How to Increase Typing Speed from 20 to 40 WPM in 30 Days
Typing speed is an essential computer skill for students, job seekers, office professionals, and candidates preparing for government typing examinations. Whether you are preparing for SSC CHSL, SSC CGL, RRB NTPC, AIIMS CRE, Rajasthan government examinations, or simply want to type faster, improving your typing speed can make your work more efficient and increase your confidence.
Many beginners start with an average typing speed of approximately 15–25 words per minute (WPM). Reaching 40 WPM is a useful milestone, especially for candidates preparing for competitive typing tests.
But can you increase your typing speed from 20 WPM to 40 WPM in just 30 days?
With consistent practice, correct finger positioning, accuracy-focused exercises, and a structured training routine, significant improvement is possible. However, doubling typing speed within 30 days is an ambitious goal, and results depend on your current technique, accuracy, and practice consistency.
In this guide, we will explain practical methods to improve typing speed, common mistakes to avoid, and a complete 30-day typing speed improvement plan using TypingAcademy.
1. Understand What Typing Speed (WPM) Means
Before improving your typing speed, it is important to understand how typing performance is measured.
What Is WPM?
WPM stands for Words Per Minute. It indicates how quickly a person types text within a specific period.
Many typing assessment systems use a standard measurement in which five keystroke characters, including spaces, represent one standard word.
A simplified formula is:
Gross WPM = Total Characters Typed ÷ 5 ÷ Time in Minutes
For example, if you type 1,000 characters in 10 minutes:
1,000 ÷ 5 ÷ 10 = 20 WPM
If you type 2,000 characters in 10 minutes:
2,000 ÷ 5 ÷ 10 = 40 WPM
This is a simplified calculation of gross typing speed. Different websites and government examinations may use different methods to calculate net speed and apply mistake deductions.
Gross WPM vs Net WPM
There are two important measurements:
- Gross WPM: Your typing speed before accounting for mistakes.
- Net WPM: Your effective typing speed after applicable error adjustments.
For example, someone typing at 45 gross WPM with frequent mistakes may achieve a lower effective score than someone typing at 40 WPM with high accuracy.
Important: Focus on both speed and accuracy rather than trying to increase WPM alone.
You can measure your current typing performance using TypingAcademy Online Typing Tests.
2. Check Your Current Typing Speed Before Starting
Before beginning your 30-day typing challenge, establish your starting performance.
A baseline typing test helps you understand your current speed, accuracy, and common mistakes.
How to Take Your First Typing Test
- Visit TypingAcademy.
- Open the Typing Test section.
- Select English or Hindi typing according to your goal.
- Choose a suitable beginner-level paragraph.
- Attempt a timed typing test.
- Record your typing speed and accuracy.
- Review your mistakes before beginning daily practice.
For more reliable results, take three tests and calculate your average WPM.
Example Starting Performance
| Measurement | Starting Result |
|---|---|
| Average typing speed | 20 WPM |
| Typing accuracy | 90% |
| Practice duration | 30 minutes daily |
| Target typing speed | 40 WPM |
| Target accuracy | 95% or higher |
| Training period | 30 days |
These are example training values, not guaranteed results or universal examination qualifying standards.
Record your starting performance so that you can compare it with your results after 7, 14, 21, and 30 days.
3. Learn Correct Finger Placement on the Keyboard
One of the most important techniques for increasing typing speed is proper finger placement.
Many beginners type using only two or three fingers. This method can limit typing efficiency because the hands must move repeatedly across the keyboard.
Learning touch typing helps distribute typing work across the fingers and reduces unnecessary movement.
Understand the Home Row Keys
On a standard QWERTY keyboard, the home row keys are:
Left Hand: A S D F
Right Hand: J K L ;
Your fingers should rest naturally on these keys when you are not reaching for another letter.
