The ISM keyboard was developed by , Pune, as part of the GIST (Graphics and Intelligence based Script Technology) group. Before ISM, Marathi typing was dominated by the Remington (Kruti Dev) layout, which mimicked mechanical typewriters. However, Remington had several drawbacks:
"श्रमिकाने इसएम वर टंकलेखन शिकल्यास, मराठी भाषेचे डिजिटल साम्राज्य त्यांच्या हाती येते." (If a worker learns typing on ISM, the digital empire of the Marathi language comes into their hands.)
The Marathi ISM keyboard is the gold standard for professional, fast, and accurate Marathi typing. While it requires dedicated practice (unlike phonetic methods), it rewards the user with ergonomic efficiency and precise control over complex Devanagari conjuncts. For journalists, authors, government employees, and students in Maharashtra, mastering ISM is a valuable digital literacy skill. marathi ism keyboard
A scientifically designed phonetic layout where vowels are on the left and consonants are on the right. It is the standard recommended by the Government of India for all official digital communication.
प फ ब भ म य र ल व श ष स ह क्ष त्र ज्ञ The ISM keyboard was developed by , Pune,
This mirrors the traditional Marathi typewriter layout used in the 19th century. It is the mandatory standard for official GCC-TBC (Government Commercial Certificate in Typing and Basic Computer) examinations in Maharashtra.
: While specifically designed for languages like Marathi, Hindi, and Sanskrit, the Inscript layout can be adapted for other Devanagari script languages. It is the standard recommended by the Government
: To type in Marathi using the Inscript keyboard, one needs to switch to the Marathi (Inscript) keyboard layout in their computer's settings. Then, by using the specific keys designated for Marathi characters, users can start typing in Marathi.