Diploma in Translation is typically a 1 year diploma for undergraduates. Eligibility criteria is met if they have passed class 12 or any other equivalent qualifying exam in any stream. The applicants for this course are required to have a certificate of proficiency in any language from a recognized university. However, just that will not be enough and to pursue a Diploma in Translation, you need to qualify in a relevant entrance exam such as EFLU ET. Well known colleges offering a Diploma in Translation are English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad and Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, Agra.
Most colleges offering a Diploma in Translation give admission on merit while some conduct entrance exams such as EFLU ET and DELF. Course fees start from INR 5,000 and can go up to INR 30,000 annually. The job profiles after completion of a Diploma in Translation are Translator, Interpreter, Content Localizer, etc. The average annual salaries for freshers are INR 3 - 5 lacs depending on skills and expertise.
Diploma in Translation Course Highlights
Provided below are some of the basic course highlights for the Diploma in Translation
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Course Name | Diploma in Translation |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with relevant certifications |
| Admission Process | Merit-based / Entrance Exam (varies by university) |
| Common Entrance Exams | EFLU ET, DLEF, MANUU Entrance Test |
| Mode of Study | Full-time / Part-time / Online (IGNOU, Coursera, etc.) |
| Core Subjects | Translation Theory, Language Proficiency, Technical Translation, Literary Translation, Interpretation Skills |
| Top Institutes | JNU, EFLU, DU, IGNOU, Pune University, Visva-Bharati, Kendriya Hindi Sansthan |
| Career Options | Translator, Interpreter, Subtitler, Content Localizer, Technical Translator, Foreign Language Trainer |
| Average Salary | ₹3-5 LPA (varies by experience and language) |
What is a Diploma in Translation?
A Diploma in Translation is a specialist course intended to develop the use of two or more languages with high qualifications in translation. It encompasses various aspects of translation, such as technical, literary, legal, medical, and audiovisual. The students of Diploma in Translation are given training for correct written and spoken translation of content with cultural and contextual integrity. It is a career-development course for all those who wish to start a career in language services, international business, media, and diplomacy.
Why Choose a Diploma in Translation?
Following are the benefits of choosing a Diploma in Translation:
- Growing need for professional translators in media, IT, healthcare, and government sectors.
- Work as a translator, interpreter, subtitler, content localizer, or foreign language trainer.
- Opportunities in MNCs, embassies, publishing houses, and international organizations.
- Available in full-time, part-time, and online modes
- Required in legal, technical, medical, and entertainment fields.
- Freelancing and remote job opportunities for independent work.
Diploma in Translation Eligibility
To pursue a Diploma in Translation, students must have completed Class 10, 12 or any other equivalent qualifying exam from a recognized board to be eligible. Having proficiency in one language is a mandatory criterion that will not be compromised during the admission process. The certificate of proficiency must be issued from the office of the Senate or the office of the representatives. The selection criteria may vary depending on the institute and its specific requirements.
Diploma in Translation Admission Process
The admission procedure for a Diploma in Translation involves a series of steps that may vary depending on the institute’s selection criteria.
- Submission of Application Form: Offline/online submission of application form to the desired institute.
- Merit-Based Selection: Institutes provide admission based on marks, certifications and entrance exams.
- Declaration of list of selected students in official college website.
- The applicants who are not native English speakers need to take an IELTS exam and get more than 70 % to proceed with the process of admission.
