Archaeologist
Studies human history and prehistoric cultures by excavating and exploring ancient art, relics, monuments and other remains.
Overview
An Archaeologist studies human history, especially the culture of historic and prehistoric people in particular, through discovery and exploration of ancient art, architectural relics, monuments and other materials. An Archaeologist undertakes fieldwork and excavation of sites to seek answers concerning the social habits, customs, religious practices, living conditions, etc.
Where they work
- Private and government colleges/universities
- Museums
- Cultural centres
- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Work environment
You are expected to work outdoors during field work or in an office environment when writing reports or research papers. You may work full time or part time, on individual field work projects, or in a freelance capacity.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You pay attention to details
- You show interest and curiosity in historical monuments
- You like to work outdoors
- You have strong research skills
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream, preferably Humanities.
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree in Arts (B.A.) in History/Archaeology, followed by a Master's degree in Arts (M.A.) in Archaeology, and then complete a PhD in a related subject.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree in Arts (B.A.) in History/Archaeology, followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of History/Archaeology. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Government Degree College, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
- DAV Degree College, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh
- University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal
- University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka
- Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi
- Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management, New Delhi
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- B.K. College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Thane, Maharashtra
- Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra
- Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Field Assistant, Junior Archaeologist or Assistant Professor
- 2Field Archaeologist or Project Archaeologist
- 3Senior Archaeologist or Research Director
- 4Chief Archaeologist or Professor
Expected income
₹15,000 – ₹5,00,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change. The printed range is very wide.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Historian
Studies past events through written records, artefacts, photographs, interviews, films and letters to explain how and why things changed.
Epigraphist
Studies inscriptions carved into stone or cast in metal — such as those on India's temple walls — to learn about the past.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Arts, Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to researching.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Nayanjot Lahiri — A historian and archaeologist of ancient India, described in the source as a professor of history at Ashoka University. She was educated at St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and at the Department of History, University of Delhi. She taught at Hindu College and then at the Department of History, University of Delhi, until 2015, and served as Dean of Colleges at the University of Delhi from 2007 to 2010 and as Dean of International Relations from 2006 to 2007. She won the 2013 Infosys Prize in the humanities for her work in archaeology, and the 2016 John F. Richards Prize for her book Ashoka in Ancient India.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 793 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/archaeologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 793; the contents list gives 795. The Institute of Archaeology of the Archaeological Survey of India and the Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management, listed under private institutes, are government institutes, so they are shown under government institutes here. The card names the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as a workplace; the Archaeological Survey of India comes under the Ministry of Culture.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.