Updated on Dec 30, 2024 10:34 IST

Archaeology career scope is rapidly increasing with the increased focus on the preservation of history and culture. Students who choose to pursue a career in Archaeology can look forward to a fascinating, fulfilling, and stable career with ample opportunities and scope for growth.

A student can pursue a career as an Archaeologist, Professor, Archivist, Heritage Manager, or Museum Curator after completing a degree in Archaeology courses. They can expect a salary ranging from INR 5- 10 LPA in an Archaeology career. 

Students can pursue further studies like MBA, Masters, and PhD after Archaeology courses. They can also start working in the CRM, Tourism, Academia, and Government Service fields. Some of the top recruiters in the Archaeology industry are the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), UNESCO and Heritage Walk, etc.

Colleges that offer Archaeology courses include  St Xavier’s College, Calcutta University, BHU, and K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies, among others. 

Table of Contents
  1. Archaeology Courses Career: Quick Facts
  2. Top Career Profiles After Archaeology Courses
    • 2.1 Government & Private Sector Jobs After Archaeology Courses
  3. Emerging Trends in Archaeology Careers
  4. Archaeology Courses Scope in India: Jobs, Salary, and Further Education
    • 4.1 Courses after Graduation in Archaeology
    • 4.2 Archaeology Courses Top Recruiters
    • 4.3 Core Industries for Archaeology Career
  5. Top Colleges for Archaeology Courses Placements In India
  6. Archaeology Career FAQs

Archaeology Courses Career: Quick Facts

  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for archaeologists and anthropologists will grow 8% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
  • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for maintaining 3,695 ancient monuments and archaeological sites in India, including 24 cultural World Heritage sites.
  • In the UK, the Archaeological Research and Consultancy sector generated over £500 million in revenue in 2019, highlighting the importance and economic contribution of archaeological work, particularly in Cultural Resource Management (CRM).

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Top Career Profiles After Archaeology Courses

Archaeology is a fascinating study of the past through physical remains and artifacts. There is a plethora of job opportunities that students can pursue after completing an  Archaeology Course. 

Government & Private Sector Jobs After Archaeology Courses

Students can get a job in both, the government as well as the private sectors after completing an Archaeology Course. Some of the most commonly chosen job profiles are listed below:

Archaeology Jobs

Job Description

Average Salary 

Archaeologists

They inspect archeological sites and analyze the artifacts and preserved buried remains which may help in understanding the culture, society, technology, and events of the past.

INR 6 LPA

Professors

A professor is involved in teaching, and research activities. They devise lesson plans and deliver lectures to students. They may also be responsible for mentoring and supervising the students.

INR 7 LPA

Archivist

Archivists are in charge of collecting, preserving, and organizing historical materials. They frequently have a background in history or a similar discipline. 

INR 5LPA

Heritage Managers

They are responsible for the preservation and management of historical buildings and monuments. 

INR 3 LPA

Museum Curators

They educate people about the history of Archaeology and important archeological findings by planning and managing museum displays and exhibitions engagingly and interactively.

INR 3 LPA

Note: The salaries have been taken from Ambitionbox and may vary.

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Anthropology Courses

History Courses

Emerging Trends in Archaeology Careers

There are several trends that are rising and reshaping Archaeology careers, with the increased use of innovation and technology in the industry.

  • Digital and Computational Archaeology: It integrates digital tools like VR/AR, 3-D Printing, and digital archiving to discover, document, digitally preserve, and access archaeological findings.
  • Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Expansion: The stricter heritage laws have made space for the reconstruction and preservation of historical, and cultural sites.
  • Sustainability: The concern for environmental protection for future generations has made its way into the archaeological industry which is focusing on devising newer, better, and eco-friendly excavation methods.
  • Forensic Archaeology: Archaeological methods are increasingly being used for forensic and crime investigations.
  • Bioarchaeology and Archaeogenetics: It makes use of the latest genetic, and biochemical tools, and technologies to study, analyze, and make Archaeological discoveries.

Archaeology Courses Scope in India: Jobs, Salary, and Further Education

Archaeology graduates have a vast scope to pursue a career in Archaeology. They can choose to work in India or abroad. There are options for field work, desk jobs, research, writing, and more recently, students can choose to work remotely after pursuing Archaeology Courses. Read on to learn about the various facets of Archaeology career scope.

Courses after Graduation in Archaeology

There are many students who choose to further their education after completing an undergraduate degree in Archaeology. Higher education opens up a wide horizon of possible career opportunities and helps students develop a deeper knowledge and gain practical skills that can help them in the real world.

COURSE

DESCRIPTION

MBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management

A 2-year PG course that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage tourism, event planning, and managing hospitality businesses. 

Post Graduate Diploma or Master’s Degree

A specialized, PG program that educates students about the different fields of Archaeology.

PhD

A doctoral degree, that permits candidates to independently conduct and publish their research.

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Bachelor of Arts Course

Master of Arts (MA) Course

Archaeology Courses Top Recruiters

Careers after Archaeology are vast. Some of the top recruiters for Archaeology graduates have been mentioned in the table below:

Archaeology Courses Top Recruiters

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)

National Museum, New Delhi

Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)

Heritage India

Indo-Saracenic Heritage

World Monuments Fund

UNESCO

Heritage India Walks

Core Industries for Archaeology Career

An Archaeology graduate can find themselves working in various industries. The job opportunities are diverse in nature. Students can take a look at some of the commonly chosen job industries for a career in the Archaeology sector.

JOB INDUSTRY

DESCRIPTION

AVERAGE SALARY

Cultural Resource Management

It involves the identification, interpretation, preservation, and management of heritage sites and artifacts. 

