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If you are planning to appear for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test, one question that comes up early is: How Many Languages is the CTET Exam Conducted In? The answer has changed recently, so many websites still display outdated information.
Short answer: CBSE conducts the CTET in 27 languages from the 22nd edition (2026 cycle). Earlier editions, including the February 2026 exam, offered 20 languages. You must choose two different languages as Language 1 and Language 2.
This guide provides the complete list of languages with their codes, details about the seven newly added languages, and tips to help you choose the right combination.
How Many Languages is the CTET Exam Conducted In?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Total languages in the current CTET (22nd edition) | 27 |
| Languages in earlier editions | 20 |
| Languages you must select | 2 (Language I and Language II) |
| Can both be the same? | No |
| Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu available? | Yes |
CTET Languages: 20 vs 27
1: The first recipient of the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna’ award?
Earlier, CTET was held in 20 languages. For example, the February 2026 exam was announced in 20 Indian languages. The CTET September 2026 notification expanded this to 27 languages, and the board added Maithili and several other regional languages to make the exam more inclusive. The official bulletin for the September 2026 cycle lists all 27 with codes 01 to 27.
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Join Now!Complete List of CTET Languages with Codes
| Code | Language | Code | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | English | 15 | Punjabi |
| 02 | Hindi | 16 | Sanskrit |
| 03 | Assamese | 17 | Tamil |
| 04 | Bengali | 18 | Telugu |
| 05 | Garo | 19 | Tibetan |
| 06 | Gujarati | 20 | Urdu |
| 07 | Kannada | 21 | Bodo |
| 08 | Khasi | 22 | Dogri |
| 09 | Malayalam | 23 | Kashmiri |
| 10 | Manipuri | 24 | Konkani |
| 11 | Marathi | 25 | Maithili |
| 12 | Mizo | 26 | Santhali |
| 13 | Nepali | 27 | Sindhi |
| 14 | Odia |
Note the code of each language you choose, because you need it in the application form.
CTET New Languages Added with Codes
Compared with the earlier 20-language list, the newly available options are:
- Bodo (21)
- Dogri (22)
- Kashmiri (23)
- Konkani (24)
- Maithili (25)
- Santhali (26)
- Sindhi (27)
These are Eighth Schedule languages, so speakers of these languages can now take Language I or Language II in their own language.
Language I vs Language II – CTET 2026
Every candidate, in both Paper 1 and Paper 2, writes two language sections. Each has 30 questions for 30 marks.
- Language I: Focuses on proficiency related to the medium of instruction.
- Language II: Focuses on the elements of language, communication and comprehension abilities.
Each section tests reading comprehension (unseen passages) and the pedagogy of language development, meaning how languages are taught and learned.
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Join Now!CTET Rules for Choosing Your Languages
- Choose two languages. Both sections are compulsory.
- Language II must differ from Language I.
- Choose in the application form and mention it on the confirmation page. It appears on your admit card.
- Attempt the questions in the chosen languages only. Answers in the wrong language can put your candidature at risk.
- Check the code before you submit.
Language of the Question Paper – CTET Exam 2026
The language sections are set in the language you choose. For the other sections, such as Child Development and Pedagogy, Mathematics, Environmental Studies and Science, the paper is set in English and Hindi. Confirm the current medium rules in the information bulletin on ctet.nic.in.
How Language Sections Affect Your Score
Language I and II together are 60 of the 150 marks (40%), so they carry as much weight as Mathematics, EVS or Science combined.
- You need 60% (90/150) to qualify as a General candidate.
- There is no negative marking, so attempt every question.
- Language sections are often the easiest to score in, so a careless choice costs you marks.
How to Choose the Best Language Combination
- Pick languages you can read fluently. The comprehension passages take time.
- Match your teaching goal. Language I should usually be the language you want to teach in.
- Consider available study material. Popular languages have more mock tests and previous papers.
- Think about pedagogy. The teaching-method questions are similar across languages, but you must understand them in your chosen language.
- Do not choose a language only because it looks easy. Test yourself with a mock test first.
Common combinations: English + Hindi, Hindi + English, Malayalam + English, Tamil + English, Kannada + English, Telugu + English, Bengali + English, Marathi + Hindi.
Prepare for CTET Languages with Entri
The Entri app helps you prepare for the language sections and the full CTET.
- Language I and II practice tests for the popular options
- Comprehension practice with unseen passages
- Pedagogy of language development classes
- Full CTET mock tests for Paper 1 and Paper 2
- Previous year papers with detailed solutions
- Progress tracking to find weak topics
Download the Entri app and start your CTET preparation today.
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Join Now!Frequently Asked Questions
In how many languages is CTET conducted?
27 languages in the current 22nd edition, up from 20 in earlier editions.
Which languages are new in CTET?
Bodo, Dogri, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Santhali and Sindhi.
Is Malayalam available in CTET?
Yes, Malayalam has language code 09.
Can I choose the same language for Language I and Language II?
No. They must be different.
Are both language sections compulsory?
Yes, in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
How many marks do language sections carry?
30 marks each, 60 marks in total out of 150.
In which language is the rest of the paper set?
Generally English and Hindi. Confirm this in the official bulletin.
Can I change my language after submitting the form?
Only during an official correction window, if CBSE opens one. Check the notice on ctet.nic.in.
When is the next CTET exam?
Per the revised notice, the 22nd edition is scheduled for 12 and 13 December 2026. Confirm on ctet.nic.in.
