Rnu Akashvani — Reader Translator Recruitment 2026 — Job Details

The Regional News Unit Akashvani Jalandhar, under Prasar Bharati (India's Public Service Broadcaster), has released a significant recruitment notification for the position of Casual News Reader-cum-Translator (Punjabi). This recruitment drive aims to fill 1238 contractual positions for individuals with strong Punjabi language skills and broadcasting capabilities. The opportunity is particularly valuable for graduates residing in Jalandhar and nearby areas who are looking to work in the media and broadcasting sector. With the application deadline set for May 20, 2026, interested candidates have ample time to prepare their applications thoroughly. This recruitment represents a substantial opportunity for language professionals to contribute to public service broadcasting while gaining valuable experience in news translation and reading.

Quick Facts

About the recruitment

The Regional News Unit Akashvani Jalandhar, operating under Prasar Bharati, India's Public Service Broadcaster, has initiated a recruitment process for Casual News Reader-cum-Translator positions specifically for the Punjabi language. This recruitment aims to create a panel of qualified professionals who can work on an assignment basis to support the news broadcasting operations of Akashvani Jalandhar. The positions are contractual in nature, offering candidates the opportunity to work in the dynamic field of radio broadcasting while contributing to public service media. The recruitment process is designed to identify candidates with not only the required educational qualifications but also the specific language skills and vocal qualities necessary for effective news reading and translation in the Punjabi language.

Important Dates

The recruitment process follows a clear timeline that candidates must adhere to strictly. The most critical date to remember is the application submission deadline, which is firm and non-negotiable.

Application Timeline:

• Last date for submission of application: May 20, 2026

Candidates should note that their complete application package must reach the designated office through Speed Post or Registered Post by this date. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered under any circumstances. It is advisable to send the application well in advance to account for any potential delays in postal services.

Vacancy Details

The recruitment drive offers a substantial number of opportunities for qualified candidates in the Punjabi language domain. The vacancy distribution follows the standard reservation policies of the government.

Total Vacancies: 1238 positions

Category-wise Distribution:

• General Category: 354 vacancies
• SC Category: 265 vacancies
• ST Category: 265 vacancies
• OBC Category: 354 vacancies

The significant number of vacancies across multiple categories indicates the organization's requirement for diverse talent in Punjabi news reading and translation. Candidates should carefully review the official notification to understand the exact reservation policies and vacancy distribution applicable to their category.

Age Limit

The age criteria for this recruitment are clearly defined in the official notification. Candidates must ensure they meet the age requirements as specified.

Age Requirements:

• Minimum Age: 21 years
• Maximum Age: 50 years

The age limit is calculated as on the last date of submission of the application, which is May 20, 2026. Candidates must have attained the minimum age of 21 years and should not have exceeded the maximum age of 50 years as of this date. Age relaxation for reserved categories, if applicable, would be as per government norms, though candidates should verify specific relaxation details from the official notification document.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Casual News Reader-cum-Translator position involves multiple stages designed to comprehensively assess the candidates' suitability for the role. The process is structured to evaluate both knowledge and practical skills.

Selection Stages:

1. Written Test: This stage will assess general knowledge, current affairs, and knowledge of the Punjabi language
2. Voice Test: Candidates will be evaluated on their voice quality, pronunciation, and delivery style suitable for broadcasting
3. Interview: Personal interaction to assess overall suitability, communication skills, and domain knowledge

The written test serves as the initial screening stage, focusing on the candidate's awareness of general knowledge and current affairs, along with their proficiency in Punjabi language. The voice test is particularly crucial for this role as it directly assesses the candidate's broadcasting capabilities. The interview round allows the selection committee to evaluate the candidate's overall personality, communication skills, and understanding of the role's requirements.

Application Mode

The application process for this recruitment is completely offline. Candidates must follow the specified procedure to ensure their application is considered.

Application Method: Postal submission through Speed Post or Registered Post

Candidates are required to download the application form from the official website, complete it with all necessary details, attach required documents including payment receipt, and send it to the designated address in Jalandhar through Speed Post or Registered Post. The application must reach the specified office by the deadline of May 20, 2026. Hand-delivered applications or applications sent through private courier services may not be accepted unless specifically mentioned in the official notification.

Documents Required

Candidates must ensure they include all required documents with their application to avoid rejection. The documents should be self-attested copies unless otherwise specified.

