Besides Hindi, how many other languages are recognized as scheduled language by the Constitution?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:
The correct option is 3, which states the number of languages is 21. This is the correct answer because the question specifically asks for the number of scheduled languages *besides Hindi*. The Constitution of India, specifically through the Eighth Schedule, currently recognizes a total of 22 languages. These languages are accorded official status, recognition, and encouragement by the government for their development. When the Constitution was originally adopted in 1950, the Eighth Schedule listed 14 languages. Over time, subsequent constitutional amendments added other languages to the list. For instance, Sindhi was added by the 21st Amendment Act of 1967, and Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali were added by the 71st Amendment Act of 1992. The most recent additions were Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali, included by the 92nd Amendment Act of 2003, bringing the total tally to 22 languages. Since Hindi is one of these 22 recognized scheduled languages, to find the number of *other* languages besides Hindi, we subtract 1 from the total: 22 - 1 = 21. Therefore, 21 is the precise number of scheduled languages other than Hindi. This knowledge requires familiarity with the constitutional facts concerning language policy in India.

The incorrect option is 1 (18):
Option 1 suggests that 18 languages besides Hindi are recognized. This figure is incorrect because the total number of languages in the Eighth Schedule is 22. If we subtract Hindi from this count, the result is 21, not 18. The number 18 does not correspond to any significant milestone in the history of the Eighth Schedule, such as the initial number of languages (which was 14) or the number after certain amendments. Choosing 18 would indicate a misunderstanding of the current composition of the Eighth Schedule. Students must remember the latest constitutional amendment (92nd Amendment, 2003) brought the count up to 22. Consequently, using 18 ignores the subsequent inclusion of several languages.

The incorrect option is 2 (20):
Option 2 states that 20 languages besides Hindi are recognized. While 20 is close to the correct figure of 21, it is factually inaccurate regarding the current status of the Eighth Schedule. A count of 20 languages would imply a total of 21 scheduled languages (20 + Hindi), which is one language short of the constitutional reality of 22 languages. Students who choose 20 might be recalling an outdated number or failing to account for the full list of languages currently recognized. This option demonstrates a partial knowledge of the list of languages and the cumulative effect of the constitutional amendments.

The incorrect option is 4 (22):
Option 4 suggests that 22 languages besides Hindi are recognized. This is incorrect because 22 is the *total* number of languages included in the Eighth Schedule, and this total explicitly includes Hindi. The question requires the count *besides* Hindi, meaning Hindi must be excluded from the total count. Choosing 22 indicates a failure to read the question carefully and exclude Hindi from the final calculation as requested. This is a common error in multiple-choice questions where the total number is included as an option when a subset is asked for.