Are you curious about how humans lived thousands of years ago? If yes, then a career in Archaeology might be the perfect choice for you. This field deals with studying human history and culture through material remains like artifacts, architecture, and cultural landscapes.
Archaeology is one of the most exciting and rewarding careers for students interested in history and exploration. It is a sub-discipline of Anthropology and focuses on uncovering the past to understand human civilizations better.
What is Archaeology?
Archaeology is the study of the ancient or recent human past through objects and remains left behind. The word “Archaeology” comes from the Greek word arkhaiologia, which means “ancient history.”
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“In short terms, Archaeology is the study of human history.”
Archaeology includes the study of artifacts, architecture, biofacts (eco-facts) and cultural landscapes.
Who are Archaeologists?
Archaeologists are professionals who investigate the lives of past civilizations by studying artifacts such as tools, homes, clothes, bones, and pottery.
The role of the archaeologists involves conducting surveys at different sites, collecting evidence, documenting findings through notes, drawings, and photography, and interpreting results to understand past human life.
Archaeologist gathers the different types of evidence of human past from various places and observes & examines the result. If you want to become an archaeologist, then you must possess depth knowledge of history and geography.
Types of Archaeology
Prehistoric Archaeology – It focus on the study of past culture that did not have any written records.
Historical Archaeology – It is the study of cultures or civilizations that existed during the period of recorded history.
Underwater Archaeology – It studies the physical remain of human activities beneath the surface of the oceans. It also includes maritime technology.
Urban Archaeology– Urban archeology is a branch of archeology specializing in large towns and cities with long stratigraphic histories of work. Some archaeologists also use urban archeology to refer to any archeology conducted in an urban areas.
Environmental Archaeology – Studies the relationship between ancient people and their environment, including plants, animals, and landscapes.
Skills Needed to Become an Archaeologist
- Enthusiasm & zeal to know with the developments in the field of archaeology
- well-organized approach, with effective attention to depth detail
- strong team work skills, particularly at the time of fieldwork
- self-motivation and focus
- Good communication skills and the ability to effectively work with other professionals
- master in using various tools and instruments
- patience and dedication
- an analytical approach
Archaeology Courses
Now, lets talk about courses in this field.
To become an Archaeologist, you have to complete a Bachelor and Master’s degree in this field.
There are plenty of courses like diploma, bachelor, masters and doctoral courses are available in the field of Archaeology.
Undergraduate Courses (UG)
- B.A. in Archaeology
- B.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology
- B.Sc. in Archaeology
- B.A. in Anthropology (with Archaeology specialization)
Postgraduate Courses (PG)
- M.A. in Archaeology
- M.A. in Ancient History and Archaeology
- M.Sc. in Archaeology
- M.A. in Anthropology (Archaeology specialization)
Diploma & Certificate Courses
- Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology (PGDA) – Offered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- Diploma in Epigraphy and Archaeology
- Certificate Course in Archaeology & Museology
- Diploma in Conservation, Preservation & Restoration of Monuments
Doctoral Programs (Ph.D.)
- Ph.D. in Archaeology
- Ph.D. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology
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Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements for pursuing Archaeology courses in India vary depending on the level of study (UG, PG, Diploma, or Ph.D.). Below are the general criteria:
For Undergraduate Courses (B.A./B.Sc. in Archaeology)
- Candidates must have completed 10+2 (any stream, but Arts or Humanities with History is preferred).
- Minimum 50% marks in 12th standard (varies by institution).
- Admission is usually merit-based or through university-level entrance exams.
For Postgraduate Courses (M.A./M.Sc. in Archaeology)
- A Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, History, Anthropology, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 50–55% marks in graduation.
- Some universities conduct entrance tests (e.g., BHU PET, JNU Entrance).
For Diploma & Certificate Courses
- Graduation in a relevant stream (History/Archaeology/Anthropology) is usually required.
- For certain short-term certificate courses, 10+2 qualification may also be accepted.
Admission Process
For admissions in these courses, firstly candidates, should meet the eligibility criteria mentioned for those courses.
The admission in Archaeology programs is based on the entrance test conducted at national or university level. Candidates qualifying entrance exams score are eligible for couselling rounds.
