Language Experts – Bengali
| Position | Language Expert – Bengali |
| Reporting To | DDK Project Manager |
| Employment | Full-time, On-site |18-month contract, renewable based on performance |
| Openings | We are looking to build a pool of 20 language experts in total For In-house roles: 4 For Remote roles: 16 |
| Location | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| Application | careers@planetread.org | Rolling basis – urgent hiring |
| Joining | Ready-to-join candidates are highly preferred |
About PlanetRead and BIRD
PlanetRead is a non-profit organisation working to improve reading and language learning through the Billion Readers (BIRD) initiative, supported by IIT Delhi. Through Same Language Subtitling (SLS), subtitles are added in the viewer’s own language on TV and media content, helping improve reading skills while also making content accessible for Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences. PlanetRead is working with Prasar Bharati and Regional Doordarshan Kendras to build long-term, sustainable SLS systems across Indian languages.
Role Overview
BIRD is looking for highly proficient Bengali Language Experts to support captioning, subtitling, proofreading, and language quality review of audio-visual and written content. The role includes writing accurate Bengali captions, transcribing dialogues, describing background sounds (music, ambience, sound effects), and reviewing content for grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, and overall language accuracy. The objective is to ensure high-quality, accessible content for all viewers, including those with hearing impairments.
Key Responsibilities
- Transcribe spoken Bengali content with correct grammar and punctuation.
- Add captions for non-dialogue sounds such as: Background music, Sound effects & Ambient sounds.
- Identify language errors and suggest appropriate corrections.
- Ensure correct usage of Bengali grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting.
- Ensure clarity, readability, and correctness of written Bengali content.
- Maintain consistency in tone, terminology, and writing style.
Eligibility & Work Expectations
For Remote Role – 16 Openings
- Minimum availability of 3 hours per day.
- Own laptop/computer and stable internet connection.
- Ability to manage time effectively and deliver high-quality work.
For In-House Role (Kolkata) – 4 Openings
- Work from the office during standard office hours.
- Based in or willing to relocate to Kolkata.
Desired Profile
- Strong academic or professional background in Bengali such as Bengali Professor, Teacher, PhD scholar, or experienced Bengali writer/editor.
- 3–5 years of experience in Bengali content, transcription, or proofreading.
- Excellent proficiency in Bengali reading, writing, and grammar.
- Computer skills with proficiency in typing Bengali.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; positions may close once suitable candidates are identified.
BIRD encourages a healthy gender balance and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
