How to pursue archaeology as a career option after Class 12?
The word ‘archaeology’ comes from the Greek word ‘arkhaiologia’ which means ‘ancient history’. Surveying, exhuming, and eventually analysing information obtained to gain a better understanding of the past are all part of the discipline called archaeology. For students interested in knowing more about the history of mankind, different civilisations that existed, observing and examining various monuments and excavation of historical sites, being an archaeologist could be their best bet.
Courses available
Students interested in pursuing archaeology can opt for certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma and undergraduate courses after Class 12. These courses focus on the basics of ancient history, culture and archaeology, museology, chemical preservation of monuments and antiquities, timeline of ancient history, early iron age, etc.
The certificate course (1 year) includes:
- Certificate in Archaeology
The diploma and advanced diploma (1 year) includes:
- Diploma in Indian Archaeology
- Diploma in Archaeology and Epigraphy
- Diploma in Museology and Conservation
- Advanced Diploma in Epigraphy
The undergraduate courses (3 years) include:
- BA in Ancient Indian Culture
- BA in History
- BA in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology
- BA in Archaeology and Museology
Institutes to study archaeology
Some of the most well-known institutes in India where students can study archaeology are Ban.aras Hindu University, University of Madras, University of Mysore, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi, Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam, Visva Bharati University, Delhi Institute of Heritage Management and Research, New Delhi, Kuvempu University, Karnataka and St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, etc.
Eligibility criteria
For admission to certificate and diploma courses, students should have completed Class 12 from any stream. Admission to the undergraduate programmes is based on completion of Class 12 with 50% aggregate in any stream, while students must have completed BA in Archaeology/ History/ Museology with at least 45% marks to be eligible for the postgraduate programmes.
Students are also required to qualify for entrance exam, if any conducted by the respective college or university. Andhra University Common Entrance Test (AUCET), Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test (IPU-CET), Banaras Hindu University Post Graduate Entrance Test (BHU-PET) and Calcutta University Entrance Exam (CUEE) are some of the common entrance exams organised for admission to archaeology courses.