Archaeology Course: Admission 2023, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, & Career Scope

Updated on Jul 19, 2023 05:03 IST
Jasmine Dang Arora

Jasmine Dang AroraDeputy Manager-Content

Archeology is the fundamental study of humanity and its past through findings and investigation. Archeology courses teach about the human past, cultures, and historical significance through numerous historical locations, artifacts, excavation, discoveries, and data interpretation to develop a theory. Archeology courses after the 12th grade are available in colleges across India at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate levels. Students who have scored 50 percent aggregate marks can apply for these courses.

For admittance to Archeology courses in India, some colleges hold entrance tests like SAT, JMI Entrance Exam, IIMC Entrance Exam, JNUEE, AMU Entrance Exam, etc. Students can also pursue online and offline Archeology certification courses. Notably, Diploma and postgraduate diploma programmes in Archeology are short-term studies. Popular online learning platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, Alison, and others provide archaeology courses ranging from basic to advanced levels. Enrolling in such courses has no requirements; students must have completed 10+2. The fees for different level of courses range from INR 30,000 to INR 2 lakh.

People study Archaeology, considered a sub-discipline of Anthropology, to know more about the past through skeletons, drawings, modes of communication, and remains of mankind and animals. Archeology involves the investigation of material developed by humans since man first walked the earth. There are various specialisations in the field of Archaeology which people can choose to make a career.

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What is the course of Archaeology?

Given below is everything you need to know about the Archeology courses in terms of its eligibility criteria, required skillset, course curriculum, job prospects, and more.  

Particulars Details
Full Course Name Archaeology
Course Level UG, PG, Diploma, PG Diploma, Certificate, Doctoral
Eligibility Merit+Entrance Based
Entrance Exams CUET, JMI Entrance Test, JNUEEPUB DET, etc.
Fees INR 5,000 -2 Lakhs
Salary INR 2 lakh-5 lakh
Job Profiles Exhibition Incharge, Professor, Heritage Manager, Museum Curator, and so on
Top Colleges

Amity University, Noida, Loyola College, Chennai, Christ University, Bangalore, Miranda House, Delhi, etc.

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What are the different Archaeology Courses in India?

Universities and colleges offer various undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses in the field of Archeology which are as follows:

Course

Duration

BA in Ancient Indian Culture

3-Years

BA in Ancient Indian History and Archelogy

3-Years

BA in Archaeology and Museology

3-Years

MA in Archaeology

2-Years

MA in Museology

2-Years

Postgraduate Diploma in Archelogy

1-Year

What are the benefits of pursuing Archaeology courses?

  • Archeology degree is a dynamic discipline that is continually changing as new research methodologies are developed. 
  • Diverse and hands-on Archeology is one of the most diverse academic subjects available at universities. It incorporates components from many other disciplines, including History, Geography, Politics, Chemistry, Biology, and Sociology.
  • Archaeology courses teaches a wide range of skills that will prepare aspirants for a variety of vocations. Students will be able to work in archaeology-related professions like conservation and museums, as well as other industries like tourism.
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What are the eligibility criteria for admission to Archaeology courses?

Students are required to meet the eligibility criteria which is set by universities. The eligibility criteria may differ from university to university, however, here is the common eligibility criteria set for a course in Archelogy.

Level of Archaeology courses Eligibility
Undergraduate  Class 12 from a recognised board with minimum 50 per cent marks
Postgraduate Graduation with 50 per cent marks
Diploma 50 per cent in 10+2
PG Diploma Passed graduation or diploma in relevant field
Doctorate  55% marks in Postgraduation
Certificate 10+2

What are the specialisations in Archaeology?

Candidates can check the below given table to know about Archaeology specialisations:

Specialisations in Archaeology

Ethno- Archaeology

Environmental Archaeology

Battlefield Archaeology

Zooarchaeology

Experimental Archaeology

Urban Archaeology

Marine Archaeology

Arc-Botany

Geo-Archaeology

What are the subjects in BA Archaeology?

