Archaeology

There are various colleges and institutes in Maharashtra which offer degree courses in archaeology. Among them, most well-known are the University of Mumbai, offering Master of Arts in Archaeology, and Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute at Pune, focusing on advanced courses in archaeology and ancient history. The Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, in Aurangabad, offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in archaeology. Other alternatives may be courses available under the history department at Pune University and Shivaji University in Kolhapur. These colleges will provide very thorough study in archaeology, mainly archaeology and ancient civilizations, techniques of excavation, and conservation.

Hello greetings!
Some information about archaeology programs and eligibility:
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Master's in Archaeology, you usually need to have a bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% aggregate marks. You can be eligible if you've already graduated or are in your final year of graduation. 

Subjects
Subjects like History, Anthropology, and Sociology can help build a strong foundation for a career in archaeology.

Archaeological Survey of India
To work for the ASI, you need a Master's Degree in Archeology or a Master's degree in history with a Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology from a Government recognised educational institute.

For more accurate and the latest information please visit their official website or by contacting the admission office. It is imperative to follow all the guidelines to get the accurate information.

Yes, you can pursue a BA in Archaeology at a university in India: 

Courses

A BA in Archaeology is a three-year undergraduate degree programme that covers topics such as art and architecture, museum studies, and Indian epigraphy. 

Eligibility

You can pursue this course if you have completed Class 12 in any stream, and no previous knowledge of the subject is required. 

Colleges

Some of the top colleges in India for Archaeology include:

Kulajan College, Assam 

Government Arts College, Bengaluru 

Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai 

Loknaik Bapuji Aney Women College, Yavatmal 

B.N.B.P. Degree College, Maharajganj 

B. D. Arts College for Women, Ahmedabad 

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!