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FAQs
• What is the National Translation Mission (NTM) and its primary
goal?
The National Translation Mission (NTM) is an initiative by the Government of India.
Its main objective is to make knowledge texts accessible in all 22 officially recognised
Indian languages through translation. This aims to improve access to knowledge and
promote linguistic diversity.
• What types of activities does the NTM undertake to achieve
its goals?
The NTM focuses on publishing translations of knowledge texts, developing translation
tools (including machine translation), educating translators through courses and
orientation programmes, and translating knowledge texts from 69 disciplines. NTM
also organises training programmes and workshops and collaborates with academic
institutions to create awareness about translation and promote its importance.
• What are the objectives of the National Translation Mission
(NTM)?
The objectives of the National Translation Mission (NTM) are to develop the
translation industry and enhance higher education by making knowledge
accessible to all, transcending language barriers, democratizing knowledge and creating
a knowledge society.
• What does NTM do?
NTM translates academic and knowledge-based materials into 22 Indian languages,
making education more accessible, providing translation training, publishing journal,
giving translation related consultancy to other sister institutions.
• Why is NTM needed?
To make knowledge accessible to all by transcending language barriers, democratizing
knowledge, and building a knowledge society.
• How does NTM support continuous learning?
NTM promotes continuous learning by translating academic and research materials
into multiple Indian languages for wider accessibility.
• Who benefits from NTM?
Students, teachers, research scholars, book authors, textbook writers, translators,
publishers, language communities and the general public.
• Which languages are prioritised by the NTM for translation
projects?
The NTM focuses on translation into the 22 officially recognised Indian languages,
which are explicitly listed on their website. These languages include Assamese,
Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam,
Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu,
and Urdu.
• How does NTM contribute to improving translation quality?
NTM ensures standardization, develops translation tools and promotes training,
identifies good quality translators to improve translation quality
in India.
• What kind of knowledge texts are being translated under the
NTM initiative?
The NTM focuses on translating "knowledge texts" from 69 different disciplines.
The initiative generally covers various academic and informational subjects pertaining
to science and social streams to broaden access to knowledge in different Indian
languages.
• What is a knowledge text (KT)?
A knowledge text is a book that is taught and referred to in universities and colleges.
•How does NTM select KT?
NTM chooses the most prescribed books from the Indian University
Database, scrutinised by experts and seeks approval from the Sub-committee for Knowledge
Texts and Project Advisory Committee.
• I want to translate and publish a specific book. How can I
do so under NTM?
Submit your detailed project proposal along with a sample of your work. Our team
will evaluate and let you know their expert responses.
• Are literary texts considered KT?
Although literary texts provide knowledge, NTM currently translates only non-literary
knowledge texts.
• How did NTM identify untranslated Knowledge Texts (KT) in Indian
languages?
NTM conducted a Regional Language Knowledge Texts Scenario Survey
to identify available original and translated works and to ensure that books suggested
by experts are not already translated, avoiding duplication.
• If a KT is already in an Indian language, will NTM translate
it into other Indian languages?
In the first phase, NTM translates from English to Indian languages. Translation
between Indian languages will be taken up in the future.
• Does NTM only translate Knowledge Texts?
While a significant part of NTM's work involves translating knowledge texts, NTM
also translate various Government and legal documents in collaboration.
• What is the Indian Universities Database?
The Indian Universities Database is an NTM initiative that provides details on Indian
universities and academic institutions, including courses, syllabi, and reading
lists.
• Can I access the Indian universities database to compare different
universities' syllabi?
At present, access is restricted to NTM only.
• What is TEIL?
TEIL stands for Translation Equivalents in Indian Languages. It is a resource that
provides translators with equivalent terms and phrases in various Indian languages
to aid in accurate translation.
• Who publishes the NTM books?
The publisher who undertakes a translation publishes it, while CIIL publishes translations
completed by individual translators.
• Where can I buy the NTM books?
You can buy NTM books from publishers where the books are published by them and
the books which are translated and published by NTM, CIIL, can be bought from the
CIIL bookstore, to buy online click the following link:Book Store
• How does NTM translate books?
NTM translates books in three ways:
1. Turnkey mode – In this mode, the source publishers themselves take up the project
and bring out the translation.
2. CRC mode - In this mode, NTM gets the translations and the CRC prepared by collaborators
and publishes the materials through CIIL.
3. Manuscript mode – In this mode, NTM assigns the translation to an individual
translator, prepares the CRC and publishes it.
• How does NTM assign a translation task to a translator?