Finger Placement Guide
| Finger | Home Row Key |
|---|---|
| Left little finger | A |
| Left ring finger | S |
| Left middle finger | D |
| Left index finger | F |
| Right index finger | J |
| Right middle finger | K |
| Right ring finger | L |
| Right little finger | ; |
| Thumbs | Spacebar |
Tips for Correct Finger Placement
- Keep your fingers positioned near the home row.
- Use the appropriate finger for each key.
- Avoid unnecessary hand movement.
- Press keys gently rather than forcefully.
- Keep your wrists relaxed and in a neutral position.
- Try to avoid looking at the keyboard.
- Practice slowly until the finger movements become familiar.
If you are new to touch typing, visit Learn to Type on TypingAcademy.
Remember: Proper typing technique may initially feel slower, but it can help improve long-term consistency.
4. Focus on Accuracy Before Typing Faster
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is trying to type very quickly without paying attention to errors.
Typing at 40 WPM with frequent mistakes is not necessarily better than typing at 30 WPM accurately.
Frequent corrections can interrupt typing rhythm and reduce effective speed.
Why Accuracy Matters
Good typing accuracy helps you:
- Reduce spelling and character errors.
- Avoid repeated corrections.
- Maintain a consistent typing rhythm.
- Improve effective typing performance.
- Develop stronger keyboard muscle memory.
- Perform more confidently during timed examinations.
Recommended Accuracy Target
During practice, aim for approximately 95% or higher accuracy before significantly increasing your speed.
This is a training recommendation. Actual government examination requirements may use different error thresholds.
Simple Accuracy Improvement Exercise
Start with a short paragraph of approximately 100–150 words.
Type the paragraph slowly, concentrating on every word.
After completing the exercise:
- Review your incorrect words.
- Identify frequently missed keys.
- Repeat difficult words.
- Attempt the same paragraph again.
- Increase speed only when accuracy becomes consistent.
A few minutes of focused error correction can be more useful than repeatedly typing paragraphs without reviewing mistakes.
5. Practice Touch Typing Without Looking at the Keyboard
Touch typing means typing without needing to watch the keyboard continuously.
It is an important skill for anyone who wants to improve typing speed.
When you look at the keyboard after every few letters, your attention repeatedly shifts between the keyboard and the screen.
This can interrupt your typing rhythm.
How to Develop Touch Typing
Step 1: Memorize the home row keys.
Step 2: Practice individual letters using the correct fingers.
Step 3: Type short words without looking down.
Step 4: Practice common English sentences.
Step 5: Gradually move to longer paragraphs.
Step 6: Attempt timed exercises while maintaining accuracy.
Beginner Practice Words
Start with simple words such as:
- as
- sad
- ask
- fall
- fast
- desk
- skill
- learn
- typing
- practice
Once you can type these words confidently, gradually introduce more complex words and longer sentences.
Do not worry if your typing speed decreases temporarily while learning proper finger placement.
The objective is to develop a technique that supports consistent improvement.
6. Follow a Structured Daily Typing Practice Routine
Practicing randomly for several hours is not always the best way to improve typing speed.
A structured practice routine allows you to focus on different typing skills.
For many learners, 30–45 minutes of focused daily practice is a reasonable starting point.
Recommended 40-Minute Daily Routine
| Duration | Practice Activity |
|---|---|
| 5 minutes | Finger placement and keyboard warm-up |
| 10 minutes | Accuracy and difficult-word practice |
| 10 minutes | Continuous paragraph typing |
| 10 minutes | Timed typing speed tests |
| 5 minutes | Review mistakes and record WPM |
Why This Routine Works
The warm-up helps your fingers become comfortable with keyboard movements.
Accuracy exercises allow you to correct repeated errors.
Paragraph typing develops endurance and typing rhythm.
Timed tests help you become familiar with typing under time pressure.
Finally, reviewing results helps you identify which areas need improvement.
For consistent progress, practice at approximately the same time every day.
Take short breaks when needed, especially if you experience hand or wrist discomfort.
