Official Language MCQ: Article 210 State Legislature Language, 92nd Amendment & Official Language Commission

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.Which article deals with the language to be used in the Legislature of a State?

   • A.Article 120
   • B.Article 210✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Article 345
   • D.Article 348

   Explanation: Article 210 deals with the language to be used in the Legislature of a State, while Article 120 deals with Parliament.

2. Q2.If the State Legislature does not adopt any language, which language continues to be the official language of the state?

   • A.Hindi
   • B.English✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Sanskrit
   • D.Urdu

   Explanation: Under Article 345, until the legislature of the State otherwise provides by law, the English language shall continue to be used.

3. Q3.Which language was the last one added to the 8th Schedule (along with 3 others) in 2003?

   • A.Konkani
   • B.Sindhi
   • C.Santhali✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Nepali

   Explanation: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali were added by the 92nd Amendment Act of 2003.

4. Q4.The English translation of State Acts/Ordinances, when Hindi or a regional language is used, must be published under whose authority?

   • A.President
   • B.Governor✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Chief Justice of High Court
   • D.Speaker of Assembly

   Explanation: It must be published under the authority of the Governor of the State, and it is deemed to be the authoritative text in English.

5. Q5.Which Ministry has established the 'Central Institute of Indian Languages'?

   • A.Ministry of Culture
   • B.Ministry of Education (HRD)✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Ministry of Home Affairs
   • D.Ministry of External Affairs

   Explanation: The Central Institute of Indian Languages (Mysore) was established by the Ministry of Education (formerly HRD).

6. Q6.Is 'English' included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution?

   • A.Yes
   • B.No✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Yes, as an Associate Language
   • D.Yes, strictly for Nagaland

   Explanation: English is NOT included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

7. Q7.The constitution of the Official Language Commission is provided under which Clause of Article 344?

   • A.Clause (1)✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Clause (2)
   • C.Clause (3)
   • D.Clause (4)

   Explanation: Article 344(1) provides for the constitution of an Official Language Commission by the President.

8. Q8.What happens if there is a conflict between the Hindi text and English text of a Central Act?

   • A.Hindi text prevails
   • B.English text prevails✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Supreme Court decides
   • D.President decides

   Explanation: Where the authoritative text is in English (under Art 348), in case of conflict, the English version prevails.

9. Q9.Which language is NOT among the classical languages listed in M. Laxmikanth (standard list)?

   • A.Tamil
   • B.Sanskrit
   • C.Bengali✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Malayalam

   Explanation: The 6 standard Classical languages are Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. (Note: Bengali was added later in 2024, but standard editions list the first 6).

10. Q10.The protection of interests of minorities is specifically mentioned in which Article (Cultural and Educational Rights)?

    • A.Article 29✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Article 30
    • C.Article 31
    • D.Article 32

    Explanation: Article 29 provides for the protection of interests of minorities, allowing any section of citizens to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture.

11. Q11.Which Amendment Act facilitated the appointment of the same person as a Governor for two or more states?

    • A.7th Amendment Act, 1956✓ Correct Answer
    • B.1st Amendment Act, 1951
    • C.42nd Amendment Act, 1976
    • D.44th Amendment Act, 1978

    Explanation: The 7th Amendment Act of 1956 facilitated the appointment of the same person as a Governor for two or more states. (Context: This amendment also added Art 350B for Linguistic Minorities).

12. Q12.Who determines the salary and allowances of the Staff of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Official Language?

    • A.Parliament✓ Correct Answer
    • B.President
    • C.Speaker of Lok Sabha
    • D.Ministry of Finance

    Explanation: The Parliament determines the matters related to the Official Language Committee.

13. Q13.Which language was added to the 8th Schedule by the 21st Amendment Act?

    • A.Sindhi✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Konkani
    • C.Manipuri
    • D.Nepali

    Explanation: Sindhi was added by the 21st Amendment Act of 1967.

14. Q14.How many languages are currently listed in the Eighth Schedule?

    • A.18
    • B.22✓ Correct Answer
    • C.24
    • D.14

    Explanation: There are currently 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule.

15. Q15.Article 350 gives the right to submit a representation in which language?

    • A.Any language used in the Union or the State✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Only Official Language of the Union
    • C.Only Official Language of the State
    • D.Only Mother Tongue

    Explanation: Article 350 entitles every person to submit a representation for the redress of any grievance in any of the languages used in the Union or in the State.

16. Q16.Which Constitutional Amendment Act made provisions for the authoritative text of the Constitution in the Hindi language?

    • A.58th Amendment Act, 1987✓ Correct Answer
    • B.61st Amendment Act, 1988
    • C.42nd Amendment Act, 1976
    • D.44th Amendment Act, 1978

    Explanation: The 58th Amendment Act of 1987 inserted Article 394-A, which provides for the authoritative text of the Constitution in the Hindi language.

17. Q17.Under Article 344, the Official Language Commission consists of a Chairman and members representing?

    • A.Each State of India
    • B.The different languages specified in the Eighth Schedule✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Only Hindi speaking states
    • D.The Union Territories

    Explanation: The Commission consists of a Chairman and such other members representing the different languages specified in the Eighth Schedule.

18. Q18.Does the Constitution explicitly define the term 'Linguistic Minority'?

    • A.Yes, in Article 366
    • B.Yes, in Article 350B
    • C.No, it is not defined in the Constitution✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Yes, in the Preamble

    Explanation: No, the Constitution does not define the term 'Linguistic Minority'. It is determined on a state-wise basis.

19. Q19.Which article mandates that the Official Language Commission must have due regard to the industrial, cultural, and scientific advancement of India?

    • A.Article 343
    • B.Article 344✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Article 345
    • D.Article 346

    Explanation: Article 344(3) states that the Commission shall have due regard to the industrial, cultural, and scientific advancement of India and the just claims of non-Hindi speaking areas.

20. Q20.In the Committee of Parliament on Official Language, how are the members elected?

    • A.Nominated by the President
    • B.Elected by the people directly
    • C.Elected by members of respective Houses via proportional representation✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Nominated by the Speaker

    Explanation: The members are elected by the members of the respective Houses in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.