INR 12 LPA

Government and Public Sector

Students can use their knowledge of history, culture, and sociology to work in public service sectors.

INR 12 LPA

Academia 

Many students choose to teach Archaeology and pursue independent research projects in the field. They may also, supervise and mentor students in their preparing their dissertations.

INR 9 LPA

Tourism and Heritage Site Management

Students may choose to work in museums, heritage sites, and monuments to contribute to the preservation of historical remains.

INR 6 LPA

Publishing and Media

Students can also assist in the content curation and production of archaeological documentaries, books, and newspaper/magazine editorials.

INR 2.5 LPA

Note: The salaries given above may vary depending on the companies offering the jobs.

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Top Colleges for Archaeology Courses Placements In India

There are many colleges in India that offer Archaeology courses. Some of the top colleges, with the highest average placement packages have been mentioned in the table below:

Archaeology Colleges

Average Salary

Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University

INR 14.86 LPA

Calcutta University

INR 9.2 LPA

Banaras Hindu University

INR 9 LPA

Acharya Nagarjuna University

INR 8 LPA

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Delhi

INR 7.5 LPA

Panjab University

INR 6.5 LPA

St. Xavier's College, Mumbai

INR 6.23 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official website/counseling body and may vary.

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PhD Career Scope

Archaeology Career FAQs

What are the entry-level jobs after Archaeology courses?

There are many industries where students can pursue a career after completing Archaeology courses. As a fresher, students can find employment in a job as an assistant to an Archaeologist or field technician in the CRM industry. Generally, the average entry-level job salary will range from INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA. Once students have gained a little experience, they can become Archaeologists, Heritage Managers, Archivists, Professors, etc.

How can I enhance my chances of getting a job after Archaeology courses?

There are many ways through which students can enhance their chances of bagging a job after completing an Archaeology degree. As students, it would be very helpful to pursue internships in fields related to your degree. Work experience in relevant fields can increase your chances of scoring an interview with an employer. Additionally, students should pursue a lot of online or short-term courses that will help them expand their skill set and become well-versed with techniques that can help their careers. Building a strong resume, that accurately and comprehensively conveys your skills can be very helpful. Students should also try to build a strong network among their peers and school alumni as it will help them connect with like-minded individuals and may open up many job opportunities.

What is the highest-paying career after Archaeology courses?

There are many Archaeology careers and employment sectors where students can find a good salary. Careers as an Archaeologist or as a Professor are among the highest-paying jobs after Archaeology courses. An Archaeologist can earn a salary ranging from INR 5 LPA to INR 8 LPA after gaining experience in the field. A Professor can earn a salary ranging from INR 8 LPA to INR 12 LPA after gaining experience.

Can I continue my education in Archaeology along with a job?

Yes, continuing to pursue education along with a job can be a great decision for many people, depending on their career aspirations and situation. While a regular, full-time degree has its own perks, it may not be suitable for everyone. There are many students who choose to pursue an online, distance/correspondence degree along with a part-time/full-time job. Students who are interested in distance/correspondence degrees can refer to some options in the table below:

Distance/ Correspondence College

Average Fees

IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University

INR 1,000- 36,000

NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University

INR 10,400

TNOU - Tamil Nadu Open University

INR 6,000-10,000

VMOU - Vardhman Mahaveer Open University

INR 15,300

BRAOU - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University

INR 2,100

What are the skills I need to become an Archaeologist?

There are many skills that would be helpful for students if they wish to become an Archaeologist.  Knowledge of history, anthropology, and sociology, attention to detail, research skills, analytical and critical thinking, and perseverance are all essential skills that are required to become a good Archaeologist. 

Popular Exams

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

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CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

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Feb '25 - Apr '25

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Apr '25

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Jun '25 - Jul '25

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CPGET 2025 Admit Card Release

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Popular Archaeology Colleges in India

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

#8 The Week

2 Courses
5.16 K - 20 K
9 LPA
2.4 K - 12 K
9.2 LPA
3 K - 68 K
5.0
2 Courses
16.46 K - 22.59 K
2.8 - 3.4 LPA
1 Course
3.36 K
3.15 LPA

Popular Private Archaeology Colleges in India

1 Course
72.5 K
6.23 LPA

#8 The Week

2 Courses
5.16 K - 20 K
9 LPA
2.4 K - 12 K
9.2 LPA
3 K - 68 K
5.0
2 Courses
16.46 K - 22.59 K
2.8 - 3.4 LPA
1 Course
3.36 K
3.15 LPA

Popular Archaeology Specializations

Following are the most popular Archaeology Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Archaeology UG Courses

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

UG Courses

Popular Archaeology PG Courses

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

PG Courses

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 days ago

If you want to go for Archaeology courses in India then you must go in BENARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY or Calcutta University.

They provide wide range of Courses in Archaeology. You can find more details from their Offical websites.

 

75456205
Sudhanshu Mishra

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

Hi, Admission to Archaeology courses typically requires at least 50% marks in HSC (Class 12) from a recognised board. With 39% in HSC, eligibility depends on the institution and category-based relaxations. Some universities might allow exceptions for reserved categories. Short-term certificate cours

...more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Well, this is a very subjective question. Some candidates would prefer Diploma in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology because the coursework perfectly aligns with their interests in literature, archaeological heritage and Indian culture. Also, it is conducted in an online mode for the du

...more

D

Divya

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

When deciding whether to join a course in regular or distance education, you can consider things like:

Learning style

Whether you prefer face-to-face interactions or self-directed online learning 

 

Lifestyle

Whether you have work or family commitments that would make regular classes difficult 

 

Practical

...more

A

Anurag Shivam

Contributor-Level 10

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