Archaeology is a dynamic discipline that is continually changing as new research methodologies are developed. Studying Archaeology will inculcate a deep understanding of history and humanity among the students. The common syllabus for BA in Indian History and Archeology are as follows:

Archaeology Subjects
First Year
  • Introduction to Ancient History
  • Culture and Archaeology
  • Prep and Proto History of India
Second Year
  • Political and Cultural History of North India (From Vedic to Mauryas Time)
  • Political and Cultural History of North India (From Times of Sunga to the end of Kushana Period)
Third Year
  • Political and Cultural History of South India
  • History of Sciences in Ancient India
  • Political and Cultural History of North India of Post Gupta Period

Which are the popular private colleges offering Archaeology Courses?

Some of the popular private colleges offering Archeology courses are listed below in the table:

Name of College  Fees (in INR)
St. Xavier's College, Mumbai 72,500
Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management 46,400
K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies 6,200 to 41,000
Sri Sai Correspondence College, Bangalore -----
Shri Krishna University, Chattarpur -----

Which are the popular government colleges offering Archaeology Courses?

Some of the popular government colleges offering Archeology courses are listed below in the table:

Name of College  Fees (in INR)
University of Lucknow 18,000
Calcutta University 2,400 to 12,000
BHU, Varanasi 9,500 to 20,000
University of Madras 3,000 to 68,000
MSU, Vadodara -----
Kerala University 2,600
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University 1.9 lakh
Tamil Nadu Open University ----
Panjab University, Chandigarh 23,500
University of Mysore 4,800

Also Read:

Top Archeology Colleges 

What are the job opportunities for Archaeology Students?

There are a variety of career opportunities one can take up after pursuing a UG or PG programme in Archaeology. According to the skills and which specialisation you have worked on, there are various opportunities which one can take up. The need for professional archaeologists is needed as there are not many people who opt for a course in Archaeology. Here are some areas one can work:

Job opportunities for Archaeology Candidates

Teaching

Museum

Research

Consultant

Expert

Investigator

Conservation Officer

Documentation Specialist

FAQs on Archaeology

Q. What is Archeology? 

A. Archeology is the study of past cultures. The study of the ancient and recent human past through material remains is known as archaeology. Archaeology courses can be pursued by students after completing 10+2. Students can pursue various courses in Archeology at undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certification, PG Diploma, and certificate levels. Moreover, students can also study online and offline certification courses in Archeology. 

Q. What does an Archeologist do?

A. Archeologists find, conserve, organise, and store historical artifacts discovered in the field. Their study is to unearth elements of the past in order to better comprehend how previous societies lived and grew. An archaeologist can specialise in any historical period, from recent years to ancient civilisations.

A career as an Archaeologist allows you to be a part of some of the most important discoveries in human history, allowing people to better understand where they came from. Read More: Career in Archaeology

Q. What are the different types of roles for Archaeologists? 

A. After completing course in Archeology, students can get involved in the below-mentioned areas: 

  • Numismatics: The past is restructured through a study of old coins, medals, seals, tokens, money and other related objects.
  • Epigraphy: The job involves deciphering inscriptions, edicts, and manuscripts. Inscriptions may appear on copper plates, stones, stupas, statues, or coins.
  • Museologists:  are concerned with the maintenance of a museum, the purchase and display, labeling of new and rare art collections, methods of preservation, repair of parchment, paper and microfilming of documents.
  • Curators: A curator is the custodian of a museum and its financial and administrative matters. He maintains detailed records of each item including an assessment of its value, conservation, treatment, etc

Q. How to become an Archeologist in Monumental History?

A. Those who studied history in high school can pursue a BA in Archeology at their respective state colleges. A BA/BSc in disciplines such as ancient Indian history, culture, and archaeology, anthropology, geography, fine arts, geology, botany, architecture, or languages such as Sanskrit, Prakrit, or Pali is required to be eligible for a postgraduate degree in this field.

Q. What are the popular specialisations in Archeology?

A. Archeology is a subfield of Anthropology, and there are several specialisations available. The type of archaeologist you become is determined by the field you chose. Popular specialisations in Archaeology are Ethno- Archeology, Environmental Archaeology, Battlefield Archeology, Zooarchaeology, Experimental Archaeology, Urban Archaeology, Marine Archaeology, Arc-Botany and Geo-Archaeology.

