Archaeology

Most of the universities in India that have a department of archaeology offer this subject at the post-graduation level and beyond it. In this regard, the first step towards becoming a successful archaeologist is to obtain a graduate degree. This could be in any discipline. However, it is preferable to have a Bachelor's degree in history, sociology, or anthropology for a better understanding of the concepts of archaeology. Further, it is advisable to check with the concerned university what all Bachelor's degrees are acceptable for taking up a postgraduate course in archaeology.
However, universities like the Maharaj Sayajirao University of Baroda, offers a 3-years Bachelor's degree in Indian History, Culture and Archaeology. Similarly, the Banaras Hindu University offers two undergraduate courses in this field: a three years honors programme in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology and a three-years vocational programme in museology and archaeology.
The Institute of Archaeology under the aegis of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi, conducts a two-year Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology. The eligibility of entry to this program includes a Master's degree in Ancient or Medieval Indian History, Anthropology, or Archaeology from a recognized university. Students holding a Master's degree in classical languages or geology can also apply for this programme. This course is divided into four semesters and the curriculum of this course is as follows:
Paper - I Principles and Methods of Archaeology
Paper - II Application of Science in Archaeology
Paper - III Prehistory
Paper - IV Protohistory
Paper - V Historical Archaeology
Paper - VI Art and Iconography
Paper - VII Architecture
Paper - VIII Epigraphy and Numismatics
Paper - IX Museology
Paper - X Structural Conservation of Monuments
Paper - XI Chemical Preservation of Monuments and Antiquities
Paper - XII Antiquarian Laws
Practical Test:
The practical test in itself comprises of the following sections: Surveying, Drawing, Photography, Modelling, Exploration & Excavation, Chemical Conservation, Computer Application, Viva-voce, General observations, Tutorials, and a Dissertation.
After completing the post graduation level, candidates can opt for higher studies. They can either go for a doctorate degree or take up lectureship in a university after qualifying the norms laid down by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in this regard.

Bachelor's degrees are generally required for entry-level archaeology positions, such as field assistant, surveyor or museum technician. Aspiring archaeologists typically pursue degrees in anthropology, which consist of studies in archaeology, cultural anthropology, biological anthropology and linguistics
Graduates in history in any stream with an aggregate of 55% marks can apply for Diploma, postgraduate Diploma or post graduation (MA/ M.Sc) in different fields of archaeology. Duration of these courses may vary from 1 year to 2-years. Admission to the two-year post graduate Diploma course at the Institute of Archaeology, the academic wing of the Archeological Survey of India in New Delhi, is on the basis of a written exam and an interview.
At a higher level, those interested in conducting research on the various branches of Archaeology can do Ph.D. But before applying for the research fellowship, they must have completed their post graduation.