Lexicographer
Writes and edits the words in a dictionary, tracking new words as they enter use.
Overview
A Lexicographer writes and edits words in a dictionary. They constantly review newspapers, magazines, books and social media for new words which are added to the dictionary. A new word, phrase or term when used across several media is accepted and made part of the dictionary.
Where they work
- Publishing Houses
- Media Houses
- Creative Agencies
Work environment
The work timings are typically 5 to 6 days a week for 8 to 9 hours per day. Shift system is applicable.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to pay attention to details
- You are comfortable in communicating with others
- You like to analyse problems/situations
- You like learning new things
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 English/any language of your choice followed by Master's of Arts (M.A.) degree in Linguistics
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's of Arts (B.A.) degree in any discipline followed by a Master's of Arts (M.A.) degree/Diploma in Linguistics/Applied Linguistics
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 Arts/Linguistics/Applied Linguistics.
Government institutes
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
- University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana
- 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, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
- Madhyanchal Professional University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- 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
- 1Language Specialist
- 2Senior Language Specialist
- 3Lexicographer
Expected income
₹15,000 – ₹40,000 per month
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Linguist
Studies human language scientifically, documenting and preserving endangered languages.
Librarian
Information science professional who manages and organises a library's books and digital resources.
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 researching.
- 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
Vishwanath Maganlal Bhatt — A literary critic and lexicographer from Gujarat, India. Bhatt had completed his graduation in 1920 focusing on Sanskrit and English as his major subjects. He had published 22 works and was awarded the Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in 1935.
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 279 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3je5pWS
- 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.