Ancient History Career: Job Profiles, Placements, Salary, Top Recruiters, Abroad

Updated on Sep 23, 2024 11:50 IST

Ancient History students may develop a broad range of skills by studying ancient history that are useful in several different careers. While studying ancient history can help with research, analytical, and critical thinking abilities, it can also be beneficial for other professional routes. 

At the entry-level,  Ancient History candidates can work as Research Assistants, Museum Guide, Archaeological Assistants, or Teaching Assistants and earn an average salary ranging from INR 4.5 to 5.6 lakh. However, the positions at the mid-senior level can be Historian/Archaeologist, Curator, and Editor with pay ranging from INR 6.4 to 8.9 lakh.  At the senior level, they can earn a salary ranging from INR 10.1 to 15 lakh at job profiles like Chief Archaeologist, Museum Director, Foreign Service Officer, and so on.

The colleges that offer the highest placement packages to Ancient History students are Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University, St. Xavier’s College Mumbai, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, etc. Ancient History graduates can get hired in both the public and private sectors. Students can also pursue distance courses from IGNOU, the Institute of Distance and Open Learning, the University of Mumbai, the Institute of Distance Education, etc. They can find employment in Research Institutes, Museums, Colleges, Libraries, etc.

Average Salary Based On Job Position

The average salary for various job positions after Ancient History depends on several variables, including market growth and industry trends. The compensation given to entry-level employees or newcomers ranges between INR 5- 7 LPA.

The table below provides the average salary ranges for several employment positions for Ancient History graduates:

Job Profile Average CTC
Research Assistant/Intern (History) INR 2.5 LPA INR 4 LPA
Museum Guide/Assistant INR 2 LPA INR 3.4 LPA
Teaching Assistant INR 2.5 LPA INR 4 LPA
Archaeological Assistant INR 3 LPA INR 4.5 LPA
Historian INR 5 LPA INR 8 LPA
Curator INR 6 LPA INR 10 LPA
High School/College History Teacher INR 4 LPA INR 7 LPA
Journalist/Editor (History) INR 5 LPA INR 9 LPA
Lead Historian/Chief Archaeologist INR10 LPA INR 20 LPA
Museum Director INR12 LPA INR 25 LPA

NoteThe salary data has been sourced from external links.

Top Careers in Ancient History

Ancient History students can work in several areas after completing their course. They can choose their areas of employment according to their interest and field in which they want to pursue long-term careers. Candidates can work in either of the below-mentioned job profiles:

Job Profile Description Average CTC (INR) Range
Research Assistant/Intern (History) Assist in historical research projects. ₹2.5 lakh to ₹4 lakh
Museum Guide/Assistant Provide guided tours, share historical knowledge. ₹2 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh
Teaching Assistant (High School/College) Assist in teaching history courses. ₹2.5 lakh to ₹4 lakh
Archaeological Assistant Support archaeological excavations. ₹3 lakh to ₹4.5 lakh
Historian/Archaeologist Conduct research on historical topics. ₹5 lakh to ₹8 lakh
Curator/Conservator (Museum) Manage and preserve museum artifacts. ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh
High School/College History Teacher Educate students on historical subjects. ₹4 lakh to ₹7 lakh
Journalist/Editor (History) Cover historical events or write historical pieces. ₹5 lakh to ₹9 lakh
Lead Historian/Chief Archaeologist Oversee and lead historical or archaeological projects. ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh
Museum Director/Curator Head of museum, responsible for overall management. ₹12 lakh to ₹25 lakh
Professor/Head of History Department Teach at a university, head the history department. ₹10 lakh to ₹18 lakh
Foreign Service Officer (Senior Level) Represent the country's interests abroad. ₹15 lakh to ₹30 lakh
Senior Heritage Consultant Provide senior-level advice on cultural heritage. ₹12 lakh to ₹20 lakh
Heritage Consultant Advise on heritage preservation to organizations. ₹8 lakh to ₹15 lakh
Job Profile Description Average CTC
Research Assistant/Intern (History) Assist in historical research projects INR 2.5 - 4 LPA
Museum Guide/Assistant Provide guided tours, share historical knowledge INR 2.5 - 3 LPA
Teaching Assistant (High School/College) Assist in teaching history courses INR 3.5 - 5 LPA
Archaeological Assistant Support archaeological excavations INR 4- 5.5 LPA
Historian/Archaeologist Conduct research on historical topics INR 3 - 4.5 LPA
Curator/Conservator (Museum) Manage and preserve museum artifacts INR 3.5 - 6.2 LPA
High School/College History Teacher Educate students on historical subjects INR 5.3 - 8.1 LPA
Journalist/Editor (History) Cover historical events or write historical pieces INR 6.1- 8.4 LPA
Lead Historian/Chief Archaeologist Oversee and lead historical or archaeological projects INR 8.5 - 12 LPA
Museum Director/Curator Head of museum, responsible for overall management INR 6.2-10 LPA
Professor/Head of History Department Teach at a university, head the history department INR 10.5-12 LPA