7. Complete 30-Day Typing Speed Improvement Plan
The following four-week program is designed for learners currently typing at approximately 20 WPM who want to work toward 40 WPM.
The weekly WPM figures are illustrative milestones, not guaranteed outcomes.
Week 1 — Build Accuracy and Keyboard Control (Days 1–7)
Suggested milestone: 20–25 WPM
The first week focuses on developing correct finger movements and reducing common mistakes.
Daily Practice Activities
- Practice home row keys for five minutes.
- Type common English words using correct finger positions.
- Attempt short beginner-level paragraphs.
- Focus on achieving consistent accuracy.
- Reduce unnecessary keyboard movement.
- Record your typing results daily.
During the first week, do not force yourself to type faster.
Instead, concentrate on typing correctly and comfortably.
Day-by-Day Training
| Day | Training Focus |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Baseline typing test and finger placement |
| Day 2 | Home row keyboard exercises |
| Day 3 | Upper row and lower row practice |
| Day 4 | Common English words |
| Day 5 | Short sentences and punctuation |
| Day 6 | Accuracy-focused paragraph practice |
| Day 7 | Weekly assessment and mistake review |
End-of-week goal: Develop more reliable keyboard control and attempt to improve from your 20 WPM baseline.
Week 2 — Improve Typing Rhythm (Days 8–14)
Suggested milestone: 25–30 WPM
During the second week, focus on typing smoothly without unnecessary pauses.
A consistent typing rhythm can help increase speed while maintaining accuracy.
Daily Practice Activities
- Practice common English words.
- Type medium-length paragraphs.
- Reduce pauses between words.
- Improve difficult key combinations.
- Attempt multiple timed typing exercises.
- Continue monitoring accuracy.
Day-by-Day Training
| Day | Training Focus |
|---|---|
| Day 8 | Common word combinations |
| Day 9 | Sentence typing practice |
| Day 10 | Difficult letter combinations |
| Day 11 | Five-minute timed typing tests |
| Day 12 | Continuous paragraph typing |
| Day 13 | Accuracy and speed balancing |
| Day 14 | Weekly typing assessment |
End-of-week goal: Work toward a stable typing speed of approximately 30 WPM while maintaining good accuracy.
Week 3 — Build Speed and Endurance (Days 15–21)
Suggested milestone: 30–35 WPM
The third week focuses on improving speed and becoming comfortable with longer passages.
At this stage, you may begin to notice that familiar words require less conscious effort.
Daily Practice Activities
- Practice longer typing passages.
- Attempt 5-minute and 10-minute typing tests.
- Reduce interruptions while typing.
- Practice commonly misspelled words.
- Improve punctuation and capitalization.
- Review both gross and net typing speed.
Day-by-Day Training
| Day | Training Focus |
|---|---|
| Day 15 | Medium-difficulty paragraphs |
| Day 16 | Five-minute speed exercises |
| Day 17 | Frequently mistyped words |
| Day 18 | Ten-minute continuous typing |
| Day 19 | Numbers and punctuation |
| Day 20 | Timed typing mock tests |
| Day 21 | Weekly assessment |
End-of-week goal: Work toward a typing speed of approximately 35 WPM with consistent accuracy.
Week 4 — Work Toward 40 WPM (Days 22–30)
Suggested milestone: 35–40 WPM
The final week focuses on applying the skills developed during the previous three weeks.
At this stage, use realistic timed tests and more challenging paragraphs.
Daily Practice Activities
- Practice medium and hard typing passages.
- Complete full-length typing tests.
- Maintain proper finger positioning.
- Review accuracy after every test.
- Avoid rushing when encountering difficult words.
- Compare your results with the original baseline.
Day-by-Day Training
| Day | Training Focus |
|---|---|
| Day 22 | Medium-difficulty typing tests |
| Day 23 | Accuracy improvement |
| Day 24 | Speed-focused exercises |
| Day 25 | Full-length typing test |
| Day 26 | Difficult words and punctuation |
| Day 27 | Complete mock typing examination |
| Day 28 | Error correction and revision |
| Day 29 | Final practice assessment |
| Day 30 | Final typing speed test and progress analysis |
Final target: Attempt to reach 40 WPM while maintaining approximately 95% or higher practice accuracy.
