1. Introduction - A Real Opportunity for Ground-Level Journalists in West Bengal
If you are a young videographer, freelance journalist, or someone already working with local cable channels in West Bengal, this recruitment can be very meaningful for you.
Every year thousands of graduates in Bengal run after PSC, SSC, Railways, and Bank jobs. But not everyone fits into that path. Many talented youths in districts like Murshidabad, Malda, North 24 Parganas, Jalpaiguri, Purulia, Bankura, and Cooch Behar have practical media skills rather than formal degrees.
For them, the Prasar Bharati Stringer Recruitment 2026 for Doordarshan Kendra (DDK), Kolkata is a realistic and respectable career opening.
This is NOT a regular government job. It is an empanelment-based assignment work. But for many Bengal aspirants interested in journalism and media, it can be a stable source of income and a strong professional platform.
2. Key Details at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Doordarshan Kendra, Kolkata (Prasar Bharati) |
| Post Name | Stringer |
| Mode of Application | Offline |
| Last Date to Apply | 04 March 2026 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Fee | Rs. 1,180 Demand Draft |
| Payment Structure | Rs.1500 - Rs.1800 per coverage |
| Eligibility | Experience in videography / news gathering |
| Job Type | Empanelment / Freelance-based |
3. Eligibility - Explained in Simple Bengali-Friendly Terms
This job does not require a typical “BA/MA degree” like most government jobs.
What Prasar Bharati mainly looks for is:
- Practical experience in videography or news coverage
- Understanding of broadcast journalism
- Ability to gather news from your own district
- Ownership of basic video recording equipment
- Ability to travel and report quickly
Who is IDEALLY SUITABLE from West Bengal?
This recruitment is perfect for:
- Freelance reporters already working with local Bengali news portals
- Camera persons in local TV channels
- District-level video journalists
- Young media enthusiasts with DSLR / professional camera setup
- Those already covering political, cultural, and sports events locally
Who Should AVOID Applying?
You should avoid this post if:
- You only have academic degrees but NO field experience
- You do not own any video equipment
- You are only preparing for PSC/SSC clerical jobs
- You expect a fixed monthly salary
This role is for PRACTICAL media workers - not for theory-based job seekers.
4. District-Wise Relevance for West Bengal Candidates
The notification clearly says:
- Stringers are required for all 23 districts of West Bengal
This means high relevance for candidates from:
- Darjeeling
- Jalpaiguri
- Cooch Behar
- Malda
- Murshidabad
- Birbhum
- Nadia
- Hooghly
- Howrah
- North & South 24 Parganas
- East & West Midnapore
- Purulia
- Bankura
- Alipurduar
Big Advantage for District Candidates
Most government media jobs are Kolkata-centric.
But this opportunity actually favors:
- Small town reporters
- Rural journalists
- Local event videographers
If you are from a district and already cover local events, this is one of the BEST platforms to enter national-level media.
5. How to Apply - Step-by-Step for West Bengal Candidates
Since this is an OFFLINE application, many Bengal candidates make mistakes. Follow this carefully:
Step 1 - Prepare Documents
You must collect:
- Proof of academic qualification
- Experience certificates
- Proof of equipment ownership
- Identity proof
- Address proof
Make TWO sets (duplicates) of every document.
Step 2 - Demand Draft
- Make a Demand Draft of Rs. 1,180
- In favour of: “DDO, DDK, Kolkata”
- Payable at: Kolkata
Many rural candidates face issues in making DD - visit any nationalized bank branch like SBI, PNB, UBI.
Step 3 - Application Submission
Put everything in a sealed envelope and write clearly on top:
“Empanelment of Stringers of RNU Kolkata, DD News- 2026”
Send to:
The Head,
Regional News Unit,
Doordarshan Kendra,
18/3, Uday Shankar Sarani,
Kolkata - 700095
Common Mistakes WB Candidates Make
- Forgetting to attach Demand Draft
- Sending Xerox without self-attestation
- Not attaching equipment proof
- Poorly written application format
- Late postal delivery
Double-check everything before sending.
6. Payment & Career Reality - Honest Talk
This is not a monthly salaried job.
Payment System
- Local coverage (under 6 hours): Rs. 1500
- Extended local coverage: Rs. 1000 extra
- Outstation coverage: Rs. 1800
What This Means Practically
If you get:
- 10 assignments a month → Around Rs. 15,000
- 15 assignments → Around Rs. 22,000
- 20 assignments → Around Rs. 30,000
Income depends on:
- Your district activity
- News importance
- Your networking
- Your work quality
For many Bengal freelancers, this is actually BETTER than low-paid private media jobs.
7. Selection Process - What Really Happens
Selection is practical, not academic.
Process includes:
- Verification of your equipment
- Checking your experience
- A test coverage assignment
- Interview
Important for Bengali-Medium Candidates
Good news:
- There is NO language barrier
- Bengali reporting is fully acceptable
- Script can be in Bengali
- Focus is on video quality, not English grammar
So rural Bengali-medium candidates stand equal chance.
8. Preparation Strategy for West Bengal Aspirants
If you want to crack this empanelment:
Improve These 4 Areas
- Video shooting skills
- Basic script writing in Bengali
- Understanding of news angles
- Fast delivery of content
Practical Tips
- Start recording local events now
- Build a small portfolio
- Practice 2-3 minute news stories
- Learn basic video editing
- Understand Doordarshan-style reporting
You do NOT need expensive coaching for this - only field practice.
9. Pros and Cons - Clear Bengal-Specific Analysis
Pros
- Prestigious government media platform
- District-level opportunity
- No written exam
- No age limit barrier
- Suitable for practical talent
Cons
- No fixed salary
- Work depends on assignments
- Requires own equipment
- Travel involved
10. Documents Checklist (Very Important)
Before applying, keep ready:
- Educational certificates
- Experience proof
- Camera / equipment ownership proof
- Address proof
- Aadhaar / Voter ID
- Demand Draft
- Passport photos
- Work portfolio (if possible)
11. Final Words - Ground Reality Advice
For West Bengal youth who love journalism but struggle to find a stable path, this is a respectable entry into mainstream media.
Do not treat this like an SSC or Railway form.
Treat it like a professional opportunity.
If you already work as:
- Local reporter
- Event videographer
- Freelance journalist
Then APPLY without hesitation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - West Bengal Focused
Q1. Can Bengali-medium candidates apply?
Absolutely yes. Most work will be in Bengali language.
Q2. Is there any age limit?
Not mentioned. Experience matters more than age.
Q3. Do I need a journalism degree?
No. Practical experience is more important.
Q4. Is this a permanent government job?
No. It is empanelment-based freelance work.
Q5. Can candidates from rural districts apply?
Yes. In fact, district candidates have strong advantage.
Q6. I only have a smartphone camera. Can I apply?
Not recommended. Professional video equipment is required.
Q7. Where will interviews be held?
At Doordarshan Kendra, Kolkata.
Apply Now
Apply Link: https://prasarbharati.gov.in