Note: The salary data has been sourced from external links.

Specialisation Wise Salary for Ancient History Graduates in India

Ancient history specialisations can encompass a variety of topics, each requiring a unique set of abilities and applications. This table lists some ancient history specialisations and provides an estimate of entry-, mid-, and senior-level earnings in Indian Rupees (INR) per year. Students can also click to read more about History courses.

pecialization Entry-Level Salary (INR) Range Mid-Level Salary (INR) Range Senior-Level Salary (INR) Range
Classical Studies INR 3.6 LPA-INR 5.2 LPA INR 6.1 LPA-INR 10 LPA INR 12 LPA-INR 20 LPA
Archaeology INR 3.5 LPA-INR 6 LPA INR 6.4 LPA-INR 12 LPA INR 10 LPA-INR 18 LPA
Egyptology INR 2.5 LPA-INR 5.6 LPA INR 6.5 LPA-INR 9.4 LPA INR 10 LPA-INR 15.4 LPA
Ancient Art and Architecture INR 3.1 LPA-INR 5.5 LPA INR 6.2 LPA-INR 8.4 LPA INR 12.5 LPA-INR 18.1 LPA
Historical Linguistics INR 3.8 LPA-INR 5.4 LPA INR 5.5 LPA-INR 10 LPA INR 12.2 LPA-INR 18.4 LPA
Numismatics INR 3.3 LPA-INR 5 LPA INR 5.6 LPA-INR 10.2 LPA INR 12.3 LPA-INR 20.1 LPA
Ancient Philosophy INR 2.9 LPA-INR 5.1 LPA INR 6.1 LPA-INR 9.1 LPA INR 10.1 LPA-INR 20 LPA

NoteThe salary data has been sourced from external links.

Top Recruiters for Ancient History Students

Graduates who specialise in ancient history can use their knowledge and analytical abilities to pursue a wide range of job choices. They might be able to pursue rewarding careers in academics as researchers or as high school or college history instructors.

While archaeological consulting organisations hire experts for excavation projects, museums, and other cultural institutions provide curators and conservators with chances to manage and conserve historical artifacts. For appropriate portrayal in movies and documentaries, the media sector offers opportunities for historians and archaeologists to contribute as authors, journalists, or historical consultants. 

Top Employment Areas for Ancient History Graduates
Media Houses Museums
Schools and Colleges Libraries
Entertainment Industry NGOs

The various recruiters based on specialisations hire History graduates through placement drives conducted in top colleges. The various recruiters based on specialisation pursued in History include the following:

Museum Recruiters
National Museum, New Delhi Indian Museum Kolkata National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi
Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata -----
Schools/Colleges Recruiters
Chandigarh University Amity University Lucknow University
XLRI Parul University Indian Institute of Management
Media Houses Recruiters
NDTV Aaj Tak Dainik Jagran
Zee News The Times of India Hindustan Times
NGOs Recruiters
CRY Goonj Help Age
Butterfly Aakhiri Ummeed Aakar

Top Ancient History College for Placements

Several Ancient History colleges are popular for their placement opportunities and the high range of domestic and international packages offered to the candidates. These colleges not only provide placement opportunities but also ensure good placements for the students.

Some of the top colleges and their placement report for 2023 are given in the table below:

Name of College Average Salary (in INR) in 2023

JNU

INR 5.8 LPA

Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

INR 6.1 LPA

St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai

INR 6.2 LPA

University of Mysore

INR 4.6 LPA

Deen Dayal Upadhaya Gorakhpur University

INR 5.2 LPA

Banaras Hindu University

INR 5.5 LPA

University of Madras

INR 6.3 LPA

Andhra University

INR 5.3 LPA

Patna University

INR 4.8 LPA

How to Get a Job After an Ancient History Course?