Diploma in Translation Entrance Exams
Given below is a list of entrance exams that might be required to get admission in a few particular colleges for a Diploma in Translation:
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Application Last Date | Exam Date |
|---|
| IELTS (International English Language Testing System) | British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English | Varies; typically, applications close 2 weeks before the test date | Conducted every month |
| DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) | French Ministry of Education | Varies by country and test center; typically 4-6 weeks before the exam | Conducted multiple times a year |
| MANUU Entrance Test | Maulana Azad National Urdu University | May 8, 2025 | June 1, 2025 |
| EFLU Entrance Test | English and Foreign Languages University | May 28, 2025 | June 10,2025 |
Diploma in Translation Colleges in India
Given below is a list of colleges in India that offer a Diploma in Translation:
| College/University | Location | Mode of Study | Fees p.a. (INR) |
|---|
| Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) | New Delhi | Distance Learning | 5,000 |
| Uttarakhand Sanskrit University | Haridwar, Uttarakhand | Regular | 22,000 |
| Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) | Hyderabad, Telangana | Regular | 20,000 |
| GSSDGSK College | Patiala | Regular | 25,000 |
| DAV College | Chandigarh | Regular | 30,000 |
| South Travancore Hindu College | Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu | Regular | 5,000 |
| Sardar Patel University (SPU) | Anand, Gujarat | Regular | 6,000 |
Diploma in Translation Syllabus
Given below is the two semester syllabus of IGNOU for a Diploma in Translation:
| Semester | Course Title |
|---|
| Semester 1 | Translation: Theory and Types |
| Translation, Literature, and Society |
| Semester 2 | Translation: The Professional Aspect |
| Practical Work in Translation |
| Applied Translation Project |
Diploma in Translation v/s Diploma in Interpretation: Course Comparison
Given below is a comparison between Diploma in Translation and Diploma in Interpretation for students to make a better informed decision:
| Criteria | Diploma in Translation | Diploma in Interpretation |
|---|
| Focus | Converting written texts from one language to another | Converting spoken language in real-time |
| Mode of Work | Written translation of documents, books, articles, legal papers, etc. | Live interpretation in conferences, meetings, legal proceedings, etc. |
| Skills Required | Strong grammar, vocabulary, cultural understanding, and writing skills | Quick thinking, listening, memory retention, and fluency in both languages |
| Job Profiles | Translator, Content Localizer, Subtitler, Editor, Technical Writer | Interpreter, Conference Interpreter, Diplomatic Interpreter, Tour Guide |
| Industry Demand | Publishing, media, legal, education, government agencies | United Nations, embassies, hospitals, MNCs, travel & tourism |
Diploma in Translation Job Profiles
Given below is an overview of career opportunities and salary ranges for professionals post the completion of a Diploma in Translation:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|
| Translator | Converts written text from one language to another, ensuring accuracy and cultural relevance. | 3,00,000 |
| Language Teacher | Educates students in a specific language, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills. | 4,00,000 |
| Content Localizer | Adapts content to suit the cultural and linguistic nuances of a target audience. | 5,00,000 |
| Subtitler | Translates and synchronizes subtitles for visual media like films and TV shows. | 4,00,000 |
| Proofreader/Editor | Reviews and edits translated content for grammatical accuracy and coherence. | 3,00,000 |
| Technical Writer | Creates manuals and guides, translating complex technical information into user-friendly language. | 4,00,000 |
Diploma in Translation Future Scope
Upon the completion of Diploma in Translation, students can follow the below given career paths:
- One can pursue a BSc in Translation for further in depth knowledge in this field.
- Certification courses by ATA or CMI can also be done for upskilling.
- Some colleges offer Advanced Diploma or PG Diploma in Translation and related fields that can help with specialisation.
Diploma in Translation FAQs
Is there any minimum or maximum age requirement to join a Diploma in Translation?
The majority of institutes seek candidates in the age group of 15–18 years, with a minimum qualification 12th pass to join a Diploma in Translation. However, applicants for this course are required to have a certificate of proficiency in any language from a recognized university.
Does a Diploma in Translation include training?
Yes, a Diploma in Translation does include training as part of the curriculum to provide hands-on experience.
Are there any scholarships available for a Diploma in Translation?
Yes, there are scholarships available for a Diploma in Translation on NSP and NIF portals.
What software or tools are commonly used in a Diploma in Translation?
Tools like MemoQ, Wordfast, SDL Trados Studio, OmegaT, etc. are commonly used for managing clients in a Diploma in Translation.