If you do not reach 40 WPM within 30 days, continue using the same structured training approach. Consistent improvement is more important than reaching an arbitrary deadline.
8. Track Your Typing Speed Progress Every Week
Tracking your results helps you understand whether your practice routine is effective.
Without regular assessment, it can be difficult to determine whether you are improving.
Example 30-Day Typing Speed Tracker
| Assessment | Illustrative WPM Target | Accuracy Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 20 WPM | Establish baseline |
| Day 7 | 25 WPM | 93–95% |
| Day 14 | 30 WPM | 95%+ |
| Day 21 | 35 WPM | 95%+ |
| Day 30 | 40 WPM | 95%+ |
These are aspirational training targets. Your progress may be faster or slower.
What Should You Track?
Record these measurements after each practice session:
- Date of practice.
- Typing test duration.
- Gross typing speed.
- Net typing speed, when available.
- Typing accuracy percentage.
- Common typing mistakes.
- Difficulty level of the passage.
When comparing performance, use similar test lengths and difficulty levels.
For example, comparing a one-minute easy paragraph with a ten-minute difficult paragraph may not provide a reliable picture of improvement.
Use TypingAcademy Typing Tests to monitor your performance.
9. Use Timed Typing Tests to Increase Speed
Timed typing practice is an important part of developing confidence and consistency.
However, you should choose test durations according to your skill level.
One-Minute Typing Tests
Short tests are useful for:
- Quick warm-ups.
- Identifying difficult keys.
- Practicing short bursts of typing.
- Checking immediate performance.
However, short test results may vary significantly and may not represent your sustained typing ability.
Five-Minute Typing Tests
Five-minute tests help develop a more consistent typing rhythm.
They are useful for learners moving beyond basic keyboard exercises.
Ten-Minute Typing Tests
Longer typing tests can help improve endurance and concentration.
They may also be useful for government examination preparation where the official typing assessment uses a similar duration.
Always confirm the actual test duration and evaluation rules for your selected examination.
Practice tip: Use shorter tests for focused exercises and longer tests to evaluate sustained performance.
10. Avoid These Common Typing Mistakes
Many learners struggle to improve because they repeat the same typing habits.
Understanding these mistakes can help you practice more effectively.
Mistake 1: Looking at the Keyboard Frequently
Looking down repeatedly interrupts typing flow.
Solution: Practice touch typing gradually using familiar words and sentences.
Mistake 2: Typing Too Fast Without Accuracy
Rushing can cause frequent errors and repeated corrections.
Solution: Maintain a controlled typing rhythm and prioritize accuracy.
Mistake 3: Practicing Without Reviewing Results
Repeating typing tests without understanding mistakes can slow improvement.
Solution: Review your typing accuracy and identify recurring errors.
Mistake 4: Using Only Easy Paragraphs
Practicing the same simple content repeatedly may not prepare you for unfamiliar passages.
Solution: Progress through easy, medium, and difficult typing exercises.
Mistake 5: Using Incorrect Finger Placement
Typing with only a few fingers may create unnecessary movement.
Solution: Learn proper touch typing and use consistent finger assignments.
Mistake 6: Practicing for Too Long Without Breaks
Excessive typing without rest can cause fatigue and discomfort.
Solution: Use manageable practice sessions with regular breaks.
Mistake 7: Focusing Only on Gross WPM
A high gross speed may hide frequent mistakes.
Solution: Track accuracy and effective typing performance alongside gross WPM.
11. How to Improve Typing Speed for Government Exams
Many government recruitment examinations include typing or skill assessments.
However, requirements vary depending on the examination and post.
SSC CHSL Typing Preparation
Candidates preparing for eligible SSC CHSL posts may need to complete a typing skill assessment.
