National Language of India: Myth vs. Reality

Published on May 14, 2025
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4 Min read time

Table of Contents

India is a land of rich cultural and linguistic diversity. With over 19,500 spoken languages or dialects, the question of a single “national language of India” often arises. In this article, we will explore the constitutional provisions, common misconceptions, and factual clarity about India’s language policy.

This comprehensive guide aims to clear the confusion surrounding the national language of India, examining official designations, language use in governance, and the legal framework that governs linguistic diversity.

national language of india

Understanding the National Language Debate

Many assume that Hindi is the national language of India due to its wide usage and official recognition. However, this belief is not backed by the Indian Constitution. The confusion arises from the prominence of Hindi in public discourse and governance, but legally speaking, India does not have a national language.

Official Languages of India

According to Article 343 of the Indian Constitution:

  • Hindi in Devanagari script is the official language of the Union.
  • English continues to be used for official purposes.

National vs Official Language

CategoryIndia
National LanguageNone
Official LanguageHindi and English
Scheduled Languages22

22 Scheduled Languages

Under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, 22 languages are recognised as scheduled languages. These are:

S.No.Language
1Assamese
2Bengali
3Bodo
4Dogri
5Gujarati
6Hindi
7Kannada
8Kashmiri
9Konkani
10Maithili
11Malayalam
12Manipuri
13Marathi
14Nepali
15Odia
16Punjabi
17Sanskrit
18Santali
19Sindhi
20Tamil
21Telugu
22Urdu

Difference Between National and Official Language

AspectNational LanguageOfficial Language
PurposeSymbolic of national identityUsed for government functioning
UsageIntended to be used across the countryNot necessarily recognised by law
NumberUsually only one languageCan be more than one
RecognitionRecognised by the ConstitutionRecognized by the Constitution

Role of Hindi and English

LanguageKey Points
Hindi– Widely spoken across North and Central India
– Promoted by the government through various schemes
– Used in many government and administrative communications
English– Legacy of the British era
– Common medium for higher education, law, and commerce
– Used alongside Hindi for central government communications

Language in the Indian Constitution

ArticleProvision
343Directive for the development of the Hindi language
344Commission and Committee on Official Language
345Official language of the State
346Official language for communication between states and the Union
347Recognition of a language spoken by a section of the population in a state
351Directive for development of the Hindi language

Languages Used in States

Each state in India is empowered to adopt its official language(s) for governance. For example:

  • Tamil Nadu: Tamil
  • West Bengal: Bengali
  • Maharashtra: Marathi
  • Punjab: Punjabi
  • Kerala: Malayalam

Some states use English as an additional official language to Hindi or their regional language

Misconceptions Around Hindi as National Language

Many people incorrectly believe Hindi is the national language because:

  • It is spoken by the majority
  • It is used in central government offices
  • It is taught in schools across many states

However, the Indian government has never declared Hindi as the national language. This distinction is important to uphold the linguistic diversity and equality enshrined in the Constitution.

Language Policy in Education and Government

Education

  • Three-language formula: Encourages learning of Hindi, English, and a regional language
  • State boards follow their policies based on regional preferences

Government

  • Central government communications: Hindi and English
  • State government communications: Primarily in regional languages

Conclusion

India’s approach to language is a powerful reflection of its rich cultural fabric and deep-rooted commitment to inclusivity. The country does not have a national language, a fact often misunderstood. Instead, Hindi and English serve as the official languages at the national level, complemented by the constitutional recognition of 22 scheduled regional languages. This multilingual policy embodies the spirit of both unity and diversity.

India’s Constitution promotes linguistic inclusivity and regional autonomy, allowing states the freedom to preserve and promote their languages. This framework ensures that governance and education can be tailored to local linguistic realities, while national communication remains cohesive and accessible.

Understanding the distinction between a national language and official languages is essential for every citizen. It not only debunks widespread myths but also reinforces the importance of linguistic diversity in shaping a more inclusive and democratic India.

Rather than seeing language as a barrier, India embraces it as a bridge—a celebration of identity and a symbol of federal unity. This progressive approach offers a model for multilingual nations across the globe, proving that diversity, when respected and managed, becomes a strength, not a weakness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q1. Is there a national language of India?

There is no formal National Language of India. However, two official languages, Hindi and English, are used in government offices and courts. Additionally, to cater to the rest of the population, the constitution has recognised 22 scheduled languages.

Q2. Why is Hindi not the national language of India?

Ans. Hindi is our official language, along with English. India is a diverse country where the spoken language changes in each state. Getting all of the population to learn and also speak Hindi would be a hard task. Therefore, the constitution gave the status of official language to Hindi.

Q3. What is the national language of India as per the Constitution?

Ans. The Indian constitution has, importantly, no national language. There are, instead, two official languages, Hindi and English. Both of these languages are for use in Government official work. Along with this, 22 other languages are also stated in the Constitution that have recognition.

Q4. What is the national and official language?

Ans. There are two official languages: Hindi and English.

Q5. The national language of India according to the Indian Constitution

Ans. The Indian Constitution does not recognise any national language. However, Hindi in Devanagari script and English are the official languages of India. States are free to adopt their official languages based on regional preferences.

Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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