The translator submits a 10-page sample of the assigned text for review. If the
translation is approved by the reviewer, the task is assigned to the translator,
and an agreement is entered into.
• Is there a test or evaluation before joining as a translator?
No test is required for registering with NTM. However, a sample translation of the
assigned text will be required.
•Where/How can I register myself as a translator?
You can enter your details in the National Register of Translators and register
with NTM.
Register
• What is the duration of the translation assignment?
It depends on the volume of the book. Usually, the duration ranges from one year
to eighteen months.
• What format should I follow while translating a text?
You need to follow the source text for the overall structure and format. For submitting
to NTM, an editable softcopy produced with Unicode fonts would be the best way.
In case if you have used proprietary fonts, you’ll have to submit the files along
with the fonts. (.)docx is what is generally expected. Languages using Perso-Arabic
Scripts may submit files produced using InPage software [(.)inp files]. In both
cases, please submit a (.)pdf copy too.
•Does NTM extend the duration of a translation
assignment if needed?
Yes, NTM will extend the duration of a translation assignment
upon the translator's request.
• How does NTM review translated materials?
NTM sends the translation to discipline experts for blind review or conducts a workshop
where both discipline and language experts review the book.
• How can NTM help translators?
NTM supports translators by providing translation tools such as dictionaries, thesauri
and Translation Equivalents in Indian Languages (TEIL).
• What translation tools has NTM produced?
NTM has published the following translation tools:
1. 6 bilingual dictionaries (English to Odia, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Bengali, Kannada)
2. 22 Translation Equivalents in Indian Languages series (TEIL)
3. Kannada thesaurus
• How can I contribute to NTM?
You can contribute to NTM by translating, reviewing, proofreading and copy editing.
• How can I get a book for translation through NTM?
A list of books for translation is available on the NTM website. To get the translation
assignment, choose a book from the list and write to NTM. Upon approval, you must
submit a 10-page sample translation for expert review. If accepted, NTM will formalize
an agreement, allowing you to begin the translation.
• I have location constraint. Can I still be associated with
NTM?
The NTM is structured to promote the translation industry and encourage those who
have a passion for translation. Location is not a constraint for this project. You
can be a part of this project from anywhere in the world.
• Which languages does NTM translate into?
NTM translates into Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian
Constitution in the first phase.
• What types of documents does NTM translate?
NTM primarily focuses on translating knowledge texts. As the central clearinghouse
for translation in India, it supports the translation needs of sister institutions,
covering academic, legal, technical, and other specialized materials.
• Will voice-over and narration be a part of your translation
projects?
CIIL has extensively produced documentaries and projects that have dealt with voice-overs,
narration and much more. The institute also has a professional studio on the premises
to facilitate the process. Therefore, if any project demands these particular tools,
NTM will surely use them.
• How is the National Translation Mission (NTM) contributing to
skill development initiatives under the vision of Kaushal Bharat by enhancing translation
capabilities in India?
The NTM supports the development of translation capabilities by offering orientation
programmes and short translation courses aimed at the capacity building of professional
and prospective translators. NTM also works on developing translation tools, including
promoting machine translation and machine-aided translation to enhance efficiency
and accuracy.
• Does NTM train fresher?
Yes, NTM offers a two-week intensive training program on Introduction to Translation
and Research Methodology in Translation for fresher.
• Who, other than fresher, can attend this programme?
This programme is for hobbyist translators, aspiring professionals, experienced
translators, and Translation Studies students looking to enhance their skills, language
officers working in different government and semi-government set-ups, and persons
involved in dictionary/glossary preparation activities.
• How can I enrol in the translation training program?
You can enrol by visiting training program and filling out the registration form when
NTM announces the programme date.
• Is there any criterion for selecting participants for the training
programme?
There are no strict rules for selection. The minimum qualification required is an
undergraduate degree. However, selection depends on the number of applications received.
If NTM receives a high number of applications, priority will be given to research
scholars and postgraduate students.
• Is there a fee to attend the translation training programme?
No, there is no fee for this course. However, selected applicants must deposit Rs.
500, which will be adjusted against a one-year subscription to Translation Today,
a biannual journal.
• Is accommodation available for participants?
Yes, the training programme provides free boarding and lodging on a shared basis
at the institute for the programme dates. Refreshments are also arranged for all
participants on campus.
• How many training programmes does NTM conduct each year?
NTM conducts 3-4 intensive training programmes every year. NTM also organizes skill
development workshops and orientation programmes for translators throughout the
year.
