Maithili Language Set for Inclusion in Central Teacher Eligibility Test
Local media reports from Bihar indicate that the Maithili language could soon become an option in the Central Teacher Eligibility Test. This development follows the reported clearance of a proposal during a meeting of the National Council for Teacher Education.
The move addresses a long-standing demand from Maithili-speaking regions, particularly Mithilanchal. It represents a significant step toward linguistic inclusion in national examinations.
Political Support and Progress
BJP MP from Darbhanga, Dr Gopal Ji Thakur, shared this development with local media. He confirmed that the process has reached a crucial stage. Once Maithili receives formal notification as a CTET language, candidates whose mother tongue is Maithili will be able to take the examination in that language.
Dr Thakur emphasized that this change could help improve question comprehension and overall performance. This benefit would be particularly valuable for candidates from rural backgrounds who have primarily studied in Maithili.
Expected Benefits for Maithili-Speaking Aspirants
Local media reports highlight several advantages of this potential inclusion. Aspirants not only in Bihar but across India where Maithili is spoken could benefit from this language choice.
Currently, the exam language options include Hindi or any other language in which candidates feel comfortable. However, not all candidates demonstrate equal comfort with these languages. Some face significant difficulties as a result.
Taking the examination in one's mother tongue is expected to make CTET more accessible and fair. It could level the playing field for thousands of Maithili-speaking teaching aspirants.
Current Language Options in CTET
At present, CTET is conducted in twenty languages. Candidates must select two languages—Language I and Language II—during the application process. The existing language options include:
- Hindi
- English
- Urdu
- Sanskrit
- Punjabi
- Bengali
- Assamese
- Gujarati
- Marathi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Kannada
- Malayalam
- Odia
- Nepali
- Konkani
- Manipuri
- Khasi
- Garo
- Mizo
Maithili does not currently appear on this official list. If approved and formally notified, it would become an additional option for candidates in the language sections of the examination.
Understanding the CTET Examination Structure
The Central Board of Secondary Education conducts the Central Teacher Eligibility Test. This examination serves candidates aspiring to teach Classes I to VIII in central government schools and other institutions that recognize CTET scores.
CTET consists of two separate papers:
- Paper I: For candidates intending to teach Classes I to V
- Paper II: For candidates intending to teach Classes VI to VIII
Candidates aiming to teach Classes I to VIII must appear for both papers.
Paper I includes five sections:
- Child Development and Pedagogy
- Language I
- Language II
- Mathematics
- Environmental Studies
Paper II includes four sections:
- Child Development and Pedagogy
- Language I
- Language II
- Mathematics and Science or Social Studies/Social Science (depending on the candidate's teaching subject)
Each paper contains 150 multiple-choice questions, carries 150 marks, and has a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The examination follows a no-negative-marking policy.
Awaiting Official Confirmation
While local media reports indicate regulatory progress, official confirmation from CBSE remains pending. The inclusion of Maithili in CTET notifications requires formal announcement. Any changes to language choices will appear in future CTET information bulletins.
If implemented, this move would expand linguistic representation in the national teacher eligibility examination. It would mark an important milestone for Maithili-speaking teaching aspirants across the country.
