Career as an Archaeologist

Archaeology is a multidisciplinary science which draws help from geography, history, anthropology, chemistry, geology, art and literature. It is also regarded as one of the four branches of Anthropology, which is the study of the physical and social characteristics of humanity. The cultural and social events of the past have been relived through archeological studies. Archaeological studies or inputs are considered important in issues such as environmental conservation, urban societies, town planning etc. These discoveries involve a variety of field techniques and laboratory procedures.

Archaeologists study the history of human cultures by examining artifacts and evidence from the past. Using the resulting information, they can create a picture of the social, political and economic facets of long-ago civilizations. They design research projects to test their hypotheses, and write reports of their findings. They often manage archeological sites, working in spaces like national parks and historical landmarks. They have the expertise to educate and advise others on the cultural impact of various policies and products. Take a look at the following chart for an overview of how to enter this profession.

Job Profiles

• Archaeobotanist
• Archaeometrist
• Archaeozoologist
• Battlefield Archaeologist
• Environmental Archaeologist
• Ethno Archaeologist
• Experimental Archaeologist
• Geoarchaeologist
• Marine Archaeologist
• Palaeontologist
• Prehistoric Archaeologist
• Urban Archaeologist

Eligibility

Basic qualification to get admission in courses related to Archaeologist is 10+2.

Courses

• Diploma Courses in Archaeology
• Diploma in Indian Archaeology
• Post-Graduate Diploma in Archaeology

Bachelor

• Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology and Museology
• Bachelor of Arts in Indian History Culture and Archaeology
• MA in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology
• MA in Archaeology
• Master in Arts (Archaeology & Ancient Indian History)
• Master in Arts (Archaeology)
• Master of Philosophy in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology
• Master of Science in Archaeology

Research

• Doctor of Philosophy in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology

Admission Criteria

Reputed institutes rely on merit based admission process. Such institutes make use of relevant entrance test to select deserving candidates. Some institutes are also known to conduct their own qualifying test in order to select deserving candidates.

Subject/Syllabus

• Principles and Methods of Archaeology
• Application of Science in Archaeology 
• Prehistory 
• Protohistory 
• Historical Archaeology 
• Art and Iconography 
• Architecture 
• Epigraphy and Numismatics 
• Museology 
• Structural Conservation of Monuments 
• Chemical Preservation of Monuments and Antiquities 
• Antiquarian Laws 

Some Institutes/Colleges/Universities

• Loyola College, Chennai
• Christ University, Bangalore
• Presidency College, Chennai
• Fergusson College, Pune
• KJ Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, Mumbai
• St. Xaviers College, Kolkata
• Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore
• IP College for Women, Delhi
• DAV College, Chandigarh
• Scottish Church College, Kolkata
• Loreto College, Kolkata
• Miranda House, New Delhi 
• Hansraj College, Delhi
• Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi
• Hindu College, New Delhi
• Ramjas College, Delhi
• Madras Christian College, Chennai
• Delhi College of Arts & Commerce, Delhi
• Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi
• Stella Maris College, Chennai
• Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore
• Mount Carmel College, Bangalore
• Kamala Nehru College for Women, Delhi
• Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi
• GGDSD College, Chandigarh
• Gargi College, New Delhi
• K.J Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, Mumbai
• Government College for Girls, Chandigarh
• Maharaja Agrasen College, Delhi
• Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai
• St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad
• Mehr Chand Mahajan D. A. V. College for Women(MCM DAV College for Women), Chandigarh
• Kirori Mal College, Delhi
• St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad
• Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai
• The Oxford College of Arts, Bangalore
• Women's Christian College, Chennai
• St. Teresa's College, Kochi
• Sacred Heart College, Kochi
• St. Ann's College for Women, Hyderabad
• Ramakrisha Mission Vidyamandir, Belur, Kolkatta
• S.K. Somaiya college of Arts and Commerce, Mumbai
• Sophia College for Women, Mumbai
• Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow
• St. Mira's College for Girls, Pune
• Maharani Laxmi Ammanni College for Women, Bangalore

Cost of the Course

It will range between ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 1,50,000.

Careers Prospects

India has a rich cultural heritage that goes back thousands of years. In this regard, there is always a perpetual demand for well qualified archaeologists to work on new archaeological projects. Archaeology is a rewarding and challenging career opportunity for those who have an analytical bend of mind and a keen desire to know about the past. It can give awareness about the heritage and tradition of a country or a culture.

Employment Sector

• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
• Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)
• National Museum
• Universities and colleges
• Government and private museums and cultural galleries

Income

Archaeologist can expect a salary in the range of ₹20,000 to ₹.30,000 per month. Whereas experienced and qualified professionals can demand salary packages ranging from ₹.5 lakhs per annum to around ₹.8 lakhs per annum.