Archaeology

Yes, with a Master's in Indian History and a specialisation in Modern India, you are eligible to apply for the position of Assistant Archaeologist, depending on the job requirements.

Government organizations like the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) often consider candidates with a background in history, archaeology, or related fields. While roles in archaeology may prefer candidates with expertise in ancient history or archaeology, your specialisation in Modern India can still be valuable, especially for research, historical analysis, or archival work.

Be sure to carefully check the eligibility criteria for the specific position, as some may require additional qualifications in archaeology.

The following universities and colleges across India offer a B.A. (Hons) in Ancient History and Archaeology:

University of Delhi (DU): This degree programme is offered in several DU affiliates, such as St. Stephen's College, Hindu College, and Miranda House. The history and archaeology departments in these colleges have a very bright reputation and quality faculty.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU): A programme which has been designed to give a comprehensive at all aspects of ancient history and archaeological studies is B.A. (Hons) in Ancient Indian History, Culture, and Archaeology.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): Courses in ancient history and archaeology are available at New Delhi's JNU, through its School of Social Sciences. Most of the programs are post-graduate and research-level but some undergraduate courses covering closely related areas are available.

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU): This one also has a B.A. (Hons.) programme in History, with Specialization in Ancient History and Archaeology. The university believes in hardcore research and has quite a lot of good infrastructure for the archaeology students.

Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune: More than any other open college in the country, this is an institute that deals primarily with archaeological and ancient historical studies. That doesn't mean, however, that it isn't good for undergraduates. It just happens to be more known for postgraduate and research programs.

You can study a PG Diploma in Archaeology or Museology at IGNOU which provides flexibility through its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) model if you work for the government. Obtaining a bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 50% is a prerequisite for admission. The program's framework helps working people reconcile their study with full-time job obligations.

During the admission cycle, you will need to pay the programme fees, upload scanned copies of your ID, proof of employment, and degree certificate, and complete an online application on the IGNOU admissions portal. Typically, these programs offer semester- or year-based admissions.

Well, this is a very subjective question. Some candidates would prefer Diploma in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology because the coursework perfectly aligns with their interests in literature, archaeological heritage and Indian culture. Also, it is conducted in an online mode for the duration of one year. On the other hand, other candidates might be interested in pursuing an MA in History even if takes two years for completion as it offers a detailed understanding of past history and civilizations.

So you should think about your interest areas, future goals, and the amount of time you can invest in the course. Once you are clear about these points, you can apply accordingly. Best of luck!