Careers in Archaeology

Archaeology word is the combination of two words 'archaios' and 'logos' which means ancient things and theory of science. Archaeology study deals with the study about past civilization. The study of history of civilization is done by analysis and documentation, recovery of historical articles and historical data like bio-facts.
Archaeology is a good career option for those who derive self-satisfaction in discovering a part of history and old culture lost in the dust of time. This profession requires patience as archaeologists have to spend infinite hours and days camping and undertaking field work at laboratories and in excavation sites.
Some essential skills required for an archaeologist are knowledge about past history, reading habits, excellent penmanship and focused and an analytical mind. 

Eligibility

Those who want to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Archaeology should have studied history as a subject in 10+2.

For masters degree courses in archaeology one should have completed his/her graduation in any discipline. Preference is given to the history graduates.

Courses in Archaeology:-

• Diploma Courses in Archaeology
• M.A. (Archaeology)
• M.A. (Ancient Indian History and Archaeology)
• Post-Graduate Diploma in Archaeology

Some  of the specializations of archaeology are as follows:-

• Historical archaeology: - It is the study of cultures with some form of writing.
• Ethnoarchaeology: - It is archaeological study of living people.
• Experimental archaeology: - It is the application of experimental methods to develop highly controlled observations of processes to create and impact archaeological records.

Career Prospects

Good career opportunities are available to the archaeologist. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the main recruiter for archaeologists in India both at the center and at the state levels. Eligible students can apply for suitable positions with ASI after qualifying the examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or by State Public Service Commission’s (SPSC).

One can also apply for lectureship in various universities across the country. Or can go for further research by doing a PhD in this field.

Top recruiters:-

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

Remuneration

A fresh graduate can get a salary of Rs 8000 to 10,000. Salary in this field increases with the experience.

Institutes

1. University of Delhi, Delhi
2. Aligarh Muslim University
3. Kerala University, Trivandrum
4. Punjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh
5. Banaras Hindi University, Varanasi
6. University of Allahabad, Senate Hall, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
7. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, Uttar
8. Osmania University Campus, Hyderabad
9. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University - New Delhi
10. Ranchi University, Ranchi
11. Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati