Hindi in Devanagari script is the official language of the Union, not a national language. The Constitution does not designate any national language. The Eighth Schedule lists 22 languages.
Committee composition = 20 (LS) + 10 (RS) = 30 total. Same LS:RS ratio (2:1) as Public Accounts Committee (15+7=22). Remember — LS always has more members in joint committees.
21st Amendment (1967) → Sindhi (1 language). 71st Amendment (1992) → Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali (3 languages). 92nd Amendment (2003) → Bodo, Dogri, Santhali, Maithili (4 languages). Total added = 1+3+4 = 8. Original 14 + 8 = 22.
Maithili, a major language of Bihar, and Santhali were among the four languages added to the Eighth Schedule by the 92nd Amendment of 2003.
English is not listed in the Eighth Schedule, whereas Sanskrit is. Kashmiri and Sindhi are scheduled languages without an exclusive State or Union Territory. UPSC candidates may use a scheduled language as permitted by the examination rules.
Tamil = 1st Classical Language (2004). Total now = 11 Classical Languages (after 2024 additions). Classical Languages are NOT in Constitution — govt. decision, not constitutional provision. Maithili still NOT a classical language despite being in 8th Schedule.
| Year | Language(s) Declared Classical | Count |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Tamil 🥇 (First!) | 1 |
| 2005 | Sanskrit | 1 |
| 2008 | Telugu, Kannada | 2 |
| 2013 | Malayalam | 1 |
| 2014 | Odia | 1 |
| 2024 🆕 | Pali, Marathi, Prakrit, Assamese, Bengali | 5 |
| TOTAL | 11 | |
In 2024, five languages—Pali, Marathi, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali—were granted classical-language status. This increased the total from six to eleven.
Hindi Day is observed in India on 14 September, marking the 1949 adoption of Hindi as an official language. World Hindi Day is observed internationally on 10 January. Do not confuse the dates.
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| 343 | Official Language of the Union → Hindi in Devanagari script |
| 344 | Parliamentary Commission & Committee on Official Language |
| 345 | Official Language of the State |
| 346 | Language for communication between States & the Union |
| 348 | Language of the Judiciary & Legislation |
| 350(A) | Education in mother tongue at the primary stage |
| 351 | Promotion & development of Hindi language |
Art. 343 — Hindi = Union Official Language. Art. 348 — SC & HC proceedings in English (unless President orders otherwise). Art. 351 — Centre's duty to develop Hindi. 8th Schedule — 22 languages (NOT part of Art. 343–351 range but linked).
Art. 348 — SC and HC language = English (unless President authorizes otherwise). Many assume courts work in Hindi — but constitutionally, English is the court language at the highest levels.
| Amendment | Year | Languages Added |
|---|---|---|
| 21st | 1967 | Sindhi |
| 71st | 1992 | Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali |
| 92nd | 2003 | Bodo, Dogri, Santhali, Maithili |