Important preparation areas include:
- English or Hindi typing, as applicable.
- Speed and accuracy improvement.
- Timed typing practice.
- Correct keyboard layout.
- Familiarity with the official examination instructions.
Check the relevant official notification for the applicable speed, duration, eligibility, and error rules.
SSC CGL Typing and Data Entry Preparation
Some SSC CGL posts or stages involve computer-based data entry or skill assessment requirements.
Prepare using the actual assessment format rather than assuming that all SSC typing tests follow identical rules.
RRB NTPC Typing Practice
Candidates preparing for applicable RRB NTPC posts should practice according to the official typing skill test instructions.
Focus on:
- Consistent typing speed.
- English or Hindi keyboard proficiency.
- Timed paragraph completion.
- Error reduction.
- Sustained concentration.
AIIMS CRE Clerical Typing Preparation
Candidates preparing for relevant AIIMS CRE clerical posts can benefit from regular timed typing practice.
Use exam-specific passages, practice appropriate keyboard layouts, and review the recruitment notification for the actual qualifying requirements.
Rajasthan Government Typing Exams
Candidates preparing for Rajasthan government clerical and typing-related recruitment may need proficiency in Hindi, English, or both.
Select the correct typing format, font, and keyboard layout based on the official instructions.
Explore Government Exam Typing Practice on TypingAcademy.
Important: Government typing test requirements may change between recruitment cycles. Always follow the latest official examination notification.
12. Improve Typing Speed in Both English and Hindi
Although this guide focuses primarily on standard English QWERTY typing, many techniques can also help Hindi typing learners.
However, Hindi typing requires additional attention to keyboard layouts and character combinations.
English Typing
For English typing, focus on:
- QWERTY keyboard familiarity.
- Home row finger placement.
- Common English word combinations.
- Capital letters and punctuation.
- Timed paragraph practice.
Hindi Typing
For Hindi typing, focus on:
- The required Hindi keyboard layout.
- Unicode or legacy typing format.
- Correct use of matras.
- Conjunct character combinations.
- Hindi vocabulary and paragraph practice.
Mangal is a Unicode-compatible Devanagari font, while Kruti Dev is a legacy font system. Neither is itself a universal keyboard layout.
If your government exam requires Hindi typing, practice using the exact input method and format specified in the official instructions.
Start practicing through Hindi Typing Tests.
13. How Much Typing Practice Is Needed to Reach 40 WPM?
There is no fixed number of hours that guarantees a typing speed of 40 WPM.
Different learners progress at different rates depending on:
- Current typing technique.
- Keyboard familiarity.
- Existing typing accuracy.
- Daily practice consistency.
- Passage difficulty.
- Language and keyboard layout.
- Concentration and fatigue.
For learners starting around 20 WPM, a structured 30-day program can provide a useful improvement framework.
Recommended Practice Duration
| Experience Level | Suggested Daily Practice |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 20–30 minutes |
| Developing | 30–40 minutes |
| Intermediate | 40–45 minutes |
| Exam preparation | 30–60 minutes, with breaks |
These are practical suggestions rather than strict requirements.
Choose a duration that allows you to maintain quality practice without discomfort.
Consistency matters more than occasional marathon practice sessions.
14. Use TypingAcademy to Improve Your Typing Speed
TypingAcademy is an online learning and practice platform designed to help students improve their typing skills and prepare for typing-based competitive examinations.
Instead of practicing randomly, you can follow structured exercises and monitor your performance.
What Can You Practice on TypingAcademy?
- English typing practice.
- Hindi typing practice.
- Beginner, intermediate, and advanced passages.
- Timed typing speed tests.
- Accuracy improvement exercises.
- Government examination typing practice sets.
- Touch typing lessons.
- Typing performance assessment.
Helpful TypingAcademy Resources
Practice typing using different passages and difficulty levels.
Develop proper finger placement and keyboard familiarity.
