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.
Archaeology in itself is a vast field and different roles are based on the area of specialization. The major branches of study in archaeology include:
Archaeobotany - Study of plant remains to ascertain agricultural practices of that time, food habits of the people, and climatic conditions thereof.
Archaeometry is the application of analytical engineering principles and processes to archaeology.
Archaeozoology - Branch of archaeology that looks into the remains of animals and related aspects such as their health, domestication, hunting practices, and so on.
Battlefield Archaeology - Intensive archaeological exploration of well-known battlefields.
Environmental Archaeology - Studies the impact of environment on past societies and vice versa.
Ethno Archaeology - Application of modern day ethnological or anthropological data on past societies to gain an insight into them.
Experimental Archaeology - Replication of obsolete objects and processes in order to get a better understanding of their working.
Geoarchaeology - The focus of this field is towards the inspection of soil and rock samples to determine changes in geological and environmental conditions.
Marine Archaeology - Also known as underwater archaeology. Study dedicated to probe the remains of ships along with the study of cultures that developed along the coastline.
Paleontology - This branch deals with the study of life forms that existed on earth before the advent of the modern man.
Prehistoric Archaeology - Archaeologists whose main interest is to examine human traditions that belong to the pre-recorded or prehistoric era.
Urban Archaeology - Branch that is specifically dedicated to the study of urban centers or cities.
Major Recruiters –
1. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
2. Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)
3. National Museum
4. Universities and colleges
5. Government and private museums and cultural galleries

Archaeology evokes a totally different sense when one hears of it. The diggings, the finds, the discoveries, the whole vibrancy of the mission are the things that fill up the life a true blue archaeologist. I feel that some courses of other subjects, though related, will go a long way in honing the skills. Studies of numismatics, study of museology, management are all required to improve career prospects. All these subjects inject the right amount of perspective and knowledge in repertoire of archaeologist. For attaining expertise all related subjects and topics surely needs to be studied. If it can be done during the graduation of main subject then it's all the better. Lot of time would be saved.
Thus to conclude, I would say that study of related subjects if possible during graduation is definite way of improving career prospects.

Yes, sure you can take up archeology as an undergraduate course at this level.
The eligibility to pursue this course is that the candidate should pass 10 (+2) exam or higher secondary exam from a recognized board.
It does not matter that you do not belong to arts stream at your 12th level. So don't get depressed and start your career with a new enthusiasm.
Archaeology is a career for those who have an acute interest and training in culture and history. It is preferable for candidates to have a background of ancient history and culture. The basic eligibility criteria for Bachelors course in history/ archaeology (I.e BA level) of three-year duration, is 10+2 or equivalent. After graduation one can opt for a post graduate Diploma or degree course in archaeology.
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.

Hello,
Graduation in archaeology is offered in many universities and colleges across India. Fundamentally this course equips the student to decipher history by observing and analysing artifacts found during digging ancient sites.The curriculum primarily consists of an introduction to archaeology, museology, ancient history, ancient cultures, numismatics, record keeping, conservation of museums etc. In short, anything to do with the collection, display, analysis, preservation of ancient artifacts and of course knowledge of related fields like ancient cultures, ancient numismatics, etc. This is one programme where the contents are evolving even today. It's one continuous process going on for many years. Idea was to give young graduates all required knowledge in related fields to make them capable of handling each and every aspect pertaining to archaeology.