Question

What qualification required for archeological survey of india?

Answer 1

The Institute of Archaeology under the aegis of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi, conducts a two year Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology. The eligibility of entry to this program includes a master’s degree in Ancient or Medieval Indian History, Anthropology, or Archaeology form a recognized university. Students holding a master’s degree in classical languages or geology can also apply for this program. This course is divided into four semesters and the curriculum of this course is as follows:

Paper - I Principles and Methods of Archaeology
Paper - II Application of Science in Archaeology
Paper - III Prehistory
Paper - IV Protohistory
Paper - V Historical Archaeology
Paper - VI Art and Iconography
Paper - VII Architecture
Paper - VIII Epigraphy and Numismatics
Paper - IX Museology
Paper - X Structural Conservation of Monuments
Paper - XI Chemical Preservation of Monuments and Antiquities
Paper - XII Antiquarian Laws

Practical Test

The practical test in itself comprises of the following sections: Surveying, Drawing, Photography, Modelling, Exploration & Excavation, Chemical Conservation, Computer Application, Viva-voce, General observations, Tutorials, and a Dissertation.

After completing the post graduation level, candidates can opt for higher studies. They can either go for a doctorate degree or take up lectureship in a university after qualifying the norms laid down by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in this regard. From the master’s level onwards, candidates can look for suitable career opportunities either in the teaching line or as an archaeologist employed with the ASI at the central or at the state level.

Start Early
To take up a successful profession in archaeology it is not necessary but advisable to start as early as possible. The most important steps in this direction are to imbibe the spirit of cultural and art appreciation in the minds of young ones. This impetus must come both from the school as well as from the home front. As the psyche of a young learner absorbs more and more information about the grandeur of our country’s history, they are automatically attracted towards this exciting profession.

Further, interest towards this occupation can be ignited by frequent visits to museums, cultural centres, historical monuments, and even excavation sites. Gathering information from books and periodicals on topics such as history, art history, and ancient civilizations helps a lot in this regard. Keeping track of developments and new findings in the realm of archaeology is another way of getting a head start for becoming a future archaeologist.

Is it the right career for me?
Archaeology is the perfect career for people who derive self-satisfaction in discovering a part of history and culture long lost in the dust of time. It is a profile that is very demanding since archaeologists have to spend umpteen hours and days camping and undertaking field work at excavation sites and in laboratories. An archaeologist therefore must have the patience to work on a project that may take months and even years to compete.

Abundant knowledge of history, an avid reading habit, excellent penmanship, and an analytical and focussed mind are some essential skills that make a good archaeologist. In this occupation fame and recognition often weighs more than monetary benefits.

What would it cost me?
It does not cost too much to purse your studies in this field. As far as the cost of completing, a bachelor’s or a postgraduate degree goes the cost is similar to other arts and social science subjects.
Funding/Scholarship
Students who succeed to get admission into the two year Post Graduate Diploma program in Archaeology run by the ASI get a stipend of Rs.1,500 each.
Post graduate students of archaeology who get through the National Eligibility Test (NET) or the Junior Research Fellow (JRF)-Lectureship examination conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) are eligible to take doctorate studies in the capacity of a junior research fellow. The monthly remuneration of JRFs is Rs.8,000 per month.

Apart from the aforementioned, universities generally extend merit scholarships and stipends to students on the basis of their performance at pre as well as post graduate levels. Some educational institutions also have government and privately funded fellowships for their students, the eligibility for which varies from institute to institute.