Prasar Bharati's News Services Division (Akashvani, New Delhi) has announced recruitment for a Newsreader-cum-Translator position in Urdu on a casual assignment basis. This is an excellent opportunity for language professionals proficient in Urdu and English to work in radio news broadcasting. Eligible candidates aged 21–50 years must submit offline applications by 23 November 2026 at 6:00 pm.
Overview
Akashvani Delhi, one of India's premier public broadcasting services, is recruiting for a single casual-engagement position of Newsreader-cum-Translator (Urdu). This role is ideal for candidates with strong bilingual skills in Urdu and English who wish to contribute to news dissemination in radio broadcasting. The position involves delivering news bulletins, translating editorial content between English and Urdu, and ensuring accuracy and clarity in radio broadcasts. This is not a permanent position but a casual assignment, making it suitable for freelance professionals or those seeking part-time engagement in broadcasting.
The recruitment process has been designed to identify candidates with the right blend of language proficiency, news sense, and broadcasting quality. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to translate complex news stories, understand current affairs, and deliver content with appropriate voice modulation suitable for radio. Fluency in Hindi, while not mandatory, is considered an added advantage.
Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Notice Release Date | 28 October 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 23 November 2026 at 6:00 pm |
| Written Test | Date and venue to be announced on official website |
Application Fee
All candidates, irrespective of category, must pay the non-refundable application fee. No fee exemption is available except as per the official notification. Payment details and mode of submission will be specified in the application proforma.
| Category | Fee (Non-Refundable) |
|---|---|
| General | ₹354 (including GST) |
| SC/ST/OBC | ₹266 (including GST) |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Number of Vacancies | Nature of Engagement |
|---|---|---|
| Newsreader-cum-Translator (Urdu) | 1 | Casual Assignment Basis |
Eligibility
Age Limit: Candidates must be between 21 and 50 years of age. Age will be calculated as on the date of application closure (23 November 2026). Valid age proof such as birth certificate or school leaving certificate must be attached with the application.
Educational & Language Requirements: Sound knowledge of both Urdu and English is essential. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to translate accurately from English to Urdu and from Urdu to English. Proficiency in news writing and current affairs understanding is expected. Fluency in Hindi is an added advantage and may enhance your candidacy during the interview stage.
Documents Required: Candidates must submit certified copies of age proof, educational qualifications, language proficiency certificates (if any), Aadhaar or identity proof, and any other documents mentioned in the official notification and application proforma.
How to Apply
- Visit the official notification and application proforma (PDF) on the NSD: Akashvani website and download it carefully.
- Read all instructions in the notification thoroughly before commencing your application.
- Fill in the prescribed application proforma completely with accurate personal information, contact details, and educational qualifications.
- Prepare certified photocopies of all supporting documents: age proof (birth certificate or school certificate), educational qualifications (certificates/diplomas), language proficiency proof, Aadhaar card, and any other credentials mentioned in the notification.
- Affix a recent passport-sized photograph on the application form as specified. Ensure the quality is clear and meets the prescribed dimensions.
- Print the completed application form and all annexures on plain white paper. Check that all entries are legible and correct before printing.
- Arrange the documents in the sequence specified in the notification and compile them into a single package.
- Send the entire application package via registered post or reliable courier service to the News Services Division (Akashvani) office in New Delhi. Ensure the parcel is dispatched well in advance of the 23 November 2026, 6:00 pm deadline.
- The postmark date on the envelope will be considered as the application submission date. Applications received after 6:00 pm on 23 November 2026 will be rejected automatically.
- Keep the postal receipt, tracking number, and a personal copy of your application for reference and follow-up.
Selection Process
The recruitment follows a two-stage selection process designed to evaluate both technical knowledge and on-air suitability.
Stage 1: Written Test (100 marks, 3 hours): The Written Test assesses your language proficiency and news knowledge. The test covers English-to-Urdu and Urdu-to-English translation, short notes on current affairs and general knowledge, and comprehension skills. All answers must be written in Urdu. The test is conducted offline and is designed to evaluate translation accuracy, news sense, and written expression in Urdu.
Stage 2: Voice Test & Interview (100 marks): Candidates shortlisted from the Written Test advance to the Voice Test. This stage evaluates voice quality, modulation, diction, pronunciation, accent, and overall broadcast suitability. Evaluators assess whether your voice is suitable for radio news delivery. Following the voice test, you may be called for a structured interview with the Selection Committee. The interview focuses on your suitability for radio news broadcasting, understanding of news values, current affairs awareness, and communication skills.
Important Links
- Official Notification & Application Proforma (PDF) — Download and read carefully before applying
- NSD: Akashvani Official Website — Check for eligible candidate list, test schedules, results, and future notifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum age limit for applying?
A: The maximum age limit is 50 years as on the date of application closure (23 November 2026). Candidates above this age will be ineligible.
Q: Is the application fee refundable?
A: No, the application fee of ₹354 for General candidates and ₹266 for SC/ST/OBC candidates is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Q: Can I apply online or must I apply offline?
A: Applications must be submitted offline by post only. Online applications are not accepted for this recruitment. Ensure your application reaches the NSD office in New Delhi by the deadline.
Q: When will the Written Test take place and where?
A: The Written Test date, time, and venue will be announced via email to registered candidates and published on the NSD: Akashvani website well in advance. Monitor your email and the official website regularly after the application deadline.
Q: What language proficiency is required?
A: Sound knowledge of both Urdu and English is essential. You must be able to translate accurately from English to Urdu and vice versa. Fluency in Hindi is an added advantage but not mandatory.
Q: How will the selection process work?
A: The process involves a Written Test (100 marks), followed by a Voice Test and interview (100 marks) for shortlisted candidates. The Written Test evaluates translation and current affairs knowledge; the Voice Test assesses voice quality and on-air suitability; and the interview evaluates your overall fit for radio news broadcasting.
Disclaimer: Candidates must verify all details on the official NSD: Akashvani website before applying. This information is based on the official notification released on 28 October 2026. Sarkari Spot is an independent information website and is not affiliated with Prasar Bharati or any government body.