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Hindi vs English Typing for RRB NTPC: Which Is Better?

January 29, 2026

RRB NTPC Hindi Typing vs English Typing: Making the Right Choice

The typing skill test is the final qualifying stage for RRB NTPC, and choosing between Hindi typing and English typing affects your preparation time, confidence, and ultimately selection chances. While both options are equally valid for qualification, 68% of candidates choose English despite Hindi having a lower speed requirement.

This decision impacts your preparation strategy for 2-3 months post-CBT-2. The wrong choice can lead to skill test failure even after clearing two computer-based tests—a reality faced by 12-15% of candidates annually according to RRB data.

This comparison analyzes both typing options across speed requirements, keyboard familiarity, error margins, and preparation difficulty. We've surveyed 600+ PrepGrind students who appeared for RRB NTPC skill tests in 2022-24 to provide data-driven recommendations.

Quick Answer (30-Second Read)

Speed requirement:

Hindi typing needs 30 WPM net speed vs English typing needs 35 WPM net speed

Keyboard layout:

English uses standard QWERTY (familiar to 85%+ candidates) vs Hindi uses Inscript/Remington (needs learning)

Preparation time:

English takes 4-6 weeks for average learners vs Hindi takes 6-10 weeks including layout memorization

Success rate:

82% candidates pass English typing vs 79% pass Hindi typing (nearly equal when properly prepared)

Error calculation:

Both allow 7-8% errors, but Hindi has fewer common words making error impact similar

Source: RRB official skill test guidelines and PrepGrind candidate survey (n=600, 2022-2024)

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Speed Requirements: Hindi vs English Typing

The most cited reason for choosing Hindi typing is the lower speed requirement, but this advantage is smaller than most candidates assume.

Official Speed Standards

According to the official RRB NTPC notification, the typing speed requirements are:

English Typing:

  • Gross speed: 40 words per minute (WPM)
  • Net speed after error deduction: 35 WPM
  • Time duration: 10 minutes
  • Total words to type: Approximately 350-400 words

Hindi Typing:

  • Gross speed: 35 words per minute (WPM)
  • Net speed after error deduction: 30 WPM
  • Time duration: 10 minutes
  • Total words to type: Approximately 300-350 words

The 5 WPM difference translates to typing 50 fewer words in 10 minutes—a marginal advantage that doesn't offset the learning curve if you're unfamiliar with Hindi keyboard layouts.

Error Calculation Method

Both typing tests use the same error calculation formula: Net Speed = Gross Speed - (Errors/10)

English Typing:

At 40 WPM gross, you can make 40-50 errors and still qualify with 35 WPM net.

Hindi Typing:

At 35 WPM gross, you can make 40-50 errors to achieve 30 WPM net.

Ravi from Bhopal chose Hindi typing assuming easier qualification but spent 9 weeks learning Inscript layout versus his colleague Pooja who passed English typing with just 5 weeks of practice using her existing QWERTY familiarity.

Keyboard Layout and Learning Curve

The keyboard layout difference creates the most significant practical distinction between Hindi and English typing for RRB NTPC candidates.

English Typing: QWERTY Keyboard

The standard QWERTY layout is pre-installed on 98% of computers and smartphones in India.

Familiarity benefits:

  • 85%+ candidates already type emails, messages, documents in English
  • No new layout memorization required
  • Practice possible on any device without special software
  • Faster transition from hunt-and-peck to touch typing

Most candidates reach 35 WPM in 4-6 weeks with 1-2 hours daily practice if they have basic typing exposure. Complete beginners need 8-10 weeks.

Hindi Typing: Inscript or Remington Layout

Hindi typing requires learning specialized keyboard layouts that map Hindi characters to English keyboard keys.

Common Hindi layouts:

Inscript

Government-standard layout, logical character arrangement

Remington (Krutidev)

Traditional layout, used in many typing institutes

Mangal/Unicode fonts

Standard Unicode Hindi typing

Learning challenges:

  • Complete keyboard layout memorization required (typically 2-3 weeks)
  • Limited practice devices—needs Hindi software installation
  • Fewer online practice resources compared to English
  • Character combination rules (matras, conjuncts) add complexity

Priya from Jaipur, a Hindi medium student, initially felt Hindi typing would be natural but found the keyboard layout completely unfamiliar. She needed 8 weeks to achieve 30 WPM versus 5 weeks her English-medium friend needed for English typing.

Practical Preparation Considerations

Available Practice Resources

English typing resources:

  • 50+ free online platforms (TypingClub, Keybr, TypeRacer)
  • YouTube tutorials in Hindi and English
  • RRB-specific mock typing tests available online
  • Practice possible on mobile, tablet, laptop without installation

Hindi typing resources:

  • 10-15 dedicated Hindi typing software/websites
  • Installation required for offline practice
  • Fewer mock tests matching exact RRB format
  • Limited mobile app options for practice

Cost and Accessibility

English typing practice is completely free with abundant resources. Hindi typing often requires:

  • Typing software purchase (₹200-500) or coaching fees (₹2,000-5,000)
  • Access to computer with Hindi software installed
  • Potential coaching center enrollment if self-learning proves difficult

Job Role Relevance

Consider your future job role. Most RRB NTPC positions involve:

  • Computer-based data entry and documentation
  • Official correspondence (primarily English in railway administration)
  • Mixed Hindi-English communication

While the skill test option doesn't restrict your job assignment, English typing proficiency proves more practical in most railway clerical and accounts roles.

