Archaeologist

10th

12th (Any Stream)

• Admission into the Bachelor of Arts (B. A) in Archaeology course is based on the candidates’ performance in the college/university-specific examination (if specified).However, it may vary from college to college; check the particular college rules and regulations before applying.

• To become an ARCHAEOLOGIST, a candidate should hold a Bachelor of Arts (B. A) in Archaeology / Bachelor of Arts in Indian History Culture and Archaeology, Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology and Museology. 
• The duration of the course will be three years.

• • After graduation, the student can apply for government agencies or private organizations.
  • To become an ARCHAEOLOGIST, the candidate has to register and qualify for UPSC CSE and SPSC Exams that the Central Government conducts and State Governments both every once in a while.
  • Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Exam is conducted every year.
  • This exam is conducted in 2 phases:Preliminary examination and Main examination. 
  • The pre-Exam is conducted in May and June, and the main exam is in October for qualified pre-exam students.
  • The candidate should be between 21 to 32 years of age on the first day of the month in which the course starts. However, the upper age limit will be relaxed by three years for OBC candidates and five years for SC/ST candidates. 

  Official Website for Registration to UPSC Exam: https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/active-exams

  Official Website for Registration to Exam (For HARYANA State): http://hpsc.gov.in/en-us/Instructions

  * To Become an Archaeologist, the candidate must apply for different state or central governments conducted by SPSCs or UPSCs.

  * The state police service commission(SPSC) is based in the state. So, for example, if a candidate lives in Haryana, then name is the Haryana police service commission(HPSC). 

• After qualifying for the UPSC/SPSC written main exam, the candidate will go for the Interview to test the personality and mental ability of the candidate, such as intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, observation powers, judgment ability, and mental alertness. Candidates who clear the Interview and then selected for detailed Physical and Medical examinations. The merit list will feature candidates who clear the medical examination part.
• The merit list is based on the marks scored by candidates in UPSC/SPSC Written Exam, Interview, and Medical examination. The final selection of candidates for training will be made based on this merit list and the vacancy for the archaeologist.

Official Website for Registration to UPSC Exam: https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/active-exams

Official Website for Registration to SPSC Exam (For HARYANA State): http://hpsc.gov.in/en-us/Instructions

Who is an Archaeologist?

     An archeologist is an expert on history who gains expertise through experience with historical documents and artifacts. An archeologist can assist in identifying potential dig locations and the resulting excavations and interpreting any artifacts discovered during excavation. Archaeology is the study of the ancient human past through the remains of the material. It is also a sub-disciple of anthropology, studying varied human cultures. Archaeology is the investigation of material developed by humans since man first walked the earth. An archaeologist must study and recover ancient remains from various eras and times. An archaeologist is a professional who attempts to discover and analyze the evidence of past civilizations through the help of Archaeological Studies. 

 Job Responsibilities of an Archaeologist

• The primary duty of an Archaeologist is to study and recover ancient remains from various eras and times.     
• Archaeologists also identify, analyze, and date artifacts discovered during excavation.
• An archaeologist is responsible for unveiling a rich information store about past societies or civilizations' beliefs, social structure, economic organization, and environmental effects.
• An archaeologist analyses the information and concludes many past and present issues of importance.
• An archaeologist locating suitable excavation sites, including using geophysical surveys and aerial photography, producing, compiling, and maintaining written, photographic, and drawn records and electronic databases.

Career Scope of an Archaeologist

• Most of the employment opportunities for Archaeologists is available in the government sector.  The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the primary recruiter of archaeologists at both the central and state levels. The candidate can secure jobs in ASI by clearing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination or State Public Service Commission (SPSC) exam.
• There is an excellent scope for a qualified archaeologist in various public and private organizations, including the Archaeological Survey of India. 
• Private establishments may also provide excellent opportunities in this line of work. 
• Various job roles of an archaeologist in India:

• Museum Education Officer,
• Documentation Specialist,
• Museum/ Gallery Curator,
• Heritage Manager,etc.

Salary/Income of an Archaeologist

In the Government Sector, an entry-level Archaeologist can earn approximately Rs. 4,00,000 per year. However, it can vary from state to state. In the Public sector, an Archaeologist with 1 to 4 years of experience can expect to make approximately Rs. 8,00,000 annually.