After receiving an Ancient History degree, finding employment requires a mix of education, networking, and job search techniques. The following actions will assist you in finding employment in the field of social work:

  • Self-Assessment: Identify skills and interests.

  • Build Skills: Enhance research, writing, and communication skills.

  • Networking: Attend events, and connect with professionals.

  • Internships/Volunteering: Gain practical experience.

  • Create a Strong Resume: Emphasize education, skills, and relevant experience.

  • Online Presence: Build LinkedIn profile, and join relevant groups.

Top Indian Cities to Get Lucrative Jobs After Ancient History

Most top-tier cities offer vibrant job markets for Ancient History graduates. Students can find work in India in a wide range of industries. Students can find employment and career progression in cities like: 

City Job Opportunities Average Annual Salary (in INR)
Delhi NGOs, Educational institutions, International Agencies, Government Organisations, Museums INR 4 lakh- INR 6 lakh
Mumbai NGOs, Education,  Private Organisations, Library INR 3 lakh - INR 6 lakh
Pune Educational Institutions, Research Institute, Library INR 2.5 lakh- INR 5.5 lakh
Bangalore NGOs, Education,  Private Organisations, Library INR 3.5 lakh- INR 6.5 lakh
Chennai NGOs, Museums, Libraries, Education INR 4.5 lakh- INR 6 lakh
Chandigarh NGOs, Government Agencies, NGOs INR 5 lakh- INR 6.5 lakh
Kolkata Library, Museums, Education, and NGOs INR 2.5 lakh- INR 5.5 lakh

Ancient History Salary Abroad

Ancient History graduates can seek exciting job opportunities in popular job destinations such as UKUSA, CanadaAustralia, Germany, New Zealand. etc. The salary depends on various factors such as cost of living, location of the country, specialisation, years of experience, industry, etc. The salary ranges of the following countries are given in the table below:

Country Salary Offered
USA
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): $30,000 to $45,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): $45,000 to $60,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): $60,000 to $80,000 or more per year.
United Kingdom
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): £20,000 to £30,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): £30,000 to £45,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): £45,000 to £60,000 or more per year.
Canada
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): CAD 40,000 to CAD 60,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): CAD 60,000 to CAD 70,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): CAD 70,000 to CAD 80,000 or more per year.
 
Germany
 
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): €25,000 to €40,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): €40,000 to €55,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): €55,000 to €60,000 or more per year.
Australia
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): AUD 40,000 to AUD 50,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): AUD 55,000 to AUD 65,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): AUD 65,000 to AUD 80,000 or more per year.

Disclaimer: The above salary data has been obtained from external sites.

Ancient History Career FAQs

Q. Why is Ancient History important?

A. The study of ancient history is crucial because it sheds light on the beginnings and development of human civilization, offers insights from past triumphs and tragedies, shapes contemporary political and legal structures, establishes a basis for cultural identity, and highlights scientific and technological advancements through archaeological finds.

It facilitates comprehension of the interconnectedness of the world, exposes the dynamics of cultural change, provides a rich source of inspiration for literature and art, and—above all—preserves the historical memory necessary to appreciate the complexity of the human experience and to guide decisions made today and in the future. Click to see Archaeology Course.

Q. What is ancient Indian history?

A. The term "ancient Indian history" covers the era between the end of the Gupta Empire in the sixth century CE and the earliest recorded human settlements on the Indian subcontinent.

The Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE), the Vedic period (c. 1500–500 BCE), which is marked by the composition of the Vedas, the rise of early states and kingdoms, the Maurya Empire (c. 322–185 BCE) under Emperor Ashoka, the Golden Age of the Gupta Empire (c. 320–550 CE), and various regional kingdoms are among the major eras that are typically divided into it. The history of ancient India includes the rise of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism as well as important developments in Philosophy, science, and art as well as interactions through trade and cultural exchanges with adjacent nations.