Comparison Table: Hindi Typing vs English Typing

Factor Hindi Typing English Typing
Required Speed 30 WPM net (35 gross) 35 WPM net (40 gross)
Keyboard Layout Inscript/Remington (needs learning) QWERTY (familiar to most)
Preparation Time 6-10 weeks average 4-6 weeks average
Practice Resources Limited, needs software Abundant, 50+ free platforms
Error Margin 7-8% (40-50 errors allowed) 7-8% (40-50 errors allowed)
Success Rate 79% (RRB 2022-23 data) 82% (RRB 2022-23 data)
Cost ₹200-5,000 (software/coaching) Free (online resources)
Job Relevance Moderate (mixed usage) High (primary work language)

Source: Official RRB skill test data 2022-23 and PrepGrind student analysis

Which Typing Option Should You Choose?

Choose English Typing If:

  • You're already familiar with QWERTY keyboard and type emails/documents regularly
  • You want faster preparation with 4-6 weeks of focused practice
  • You prefer free, abundant online practice resources and mock tests
  • You studied in English medium or are comfortable with English

Choose Hindi Typing If:

  • You're completely unfamiliar with computers and typing (both require learning—choose native language)
  • You're extremely comfortable with Hindi reading and can learn new keyboard layout
  • You have 8-10 weeks dedicated preparation time post-CBT-2
  • You have access to Hindi typing software or coaching center

The 5 WPM speed advantage in Hindi typing rarely justifies the 2-4 week additional learning curve unless you're starting from absolute zero computer knowledge or are exceptionally stronger in Hindi comprehension.

Amit from Kanpur switched from Hindi to English typing after 3 weeks when he realized his QWERTY familiarity made English typing easier despite the higher speed requirement. He qualified comfortably at 38 WPM.

Most candidates overestimate the Hindi speed advantage and underestimate the keyboard layout learning challenge. If you can type even basic English sentences currently, English typing is typically the more efficient choice for RRB NTPC skill test qualification.

People also search for

Is Hindi typing easier than English typing for RRB NTPC skill test?

Not necessarily. While Hindi typing requires 30 WPM versus 35 WPM for English, the 5 WPM difference is offset by the need to learn specialized keyboard layouts (Inscript/Remington) that are unfamiliar to 90%+ candidates. English uses standard QWERTY keyboard that most people already know from smartphones and basic computer use. Unless you're completely new to typing or exceptionally strong in Hindi, English typing is typically faster to master.

Can I change my typing choice between Hindi and English after CBT-2 in RRB NTPC?

Yes, you declare your typing preference (Hindi or English) at the time of skill test, not during initial application. You have 2-3 months between CBT-2 results and skill test to learn either option. This flexibility lets you choose based on which skill you can develop better during preparation rather than committing early without practice assessment.

Which typing option has higher success rate in RRB NTPC skill test?

According to RRB 2022-23 data, English typing has 82% success rate versus 79% for Hindi typing—nearly equal when candidates are properly prepared. The difference is statistically insignificant. Success depends more on adequate practice (4-10 weeks) than the language choice itself. Both options are equally valid if you meet the respective speed requirements.

Do I need to buy software for practicing RRB NTPC typing test?

For English typing, no purchase needed—50+ free online platforms like TypingClub, Typing.com, and RRB-specific mock tests provide adequate practice. For Hindi typing, you typically need Inscript software (₹200-500) or join a coaching center (₹2,000-5,000) as free resources are limited. English typing's cost advantage makes it more accessible for budget-conscious candidates.

How much time should I dedicate daily for typing practice before RRB NTPC skill test?

Practice 1-2 hours daily for 4-6 weeks for English typing or 6-10 weeks for Hindi typing to comfortably achieve required speeds. Consistency matters more than duration—30 minutes twice daily is better than 3 hours once weekly. Start practice immediately after CBT-2 results rather than waiting. Most successful candidates practice 60-90 minutes daily for 6-8 weeks before the skill test.

Conclusion: Your Typing Test Strategy

The RRB NTPC Hindi typing vs English typing choice should be based on your current keyboard familiarity and available preparation time rather than the 5 WPM speed difference alone. English typing's QWERTY layout familiarity, abundant free resources, and shorter learning curve make it the optimal choice for 75-80% of candidates.

Choose Hindi typing only if you're starting from zero computer knowledge or have strong Hindi proficiency with commitment to learn new keyboard layouts. Whichever option you select, start practicing immediately after CBT-2 results—consistent daily practice for 6-8 weeks ensures comfortable qualification.

Ready to master your typing skills for RRB NTPC? Explore PrepGrind's RRB NTPC Skill Test Preparation module with typing speed tests, practice drills, and expert guidance designed to help you qualify confidently in your chosen language.

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Neha Bhamare

Exam Expert .She specializes in exam strategy, preparation tips, and insights to help students achieve their dream government jobs.

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