual characters may need manual review after conversion. Search for "Krutidev to Unicode converter" to find these tools.
Yes, easily. Windows includes built-in Unicode Hindi support. Go to Settings → Time & Language → Language → Add a language → Hindi. Then add the Hindi Traditional (Remington GAIL) keyboard from the keyboard options. No extra software or font is required. You can also practice directly in your browser at LearnHindiTyping.in.
Largely yes — but not completely gone. For new learners starting today, Krutidev has very limited relevance. It doesn't work on mobile, doesn't work on the internet, and is incompatible with modern software. However, some state government offices, older exams, and legacy printing systems still use it. The trend is clearly and irreversibly toward Unicode.
The Government of India officially promotes Unicode through its e-governance mandates. Central government websites, portals, and new software systems use Unicode. Many central ministries have migrated to Unicode. State governments vary — some still have Krutidev-based legacy systems, but the official direction is Unicode. Most new hiring and software procurement is Unicode-based.
Yes. LearnHindiTyping.in offers completely free Unicode Hindi typing practice using the Remington GAIL layout. It works in any browser on desktop or mobile — no installation needed. Your WPM, accuracy, and session history are automatically tracked on your Dashboard. You can also take a timed speed test to benchmark your current level.
Start with Unicode Remington GAIL unless your specific exam explicitly requires Krutidev. Remington GAIL is the official government standard for most Hindi typing exams, works on all modern platforms, and gives you the widest career flexibility. See our complete Remington GAIL guide for the full keyboard chart and learning plan.
Both layouts are based on the original Remington typewriter key mapping. The majority of key positions are the same or very similar between Krutidev Remington and Unicode Remington GAIL. However, some characters — particularly certain matras, conjuncts, and symbols — are handled differently. This is why switching between the two is achievable in weeks rather than months for someone who has already mastered one layout.
CPCT (Computer Proficiency Certification Test) in Madhya Pradesh uses Unicode Hindi with Remington GAIL keyboard layout. As with all exams, always verify the current requirements from the official CPCT website before preparing, as exam specifications can be updated between cycles.
Section 8
Recommended Learning Path
Whichever system you choose, this is the most efficient path from zero to exam-ready. Follow it in order — skipping steps slows you down.
1
Choose and Learn the Keyboard Layout
Decide on Unicode Remington GAIL (or Krutidev if your exam requires it). Study the key positions, starting with the home row. Don't practise speed — just learn where every key is.
Start with 1-minute sessions on Beginner difficulty. Focus on accuracy above all else. Type slowly and correctly. Practise without looking at the keyboard from day one. Consistency beats intensity every time.
Take a timed typing test every Sunday. Record your WPM. If it's not moving, review: are you looking at the keyboard? Are you practising every day? Are you using all 10 fingers?
Your WPM, accuracy, session history, and daily streak are automatically saved. Use the Dashboard to spot trends, celebrate milestones, and stay motivated when progress feels slow.
Once you reach 25–28 WPM, switch to Advanced difficulty and 5-minute timed sessions. This simulates exam conditions. Target 33–35 WPM to have a comfortable margin above the typical 30 WPM exam requirement.