The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) may soon include Maithili as an examination language, according to remarks made by BJP MP from Darbhanga, Gopal Ji Thakur. The indication has raised expectations among Maithili-speaking candidates, for whom the inclusion has been a long-standing demand.
If implemented, the move would expand language options under the CTET framework, which is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). At present, the national-level eligibility test is held in 20 languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil and Urdu. Maithili, despite its widespread use in Bihar and neighbouring regions, is not yet part of the list.
The MP said the proposed change would benefit teaching aspirants from Mithilanchal and other Maithili-speaking areas, improving access to central teaching opportunities. While no formal notification has been issued so far, the statement suggests that discussions are underway ahead of the upcoming CTET cycle.
CTET 2026 schedule and exam structure
The CTET 2026 examination is scheduled to be held on February 8, 2026, as per the existing calendar. The test is conducted in two papers Paper I for candidates aiming to teach Classes I to V, and Paper II for those seeking eligibility for Classes VI to VIII.
Each paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and the examination does not carry negative marking. The subjects vary by paper, covering child development and pedagogy, languages, mathematics, and environmental studies or social science.
Language options under CTET
Currently, CBSE conducts CTET in 20 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Telugu and Urdu. The possible addition of Maithili would mark a significant expansion for regional language representation.
Maithili is spoken by millions across Bihar and parts of eastern India and has constitutional recognition under the Eighth Schedule.
CTET admit card and official updates
CBSE is expected to release the CTET 2026 admit card shortly on the official website https://ctet.nic.in. Candidates will be able to download the hall ticket using their application number and date of birth.
Officials have advised candidates to rely only on the CTET portal for verified information related to exam guidelines, language options and admit card updates.
Exam day guidelines
Candidates appearing for CTET must carry their admit card along with a valid government-issued photo ID. Electronic devices, including mobile phones and smart accessories, are not permitted inside examination centres.
With the CTET 2026 examination approaching, aspirants are awaiting official confirmation on the inclusion of Maithili. Any formal decision by CBSE is expected to be announced through a notification on the CTET website in the coming weeks.
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