What is the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?

The Eighth Schedule is a part of the Indian Constitution (found in Part XVII -- Official Language) that lists the languages officially recognized by the Government of India. It is referenced in Articles 344(1) and 351. As of 2025, the Eighth Schedule recognizes 22 languages.

The Constitution originally listed 14 languages in 1950: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. The schedule has been expanded through constitutional amendments: Sindhi was added by the 21st Amendment (1967); Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali by the 71st Amendment (1992); and Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali by the 92nd Amendment (2003). The spelling "Oriya" was changed to "Odia" by the 96th Amendment (2011).

Inclusion in the Eighth Schedule gives a language official recognition and representation in the Official Language Commission and the Committee of Parliament on Official Language. It also entitles the language to representation on the basis of which candidates can write UPSC and other competitive examinations. There are currently demands for inclusion of 38 additional languages.

Key Features

# Feature Details
1 Constitutional Location Part XVII (Official Language); Articles 344(1) and 351
2 Total Languages 22 (as of 2025)
3 Original Languages (1950) 14: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu
4 21st Amendment (1967) Added Sindhi (15th language)
5 71st Amendment (1992) Added Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali (18 total)
6 92nd Amendment (2003) Added Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali (22 total)
7 96th Amendment (2011) Changed spelling "Oriya" to "Odia"
8 Official Recognition Representation in Official Language Commission and Parliamentary Committee
9 Competitive Exams Languages eligible as medium for UPSC and other examinations
10 Pending Demands 38 additional languages seeking inclusion

UPSC Exam Corner

Prelims: Key Facts

  • Total languages: 22
  • Original (1950): 14 languages
  • Key amendments: 21st (Sindhi), 71st (Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali), 92nd (Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali)
  • Constitutional articles: 344(1) and 351
  • Last additions: 2003 (92nd Amendment)
  • Pending demands: 38 languages

Mains: Probable Themes

  1. Discuss the significance of the Eighth Schedule in India's linguistic diversity and federal framework
  2. Analyse the criteria and process for inclusion of new languages in the Eighth Schedule
  3. "Language politics in India is closely linked to identity and federalism." -- Discuss with reference to the Eighth Schedule
  4. Examine the demands for inclusion of tribal and regional languages in the Eighth Schedule

Sources: Eighth Schedule (Wikipedia) | Constitutional Provisions (MHA) | 8th Schedule (Vajiram & Ravi) | Languages in Eighth Schedule (Rajbhasha.gov.in)