CBSE: CBSE Recognizes Maithili as a Third Language—Find Out What Changes This Will Bring..

CBSE Maithili Curriculum: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has welcomed the decision to recognize the Maithili language as a mother tongue subject in the curriculum of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for classes 1 through 8. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary described this initiative by the Central Government as a matter of pride. Expressing his delight on the social networking site 'X', the Chief Minister wrote, "This decision—taken to secure a strong position for Mithila's rich cultural heritage and the Maithili mother tongue within the education system—is historic and highly welcome."

A Matter of Pride for Linguistic Dignity
He further wrote that the recognition of the Maithili language as a mother tongue subject within the CBSE curriculum—spanning from Class 1 up to the secondary level—is a matter of pride for Mithila's cultural identity and linguistic dignity.

He stated that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the preservation and promotion of Indian languages, culture, and traditions are continuously gaining new strength. Chief Minister Chaudhary remarked that this decision will not only accord a new identity and respect to the Maithili language but will also serve as a powerful medium to connect future generations with their mother tongue, culture, and roots.

It is noteworthy that the CBSE has included Maithili in its curriculum at the secondary level, effective from the academic session 2026-27. This information was conveyed by Jayant Chaudhary, the Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in a letter addressed to Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Gopalji Thakur. In the letter, issued on May 19, 2026, the Minister explained that following a request sent by MP Dr. Thakur on February 8, 2026, the matter was examined by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The examination revealed that, under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, special emphasis has been placed on imparting early education to children in their mother tongue.

Maithili is One of the 22 Recognized Languages
According to the policy, arrangements are to be made for instruction through the medium of the mother tongue up to Class 5, and—wherever possible—up to Class 8. In his letter, the Union Minister clarified that Maithili is one of the 22 recognized languages ​​included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Primers have been developed by the NCERT in 121 Indian languages, including Maithili.

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