Q. What is the admission process for Archaeology?

A. Candidates can check the below given procedure to know about Archaeology process:

Chose University/College: The first step is to search for colleges or universities which are offering courses in Archaeology. Check the fees, the seats offered eligibility criteria which is set for the course.

Apply for Course: Proceed to apply for admission after getting to know the university offering the programme. Fill up the details as required and pay the application fee. The application forms are available for a limited period of time so the candidate is advised to know the details way in advance.

Mode of Admission: Universities and Colleges will either conduct entrance exams for admission or offer admission through merit. For postgraduate courses, the candidate will have to appear for an entrance exam.

Results: Selected and qualified candidates make the merit list. The student has to get the desired rank and percentage, to be eligible for admission.

Counselling: The candidate will have to appear for the counselling session conducted at the university to book their seat, submit their documents and pay the fees to seal admission.

Q. What are the popular courses in Archaeology?

A. Popular courses in Archaeology are BA in Ancient Indian Culture, BA in Ancient Indian History and Archelogy, BA in Archaeology and Museology, MA in Archaeology, MA in Museology, Postgraduate Diploma in Archelogy, etc. Students interested in pursuing these courses must have certain skills like attention to detail, critical thinking, besides fieldwork abilities. They should also have a  strong understanding of history, anthropology, and science.

Q. Which are the top colleges for Archaeology?

A. Archeology can be pursued from a number of private and government colleges. ome of the popular colleges are:

Q. What are the popular job opportunities for Archaeology candidates?

A. Archaeologists can find work in museums, cultural centres, universities, government ministries, and other similar organisations. Aside from this, they work on various initiatives that are undertaken by research institutions from time to time. The job necessitates careful patience and occasionally involves travel to isolated regions and a lot of fieldwork. Some of the recruiters are:

  • The Archeological Society of India (ASI)
  • National Archives of India 
  •  Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH),
  • Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Defence Services 

Q. What is MA History and Archeology?

A. MA History and Archaeology, also known as Master of Arts in History and Archaeology, is a postgraduate History degree programme. It is the study of recently documented times through material culture and literature. Students who have done their Bachelor of Arts degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university can apply for this course. They also need to have a minimum of 50% aggregate in their Bachelor's degree.

Q. What are the learnings from Archaeology courses?

A. Archaeology studies provide students with valuable skills that help them in excelling throughout their degree and future profession. These of these abilities are:

  • Data examination
  • Project administration
  • Budgeting and planning
  • Presentation abilities
  • Work in a scientific laboratory

Popular Archaeology Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Archaeology Colleges in India. Learn more about these Archaeology colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
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₹2.4 K - 12 K
₹9.2 LPA
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1 Course
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₹2.56 K
₹3.12 LPA
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2 Courses
₹9.53 K - 20 K
₹8 LPA
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₹3 K - 68 K
₹3.6 LPA
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1 Course
4.5
₹2.8 LPA
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1 Course
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₹72.5 K
₹5.5 LPA

#8 The Week

Popular Private Archaeology Colleges in India

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₹2.4 K - 12 K
₹9.2 LPA
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1 Course
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₹2.56 K
₹3.12 LPA
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2 Courses
₹9.53 K - 20 K
₹8 LPA
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₹3 K - 68 K
₹3.6 LPA
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1 Course
4.5
₹2.8 LPA
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1 Course
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₹72.5 K
₹5.5 LPA

#8 The Week

Popular Archaeology UG Courses in India

Following are the most popular Archaeology UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Archaeology PG Courses in India

Following are the most popular Archaeology PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Archaeology Specializations in India

Following are the most popular Archaeology Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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Answered a month ago

A BA/BSc in disciplines such as ancient Indian history, culture, and archaeology, anthropology, geography, fine arts, geology, botany, architecture, or languages such as Sanskrit, Prakrit, or Pali is required to be eligible for a postgraduate degree in this field.

Must be a graduate in Archaeology or

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Sai Nikhil Nalluru

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

  • Xavier's College Mumbai,
  • Banaras Hindu University,
  • UniRaj,
  • University of Lucknow,
  • Calcutta University,  
  • University of Madras,
  • MSU,
  • Kerala University

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Sai Nikhil Nalluru

Contributor-Level 9

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