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List of Languages in 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution| UPSC Notes PDF

Last Updated on May 14, 2025
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Languages in 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution are those that receive official recognition and significant support from the government of India. This recognition is important not only for preserving cultural and linguistic diversity. It is also for promoting the development and widespread usage of these languages across various domains such as education, governance, and cultural activities.

The languages in the 8th schedule of Indian Constitution is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the Polity subject in the Mains General Studies Paper-II syllabus and General Studies Paper-1 of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus.

In this post on the Languages in 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution, we will discuss the List of Languages, which will be very helpful for the aspirants in their UPSC IAS preparation.

The UPSC aspirants can also take the help of Testbook’s UPSC CSE Coaching to boost their UPSC Exam preparation! You can also study other major topics related to UPSC IAS Exams with Testbook!

Download UPSC Polity Notes with this link!

About the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution

The 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution was created to recognize the diverse linguistic fabric of India by listing the languages that hold an official status. Initially, when the Constitution was adopted on January 26, 1950, the 8th Schedule included 14 languages. Over time, demands for recognition of other languages grew from different communities. Hence, the list was expanded to accommodate more languages. The inclusion aims to provide these languages with state support in terms of promotion, development, and use in official communication, thereby ensuring their survival and growth in a multilingual nation like India.

Constitutional Provisions Related to the 8th Schedule

Articles Under the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution

Article

Provisions

Article 344

Deals with Committee and Commission of Parliament constituted for official language.

Article 344(1)

Deals with the formation of a Commission by the President that consists of a Chairman and such other members representing the different languages specified in the 8th Schedule to make recommendations to the President.

Article 344(2)

Specifies the duty of the Commission to make recommendations to the President for progressive use of Hindi, restrictions on English, and usage of other languages.

Article 344(4)

Deals with composition of committee and specifies the procedure for selection of members of the committee.

Article 344(5)

Specifies the duty of the Committee to examine the recommendations of the Commission to the President.

Article 351

Specifies the duty of the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language.

Study about all 12 Schedules of the Indian Constitution here!

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List of Languages in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution

The 8th Schedule currently lists 22 languages, each with its own unique cultural and historical significance. These languages are:

  • Assamese: Spoken mainly in the state of Assam.
  • Bengali: Predominantly used in West Bengal and national language of Bangladesh.
  • Bodo: A language of the Bodo people in Assam.
  • Dogri: Spoken in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Gujarati: The language of the state of Gujarat.
  • Hindi: Widely spoken across northern and central India.
  • Kannada: The state language of Karnataka.
  • Kashmiri: Used predominantly in the Kashmir Valley.
  • Konkani: Spoken in Goa and parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
  • Maithili: Common in Bihar and Jharkhand.
  • Malayalam: The state language of Kerala.
  • Manipuri: Official language of Manipur.
  • Marathi: Predominantly spoken in Maharashtra.
  • Nepali: Spoken in Sikkim and parts of West Bengal.
  • Odia: The state language of Odisha.
  • Punjabi: Widely spoken in Punjab.
  • Sanskrit: An ancient language of traditional and scholarly significance.
  • Santali: Spoken by the Santhal tribal community in Jharkhand and surrounding states.
  • Sindhi: Used by the Sindhi community, mainly in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
  • Tamil: The state language of Tamil Nadu.
  • Telugu: The primary language in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
  • Urdu: Widely spoken in many states, primarily in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, and West Bengal.

Read the article on the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution!

Chronology of Addition of Languages

The chronology of additions reflects India’s ongoing efforts to recognize and support its linguistic diversity. Originally containing 14 languages, the Schedule has expanded over the decades:

  • 1950: The original 14 languages included Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
  • 1967: Sindhi was added.
  • 1992: Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali were included.
  • 2003: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santali were added.

Criteria to Include a Language Under the 8th Schedule

The inclusion of a language under the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution signifies recognition and grants certain official benefits and protections. Here are the primary criteria and considerations for including a language under the 8th Schedule:

