Linguist
Studies human language scientifically, documenting and preserving endangered languages.
Overview
Linguistics is the scientific study of human language, from semantics to psychology and sociology. One of the main jobs of Linguists is to document, analyse, and preserve endangered languages by conducting fieldwork and establishing literacy programs. They work as a community to preserve a language.
Where they work
- Educational Institutions
- Media Outlets
- Public Relations and Marketing Companies
- Publishing Organizations
- Law Firms
- Research and Survey Firms
- Telecommunication Firms
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 study about languages
- You are comfortable communicating with others
- You pay attention to details
- You like to analyse problems/situations
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 Art (B.A.) degree in Linguistics followed by Master's of Art (M.A.) degree in Linguistics
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's of Art (B.A.) degree in Linguistics followed by Master's of Art (M.A.) degree in Linguistics/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
This course is offered by the Department of Arts.
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
- 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
- 1Intern
- 2Junior Linguist
- 3Senior Linguist
Related careers to explore
Lexicographer
Writes and edits the words in a dictionary, tracking new words as they enter use.
Interpreter
Speech professional who translates between parties speaking languages they don't share.
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
Tista Bagchi — A retired professor of Linguistics in the University of Delhi and she is a distinguished Indian linguist and ethicist. Bagchi studied in Sanskrit College, Kolkata, the University of Delhi, and the University of Chicago, from where she obtained her PhD in Linguistics. Her work spans issues of semantics and syntax in languages in general and South Asian languages in particular.
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 283 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Linguist/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.