Interpreter
Speech professional who translates between parties speaking languages they don't share.
Overview
An Interpreter is a speech professional who translates between two or more parties for a language they do not understand. They have to be impartial in their interpretation and have to present all facts stated legibly and in a coherent as well as concise manner.
Where they work
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Courtrooms
- Meeting Rooms
- Conference Centres
Work environment
The work timings are typically 5 to 6 days a week for 8 to 9 hours per day. Shift system is applicable. Entrepreneurship: you can pursue freelancing in this occupation.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like learning/speaking new languages
- You are comfortable communicating with others
- You are a good listener
- You pay attention to details
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in any stream
- 2Complete Bachelor's of Arts (B.A.) degree in any Language of your choice, followed by Master's of Arts (M.A.) degree in the same
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's of Arts (B.A.) degree in any discipline of your choice, followed by a Diploma in any Language of your choice
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Languages.
Government institutes
- Anugrah Narayan College, Patna, Bihar
- Avvaiyar Government College for Women, Karaikal, Puducherry
- Asutosh College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Dibrugarh Hanumanbax Surajmal Kanoi College, Dibrugarh, Assam
- Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
- School of Open Learning, New Delhi
- Ewing Christian College, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Elphinstone College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Arul Anandar College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
- Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Annai College of Arts and Science, Tamil Nadu
- Amritsar College of Engineering and Technology, Punjab
- Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, Punjab
- Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Acropolis Institute of Management Studies and Research, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Associate Interpreter
- 2Interpreter
- 3Senior Interpreter
Related careers to explore
Foreign Language Teacher
Teaches students to speak, understand and write a new language, along with its cultural history.
Linguist
Studies human language scientifically, documenting and preserving endangered languages.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Languages, Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. Gurdeep Kaur Chawla — An Indian interpreter who is the founder and director of Indian Language Services (ILS). She has completed her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from St. Stephen's College, New Delhi and went on to complete her PhD. She is a member of several Translator and Interpreter bodies. She has worked with the Indian parliament and US judicial system. She has worked across the globe as an interpreter and is now currently settled in San Francisco, California, USA.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 275 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Interpreter_or_Translator/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.