  • Historical and Cultural Significance: The language should have a rich historical and cultural heritage. Its inclusion often recognizes the cultural identity and historical significance of the language for specific regions or communities.
  • Literary Tradition: A well-developed literary tradition in the language, including a body of significant literature, poetry, and scholarly works, supports its case for inclusion.
  • Number of Speakers: The language should be spoken by a substantial population. Though there is no specific numerical threshold, a larger number of speakers strengthens the argument for inclusion.
  • Geographical Spread: The language should be spoken across a considerable geographical area, often in one or more states or regions of India.
  • Official Use in States/Regions: The language may already be used officially and administratively in specific states or regions, enhancing its candidacy for inclusion at the national level.
  • Demand and Advocacy: Persistent demand and advocacy from linguistic groups, civil society organizations, and political representatives play a crucial role. Movements and campaigns for recognition can influence the decision.
  • Government Policies and Priorities: The central government's policies regarding language promotion and protection, including considerations of national integration and linguistic diversity, influence the inclusion process.
  • Educational Resources: Availability of educational resources and mediums of instruction in the language, including textbooks, school curricula, and higher education materials, is a supportive factor.
  • Media and Communication: The presence and usage of the language in mass media, such as newspapers, television, radio, and digital platforms, indicate its functional viability and contemporary relevance.
  • Recommendation by Expert Committees: Recommendations by linguistic experts, commissions, or government-appointed committees examining the status and growth of languages can be pivotal.
  • Policy and Advisory Bodies: Inputs and advisories from bodies like the Sahitya Akademi, which promote Indian literature, can be influential in the inclusion process.

Read the article on the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution!

Classical Languages in India

Classical languages in India are recognized for their extensive ancient literature and historical significance. These languages have a tremendous influence on the linguistic and cultural heritage of the country. The government has conferred the classical status on six languages:

  • Tamil: Recognized in 2004, it has a rich literary tradition dating back over two thousand years.
  • Sanskrit: Recognized in 2005, it is considered the liturgical language of Hinduism and has a profound impact on many Indian languages.
  • Telugu: Recognized in 2008, known for its classical literature and historical importance.
  • Kannada: Recognized in 2008, with a rich historical and literary heritage.
  • Malayalam: Recognized in 2013, it boasts a rich and ancient literary history.
  • Odia: Recognized in 2014, it has significant ancient literary works.

Study Important Articles of the Constitution of India here.

Benefits of Inclusion of a Language under the 8th Schedule

Inclusion in the 8th Schedule brings several benefits to a language and its speakers:

  • Government Support: Official recognition often leads to increased government funding and support for the language’s development, preservation, and promotion.
  • Educational Opportunities: It ensures the language can be used as a medium of instruction and study in educational institutions, promoting literacy in the language.
  • Increased Visibility: The language receives more prominence in official documents, proceedings, and communications.
  • Cultural Preservation: Encourages preservation and regeneration of cultural heritage and traditional practices associated with the language.
  • Linguistic Research: Provides opportunities and resources for academic and linguistic research, fostering deeper study and understanding of the language.
  • Employment Prospects: Increases job opportunities for language teachers, translators, and other professionals specializing in that language within government services.

Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

  • Constitutional Recognition: The inclusion of a language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution grants it official recognition and certain benefits. It thereby acknowledges the cultural and linguistic diversity of India.
  • Current List: As of now, there are 22 languages included in the 8th Schedule. The original constitution listed 14 languages, and additions have been made over the years through various amendments.
  • Benefits and Protections: Languages in the 8th Schedule can be used in parliamentary proceedings, receive official documentation and translation support, and benefit from efforts aimed at preservation and promotion by the government.
  • Literary and Cultural Significance: Inclusion often reflects the literary tradition, historical significance, and cultural heritage of the language. This recognition helps in promoting and preserving important aspects of India's cultural mosaic.
  • Language Development: The government provides financial assistance and support for the educational development of these languages, including the creation of textbooks and educational materials, scholarships, and research funding.
  • Sociopolitical Implications: Inclusion in the 8th Schedule is often the result of persistent advocacy and pressure from linguistic communities and political groups seeking recognition of their language. It also has sociopolitical implications in terms of identity and region-specific pride.
  • Amendments and Additions: The list of languages in the 8th Schedule can be amended through constitutional amendments. Over the years, languages such as Sindhi, Konkani, Manipuri, and others have been added to the list.
  • Future Prospects: There are ongoing demands from various linguistic groups for the inclusion of their languages in the 8th Schedule. The process involves careful consideration based on criteria such as the number of speakers, geographical spread, and significance of the language.
  • Committee Recommendations: Recommendations from committees or linguistic experts often play a crucial role in the inclusion process. The Central Government sometimes appoints committees to study and recommend languages for inclusion.
  • Promotion of Multilingualism: The inclusion of diverse languages underlines India's commitment to promoting multilingualism and demonstrating respect for its linguistic diversity. It also aligns with the nation’s goal of cultural integration and unity in diversity.

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Languages in 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution UPSC FAQs

No, Bhojpuri is not currently included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

No, Rajasthani is not currently included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Yes, Odia is included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Yes, Nepali is included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution currently lists 22 officially recognized languages.

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