Why this matters now
The official-language provisions, the Eighth Schedule and the three-language formula are tested in polity and remain a sensitive, topical policy issue.
Official languages of the Union
Article 343 makes Hindi (in Devanagari) the official language of the Union, with English as an associate official language (continued indefinitely by the Official Languages Act, 1963). Hindi is not the national language — India has no single national language. States may adopt their own official language(s).
The Eighth Schedule
The Eighth Schedule lists the 22 scheduled languages that the Constitution recognises for development and representation (e.g. in official-language commissions and certain exams). There are demands to add more languages to it. This is distinct from classical-language status.
Language policy and safeguards
India follows the three-language formula in education (mother tongue/regional language + Hindi + English, with flexibility). The Constitution provides safeguards for linguistic minorities (Article 29, 350A/350B — a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities). Language remains a politically sensitive issue (the anti-Hindi-imposition debates).
UPSC angle
Know Hindi (Art 343, official, not national) + English (associate, Official Languages Act 1963), the Eighth Schedule (22 languages), the three-language formula, and linguistic-minority safeguards (350A/350B).
Frequently asked questions
What is the official language of the Union?
Hindi in Devanagari script (Article 343), with English as an associate official language.
Does India have a national language?
No — India has official languages but no single national language.
What is the Eighth Schedule?
A list of 22 languages recognised by the Constitution for development and representation.
What is the three-language formula?
An education policy of teaching three languages — the mother tongue/regional language, Hindi and English (with flexibility).