Q. What are the best books about ancient history?

A. Some of the renowned books on Ancient History are:

  • "India: A History" by John Keay
  • "The Wonder That Was India" by A.L. Basham
  • "Ancient India" by R.C. Majumdar
  • "Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300" by Romila Thapar
  • "The Discovery of India" by Jawaharlal Nehru

Q. What do we learn in ancient history?

A. Gaining knowledge about the evolution of human societies, cultures, and civilizations can be achieved through studying ancient history. The following are important takeaways and topics of knowledge that come with studying ancient history:

  • Origins of Human Evolution: Recognizing the origins of civilizations, the development of Homo sapiens, and the earliest human settlements.
  • Traditions and Cultural Diversity: Valuing the diversity of the languages, customs, artwork, and religions of the ancient world.
  • Institutions and Social Structures: Investigating the family, class, and governmental systems that constituted the social structures, hierarchies, and institutions that ruled ancient cultures.
  • Political Aspects: Examining the creation of political systems, the rise and fall of empires, and the effects of leaders and rulers on society.

Q. How to study ancient history?

A. Effective ancient history research involves selecting a narrow focus area, making use of a variety of primary and secondary sources, reading credible books and journals, thinking about taking online courses, visiting historical sites and museums, participating in study groups and forums, watching documentaries, and keeping up with new findings.

The students should keep their notes well-organized, and strike a balance between breadth and depth of knowledge. They should also evaluate historical sources critically, and exercise patience and perseverance—after all, studying ancient history is a lifetime of learning. Students can also see the table below to learn related courses.

Subjects Related to History

Anthropology

Archaeology

Communication Studies

Geography

Languages

Linguistics

Literature

Philosophy

Political Science

Psychology

Sociology

Social Work

Q. What are the employment areas after Ancient History?

A. Some of the main areas of employment for Ancient History graduates are:

  • Academics and Researchers: Work as professors or researchers in universities and other research facilities.
  • Museums & Archives: As a curator or an archivist, work in museums, historical societies, or archives.
  • Publishing and Journalism: Compose articles for periodicals and media with a historical bent, or engage in historical journalism.
  • Tourism and Cultural Organizations: Lead tours, oversee cultural initiatives, or serve in organizations that facilitate cross-cultural exchanges.
  • Education and Outreach: Create educational resources, participate in educational initiatives, or do outreach related to history.
  • Government & Public Service: Take up a position in the civil service, manage cultural affairs, or work on historic sites.
  • Libraries: Work in libraries with a focus on archives and historical collections is known as library science.
  • Archeological Sites: Engage in archaeological excavations or work as a consultant or researcher in the field.

Q. What is the difference between ancient history and modern history?

A. The study of ancient history, which covers the period from roughly 3500 BCE to 476 CE, emphasizes the creation and advancement of early civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, emphasizing their achievements in politics, technology, and culture.

Modern history, on the other hand, spans the eras of great political transformation, the Industrial transformation, the Age of Discovery, and the Renaissance, starting in the 15th century and ending in the present. It examines international relations, the emergence of contemporary political structures, and notable technological developments, reflecting the deep social shifts that have molded the modern world.

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Ancient History courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Ancient History.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Ancient History. Students interested in pursuing a career on Ancient History, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

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21 Feb ' 25

SAT Registration Deadline for March Test

25 Feb ' 25

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

Feb '25 - Apr '25

CUET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction

TENTATIVE

Jun '25 - Jul '25

CPGET 2025 Applications

TENTATIVE

Jul '25

CPGET 2025 Admit Card Release

TENTATIVE

Popular Ancient History Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Ancient History Colleges in India. Learn more about these Ancient History colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
72.5 K
6.23 LPA

#8 The Week

3 Courses
2.4 K - 5.16 K
8 - 9 LPA
1 Course
432
9.5 LPA
1 Course
1 Course
22.59 K
2.8 LPA
3 K - 68 K
5.0

Popular Private Ancient History Colleges in India

1 Course
72.5 K
6.23 LPA

#8 The Week

3 Courses
2.4 K - 5.16 K
8 - 9 LPA
1 Course
432
9.5 LPA
1 Course
1 Course
22.59 K
2.8 LPA
3 K - 68 K
5.0

Popular Ancient History UG Courses

Following are the most popular Ancient History UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Ancient History PG Courses

Following are the most popular Ancient History PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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