How many languages were originally listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India (before later additions increased the total number of recognised languages)?

Introduction / Context:
The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India contains a list of languages that the Constitution recognises for specific purposes such as representation on the Official Languages Commission and the development of these languages. Over time, the number of languages in this schedule has increased through various Constitutional Amendments. However, many exam questions focus on the number of languages at specific historical points. This question asks how many languages were listed in the Eighth Schedule after the major early expansions, before still later additions raised the total to the current figure.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The options provide numbers 14, 15, 18 and 25.
- The question specifically mentions the situation before later additions increased the total number.
- We assume awareness that the Constitution originally listed 14 languages and that later amendments increased this number.
- The key figure commonly asked in older general knowledge questions is 18 languages, reflecting the situation before still more languages were added in the early twenty first century.

Concept / Approach:
When the Constitution came into effect in 1950, the Eighth Schedule contained 14 languages. Later, the Twenty first Amendment added Sindhi, taking the number to 15. Subsequent amendments, notably the Seventy first and Seventy fourth Amendments, added more languages such as Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali, and later Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santhali, eventually raising the total to 22. However, for a long time, many competitive examinations referred to the figure of 18 languages before the most recent additions. This question follows that older examination pattern where 18 was the well known figure for the Eighth Schedule.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the original number of languages in the Eighth Schedule was 14.Step 2: Remember that subsequent amendments gradually added new languages to the list.Step 3: Note that for many years, especially before the ninety second amendment, the total number reached 18 and this figure became a standard exam fact.Step 4: Observe that the question refers to the stage before later additions increased the total beyond this commonly cited number.Step 5: Therefore, select 18 languages as the correct answer from the given options.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, you can look at the sequence of Constitutional Amendments concerning the Eighth Schedule. After the original 14 languages, Sindhi was added, followed by other languages, bringing the number to 18 by the time certain key amendments were passed. Many earlier general knowledge references and question banks state that there are 18 languages in the Eighth Schedule, reflecting the situation at that time. More recent amendments have pushed the number to 22, but that stage is not the focus of this older style question, which clearly aligns with 18 languages.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, 14 languages, describes the very original number at the time of the adoption of the Constitution, but does not match the situation after later initial amendments that the question implicitly refers to. Option B, 15 languages, corresponds to the stage after adding Sindhi, but before other subsequent additions, and again does not match the commonly asked figure in examination practice. Option D, 25 languages, exceeds even the current number and is therefore incorrect in any historical stage mentioned in standard references for this topic.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse different stages in the expansion of the Eighth Schedule. Some memorise only the latest figure, while others remember only the original 14 languages. Examination questions can be tricky because they may refer to different time frames. It is important to read the wording carefully, especially phrases like originally, at present or before later additions, to know which number is being asked for.

Final Answer:
18 languages were listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India at the stage referred to in this question, before additional later amendments raised the total further.