Below we have listed some of the popular entrance exams for admission in Archaeology courses in India:
- CUET (Common University Entrance Test)
- CUET PG 2025
- BHU UET/PET (Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate/Postgraduate Entrance Test)
- Delhi University Entrance Exams (through CUET)
- Utkal University Entrance Test
- Visva Bharati University Admission Test
- Allahabad University Entrance Exam
- Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith Entrance Test
Top Archaeology Colleges in India
Where to Study Archaeology in India?….. Here we have listed the top colleges to pursue courses in this field:
- Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi
- Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- University of Calcutta, Kolkata
- University of Madras, Chennai
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara
- Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan
- Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra
- Utkal University, Bhubaneswar
- Allahabad University, Prayagraj
Career Scope
India has a rich cultural heritage that’s why demand for archaeologists have always been higher in India.
Qualified graduates can apply for various job profiles in government as well as in private Archaeological firms. Candidates can work as a surveyor or as a researchers in archaeological department like Archeological survey of India.
Candidates can also pursue career in academia, you can work as a teacher in schools or lecturer in colleges/universities.
As an Archaeologist you can work in private or government-owned museums for the safe upkeep and management of museum artifacts.
Aspirants can also join coveted government jobs by qualifying Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or Staff Selection commission (SSC) exams.
A degree holder in Archaeology can also work as a tourist guide, heritage manager, interpreter, or resource person for tour organizers in the tourism sector.
Some of the popular Jobs profile in this field, include:
- Archaeologist
- Museum Curator
- Heritage Manager
- Conservation Officer
- Archivist
- Epigraphist
- Numismatist
- Lecturer/Professor
- Tourism Officer
- Research Associate
Top recruiters in this field are:
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- National heritage agencies
- Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)
- Government and private museums and cultural galleries
- Universities and colleges
Duties of an Archaeologist:
- Preserve, restore and clean artifacts.
- Collecting data about the archaeological site.
- Collect artifacts made of stone, metal, bones and preserve them.
- Create drawings and maps of unit profiles, stratum surfaces, features, and findings.
Salary & Payscale
Thinking about Salary??…. Here sky is the limit, depending upon the individual determination and ability.
In India, as a fresher Archaeologist you can expect a salary between Rs.3 to 4.5 lakcs per year.
Experienced and well-qualified professionals can expect salary packages ranging between Rs.5 to 8 lakcs per annum.
Salary packages will also depend upon education, working area, sector, level of skills, experience and many other factors.
A doctoral degree is a must need for a better career and a good salary package in this field. Below we have mentioned the average salary of job profiles related to Archaeology.
| Job Profile | Starting Salary per annum | Senior Level Salary per annum |
| Archaeologists (Government) | Rs. 3,50,000 | Rs. 9,500,000 |
| Documentation Specialist | Rs. 2,60,000 | Rs. 5,00,000 |
| Museum/ Gallery Officer or Curator | Rs. 1,50,000 | Rs. 5,00,000 |
| Palaeontologist | Rs. 3,50,000 | Rs. 10,00,000 |
| Lecturer | Rs. 5,50,000 | Rs. 18,00,000 |
| Assistant Archaeologist | Rs. 3,00,000 | Rs. 9,50,000 |
Books & Study Materials
Some good books to pursue Archaeology are listed here:
The Mind in the Cave by David Lewis-Williams
The Prehistory of the Mind: A Search for Origins of Art, Religion and Science by Steven Mithen
Before Civilization by Colin Renfrew
Sinews of Survival by Betty Kobayashi Issenman
Religion Explained by Pascal Boyer
Return to Chauvet Cave by Jean Clottes
For more information regarding Career in Archaeology, feel free to ask your queries below.
I have completed my 12th. I wanna know how to became an archaeologist and can I be stable in my life with this career choice? One more thing I want to know that is archaeology good career means does it have a great scope in future means like in 2040?
Please help,
You can be stable in this career if you’re passionate about the field. The jobs are competitive but growing in India and abroad.
You can work with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), museums, universities, or research organizations, heritage conservation, tourism, academics, and research.