• Who are the instructors/trainers at NTM?
NTM's trainers include experts in translation, Translation Studies, and related
fields. Some are in-house resource persons at NTM, while others are invited from
institutions across the country.
• Is there an upper age limit to attend the training program?
There is no upper age limit. However, NTM aims to prioritize opportunities for young
people.
• Does NTM offer online training?
This programme is primarily offline, but online training may be offered when needed.
• Will I receive a certificate upon completion of the programme?
Yes, NTM provides a certificate upon successful completion of the programme and
submission of the assigned translation task.
• What career opportunities are available after completing this
programme?
Trained participants may get a preference for outsourced translation work from NTM.
They can also work as freelance translators.
• Does NTM offer any other courses apart from the Translation
Training Program?
Yes, NTM also offers a 1-week Skill Development Program in a different Language
in collaboration with various Universities and colleges.
• What is the purpose of the skill development program?
The purpose of the Skill Development Program is to enhance translation skills, improve
language proficiency and promote linguistic diversity.
• How can I collaborate with NTM to organize a skill development
program in my college/ University?
To conduct a skill development program in your college with NTM, submit a proposal
with the budget. Upon approval, you can proceed with the program.
• What happens to those trained in NTM’s training programme?
Those completing the training pursue translation as a full-time or part-time career.
NTM also contacts them as and when there is a requirement.
• Does NTM publish research papers?
Yes, NTM has a biannual, refereed, and indexed journal called Translation Today,
which publishes research papers on translation.
• Is Translation Today a peer-reviewed and indexed journal?
Yes, Translation Today is a double-blind peer-reviewed and indexed journal.
• Do authors need to pay publication fees or article processing
charges?
No. The journal does not charge any publication/processing fee at any stage of the
publication process.
• How do I submit a paper to the journal?
This journal accepts submissions in electronic format only. For details please check
the submission page of the journal Submission or send an email to ntmtranslationtoday@gmail.com
• What areas/themes/ topics are invited/ accepted for publication?
The journal invites/accepts submissions relevant to translation, interpretation
and adaptation.
• Is this an open-access journal?
Yes. All contents of the journal are freely accessible online.
• Is the journal published with ISSN and DOI numbers?
Yes. Translation Today is published with the following ISSN and DOI.
ISSN 09728740
and e-ISSN 09728090.
The DOI number is 10.46623/tt.
• How to subscribe to the journal Translation Today?
Subscribe to the journal. For individuals, Rs. 500, and for institutions Rs.1000
has to be paid by Demand Draft in favour of “MHRD HIGHER CAS CLG, New Delhi” and
should be posted. For more details go to the following link: subscription
• Does NTM have a portal for translator registration?
Yes, NTM maintains the National Register of Translators. Anyone interested in translation
can register by clicking the following link: Register
• Why is a bibliography database needed?
The purpose of the bibliography is to organize information about the translated
material on a given subject so that knowledge seekers of the subject may have easy
access to it.
• What is a publisher database?
The publisher’s database includes information on major English and Indian language
publishing houses across India. It is a directory where names, contact details,
and catalogues of all the publishing houses can be accessed.
• What is the faculty database/ experts repository?
The Experts Repository is a comprehensive database containing details of experts
from various disciplines. It is designed to meet the needs of NTM while primarily
serving internal activities. However, it is also accessible to other users as required.
• What is the dictionary and glossary database?
Dictionaries and glossaries database enables users to access comprehensive information
on monolingual, bilingual and multilingual dictionaries; glossaries of various disciplines;
and thesauri of Indian languages.
• What recent developments or news related to the NTM have been
announced?
Recent achievements of NTM include the translation and updation of the Constitution
of India into 11 languages and the translation of the Criminal Acts into 5 Indian
languages. The Mission also brings out a journal to publish the latest research
in Translation Studies and its cooperating disciplines to extend the frontiers of
translation.
• How does the NTM view the role of machine translation?
The NTM acknowledges and promotes the use of machine translation and machine-aided
translation as tools to facilitate the translation process. However, NTM firmly
believes validation of translated texts and post-editing of machine-translated texts
must be done entirely by humans. Machines cannot entirely replace human translators
and their expertise in ensuring accuracy and aesthetics in translations.
• How can one engage with the NTM, and what opportunities are
available?
Opportunities to engage with the NTM exist for translators, academics, and language
enthusiasts. The NTM offers opportunities through workshops, and online courses,
and calls for papers for its journal "Translation Today."
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