Practice Government Typing Exams
Explore available exam-specific typing practice sets.
Find typing preparation resources related to different examinations.
Explore structured learning resources to support your typing improvement.
Whether your target is 30 WPM, 35 WPM, 40 WPM, or higher, consistent practice and careful performance analysis can help you progress toward your goal.
15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I increase my typing speed from 20 to 40 WPM in 30 days?
It is possible for some learners to improve from 20 WPM to 40 WPM within 30 days, especially if their initial speed is limited by technique or keyboard familiarity. However, doubling typing speed is an ambitious target, and there is no guaranteed timeline.
Q2. How can I increase my typing speed quickly?
Learn proper finger placement, practice touch typing, focus on accuracy, complete timed typing tests, and review your mistakes regularly. Gradually increase difficulty instead of rushing through every paragraph.
Q3. Is 40 WPM a good typing speed?
A speed of 40 WPM is a useful milestone for many everyday typing tasks and learners. Whether it is sufficient for a particular job or government examination depends on the official requirements.
Q4. How many hours should I practice typing daily?
Many beginners can start with 20–30 minutes of focused practice daily. Learners preparing for typing examinations may gradually increase practice time to 30–60 minutes, including suitable breaks.
Q5. Which is more important: typing speed or accuracy?
Both are important. High speed with frequent mistakes can reduce effective performance. Developing accuracy alongside speed is a better long-term strategy.
Q6. Can I improve typing speed without looking at the keyboard?
Yes. Touch typing helps you develop keyboard familiarity and reduces the need to look down repeatedly. It requires consistent practice with correct finger positioning.
Q7. How can I improve typing speed for SSC and railway exams?
Practice using exam-relevant paragraphs, verify the required speed and test duration, follow the permitted keyboard and correction rules, and complete realistic timed mock tests.
Q8. Is 95% typing accuracy enough?
A practice accuracy target of approximately 95% or higher can be useful for many learners. However, government examinations may apply specific mistake deductions or qualifying standards, so always follow the relevant official instructions.
Q9. Can I improve Hindi and English typing together?
Yes, but it is usually more effective to practice each language in separate sessions. Hindi typing may require additional keyboard layout and character-combination practice.
Q10. Which website can I use to practice typing for free?
You can start with the available typing practice exercises on TypingAcademy, which provides English and Hindi typing resources and government exam-oriented practice options. Some advanced resources may require a paid plan.
Q11. Why is my typing speed not improving despite daily practice?
Possible reasons include incorrect finger placement, repeated mistakes, practicing only easy paragraphs, lack of progress tracking, fatigue, or trying to type too fast. Reviewing your results and using targeted exercises can help address these issues.
Q12. What should I do if I cannot reach 40 WPM after 30 days?
Review your progress, identify the keys and words that cause frequent mistakes, and continue structured practice. Improvement is not always linear, and building reliable technique is more valuable than rushing to achieve a target speed.
Conclusion
Increasing typing speed from 20 to 40 WPM requires patience, proper technique, regular practice, and attention to accuracy.
A structured 30-day typing improvement plan gives you a practical way to build keyboard familiarity, improve typing rhythm, reduce mistakes, and develop confidence during timed tests.
Start by measuring your current WPM, learning proper finger placement, and practicing short paragraphs accurately. Gradually increase the difficulty and duration of your typing exercises while reviewing your performance.
Whether you are preparing for SSC, RRB NTPC, AIIMS CRE, Rajasthan government recruitment, or improving your professional computer skills, consistent typing practice can make a meaningful difference.
Ready to improve your typing speed?
Start your 30-day typing improvement challenge today.
Start Free Typing Practice on TypingAcademy
Explore Government Exam Typing Tests
Disclaimer: The 30-day improvement schedule and WPM milestones are illustrative training goals, not guaranteed results. Typing speed calculation methods, qualifying speeds, test durations, and error rules vary across recruitment examinations. Always refer to official examination notifications for authoritative requirements.