Essential Documents:

• Completed application form in prescribed format
• Proof of online fee payment (UPI transaction proof or receipt)
• Educational qualification documents (graduate degree certificate and mark sheets)
• Proof of age (birth certificate, 10th certificate, or other valid document)
• Category certificate (if applicable - SC/ST/OBC)
• Proof of Punjabi language proficiency
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Identity proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, or other government-issued ID)

All documents should be self-attested, and candidates should keep photocopies of the entire application package for their records. The documents should be arranged in the order specified in the application form or official notification to facilitate easy processing.

Application process reference

The application process requires careful attention to detail and strict adherence to the instructions provided in the official notification. Following these steps systematically will ensure your application is complete and valid.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Download Official Notification: First, download the detailed official notification PDF from the official website http://www.newsonair.gov.in/ or directly from the notification link provided

1. Read Carefully: Thoroughly read the entire notification to understand all requirements, eligibility criteria, and instructions

1. Prepare Documents: Collect all required documents including educational certificates, category certificates, age proof, and other necessary papers

1. Make Payment: Pay the application fee through online payment methods and obtain the payment receipt

1. Download Application Form: Download the application form from the official website

1. Fill Application: Complete the application form carefully with accurate information using capital letters or as specified

1. Attach Documents: Attach all required self-attested documents and payment receipt

1. Review Application: Double-check all details and documents before final submission

1. Post Application: Send the complete application package through Speed Post or Registered Post to the designated address in Jalandhar

1. Track Delivery: Keep the postal tracking number to ensure your application reaches before the deadline

1. Keep Copies: Maintain photocopies of the entire application and postal receipt for future reference

Candidates should ensure that the application package is neatly arranged and securely packed to prevent damage during transit. The envelope should be clearly labeled as per the instructions in the notification.

Preparation Tips

Adequate preparation is crucial for success in the selection process. Candidates should focus on all three stages of the selection process - written test, voice test, and interview.

For Written Test Preparation:

• Focus on current affairs of the last 6-12 months, with special emphasis on national and international events
• Study general knowledge topics including history, geography, politics, and science
• Enhance Punjabi language skills including grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension
• Practice typing in Punjabi to improve speed and accuracy
• Solve previous years' question papers if available

For Voice Test Preparation:

• Practice reading Punjabi news articles aloud to improve fluency and pronunciation
• Work on voice modulation, clarity, and pacing
• Record your practice sessions to identify areas for improvement
• Focus on proper breath control and voice projection
• Practice reading different types of content - news, features, and announcements

For Interview Preparation:

• Prepare to discuss your understanding of the role and broadcasting
• Be ready to talk about current affairs and media landscape
• Practice answering questions about your Punjabi language skills and experience
• Prepare questions to ask about the role and organization
• Work on overall communication skills and confidence

General Preparation Strategy:

• Create a structured study plan covering all aspects of the selection process
• Allocate time for daily practice of Punjabi reading and writing
• Stay updated with current affairs through newspapers, news channels, and online sources
• Practice time management for the written test
• Seek feedback from experienced professionals if possible

Consistent practice and thorough preparation across all assessment areas will significantly enhance your chances of success in this competitive recruitment process.

Why this matters

This recruitment opportunity holds significant importance for several reasons. Firstly, it represents a substantial employment opportunity with 1238 positions available, making it one of the larger recruitment drives in the broadcasting sector. For Punjabi language professionals, it offers a unique chance to work with Prasar Bharati, India's premier public service broadcaster, providing exposure to national-level broadcasting standards and practices.

The role itself is crucial for maintaining and promoting regional language broadcasting, which is essential for inclusive public service communication. News Reader-cum-Translators play a vital role in making information accessible to Punjabi-speaking audiences, ensuring they receive news and information in their native language.

For candidates, this contractual position can serve as an excellent entry point into the broadcasting industry, providing valuable experience that could lead to more permanent opportunities in the future. The skills developed in this role - including news reading, translation, and broadcasting - are highly transferable and valuable in the growing media and communication sector.

Additionally, working with Akashvani provides the opportunity to contribute to public service broadcasting, which plays a crucial role in democracy by providing unbiased information to citizens. This recruitment also supports the preservation and promotion of the Punjabi language through mainstream media channels.

Summary

The RNU Akashvani Jalandhar Casual News Reader-cum-Translator Recruitment 2026 presents a significant opportunity for Punjabi language professionals to join India's public service broadcasting network. With 1238 contractual positions available, this recruitment offers substantial employment prospects for qualified candidates. The comprehensive selection process ensures that only the most suitable candidates with the right combination of educational qualifications, language skills, and broadcasting capabilities are selected. Interested candidates should carefully review the official notification, ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, and submit their complete application package through the specified offline process before the May 20, 2026 deadline. This opportunity not only provides e