What is Archaeology?: Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

Archaeology course includes major portions of Indian and Western History which can be helpful in UPSC Prelims preparation. Along with it, students can also take Anthropology optional which includes major portions of Archaeology and can help in better scoring and success in UPSC Mains examination. 

UPSC is a civil services exam which is conduted in three stages that is Prelims, Mains and Interview. Each stage is crucial to qualify for in order to be eligible for the next stage of exam and final qualification. 

Students can learn more about UPSC exam details below:

UPSC/IAS Exam Pattern 2025

Archeology is the study of past cultures. The study of the ancient and recent human past through material remains is known as archaeology. Archaeology courses can be pursued by students after completing 10+2. Students can pursue various courses in Archeology at undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certification, PG Diploma, and certificate levels. Moreover, students can also study online and offline certification courses in Archeology. 

If you are looking for colleges to build a strong foundation in archaeology, there are several universities and colleges around the world that offer excellent programs in this field. Here are a few colleges that could be considered:

1. University of Cambridge - Department of Archaeology: One of the oldest and most renowned universities in the world, Cambridge offers a range of courses in archaeology, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
2. University of Oxford - School of Archaeology: Another prestigious university in the UK, Oxford offers a range of archaeology courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.
3. University College London - Institute of Archaeology: UCL's Institute of Archaeology is one of the leading centers for archaeology research and teaching in the world, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in archaeology and related fields.
4. Leiden University - Faculty of Archaeology: The Faculty of Archaeology at Leiden University in the Netherlands is one of the leading centers for archaeological research and education in Europe, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in archaeology.
5. Boston University - Department of Archaeology: The Department of Archaeology at Boston University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in archaeology, with a focus on hands-on experience and practical training.
6. University of California, Berkeley - Department of Anthropology: UC Berkeley's Department of Anthropology offers a range of courses in archaeology at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to studying the past.
7. University of Arizona - School of Anthropology: The School of Anthropology at the University of Arizona is one of the leading centers for archaeological research and education in the US, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in archaeology and related fields. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other universities and colleges around the world that offer excellent programs in archaeology. It is important to research and carefully consider various options before choosing a college that is right for you.

Yes, you can pursue Archaeology course without studying History in Class 12. A bachelor-level archaeology course can be pursued by candidates who have completed Class 12 in any stream. The course does not require you to have any previous knowledge on the subject. 

If you wish to pursue PhD in Archeology then you should have completed a master's degree. Some colleges allow candidates from all academic backgrounds who have cleared the entrance exam. However, some colleges may allow only those candidates who have studies Archaeology. As per the lastest UGC guidelines, if you have completed a four-year bachelor's degree then you can pursue PhD in any field. You should clear UGC NET exam for that.

If you are interested in the field of Archaeology and wish to pursue a career in this field then you can pursue MA Archaeology course. This course may involve field work. So if you and are ready for field related jobs then you can pursue this course. In some jobs related to this field professionals are expected to use technical tools and equipment. So you should be a person who is interested in history and also have a scientific temperament.

No, there is no age limit to pursue MA Archaeology course, so you can pursue this course at any age. The colleges and entrance exam conducting bodies do not prescribe any minimum or maximum age limit for you to pursue MA Archeology course. Some colleges especially private colleges may have their own eligibility rules. So, it is better if you check the individual college's eligibility criteria before applying. Make sure that you satisfy other eligibility parameters such as academic qualifications and marks criteria

I feel it depends on that specific exam. Regardless of the exam's level, you should check its specific syllabus on the official website and prepare accordingly. Practice regularly, focus on clearing your concepts, and seek guidance, if possible.

Why not! Many colleges offer admission to the BA in Archaeology course without entrance exams. Some popular examples are MSU Baroda, Maharaja's College, University of Mysore, Visva Bharati University, K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies, HNBGU, etc. You can also opt for distance colleges.

Hi, please refer below for the top specialisations offered by best Archaeology colleges in India:

Archeology is a subfield of Anthropology,  and there are several specialisations available. The type of archaeologist you become is determined by the field you chose. Popular specialisations in Archaeology are Ethno- Archeology, Environmental Archaeology, Battlefield Archeology, Zooarchaeology, Experimental Archaeology, Urban Archaeology, Marine Archaeology, Arc-Botany and Geo-Archaeology.

Archaeologists can look deeply into specific aspects of human history and cultural heritage thanks to these specializations. People may decide to specialize in one or more of these categories, depending on the place, era, or kind of archaeological site of interest.

Candidates can check the table to learn about Archaeology specializations:

Disclaimer: The information given in the above table is taken from external sources and may vary.

MA Archeology course is usually offered in regular mode by most colleges in India. Please note that the fee structure of these colleges may vary depending on the college policies. Do check if the college you wish to pursue this course is recognised by UGC.
But the colleges mentioned below offer the course in distance or correspondence mode:

Yes, a few online colleges offer MA in Archaeology in India.

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

MA History and Archaeology, also known as Master of Arts in History and Archaeology, is a postgraduate History degree programme. It is the study of recently documented times through material culture and literature. Students who have done their Bachelor of Arts degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university can apply for this course. They also need to have a minimum of 50% aggregate in their Bachelor's degree.

Environmental Archaeology is subfiled of Archaeology that involves studying about the interaction between past humans and the nature. Its primary focus is on studying how past cultures and empires have impacted the environment. Environmental Archaeology can be further classified into geoarchaelogy and bioarcheology on the basis of subject scope.

Of course, here are some top Archaeology book recommendations for you:

• Handbook of Archaeology by Tejas Chadha and Dipankar Agarwal.
• Pre-Historic Archaeology by D K Bhattacharya.
• Archaeology: The Essential Guide to Our Human Past by Paul Bahn.
• Ancient Lives: An Introduction To Archaeology And Prehistory by Brian M. Facan.
• Spooky Archaeology: Myth and the Science of the Past by Jeb J. Card.
• Michel Foucault's Archaeology of Western Culture.

College fees is an important facor that is usually considered during admission to Archaeology courses. Here are some colleges that offer Archaeology courses with an affordable fee structure:

Hi, you can refer below for the top Archaeology colleges in India according to popularity, students preferences, etc.:

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Hope this helps!

Hi, it can be observed that studying Archaeology in India can be quite inexpensive as most of the colleges have an average tuition fee of less than INR 1 lakh. Listed below are some colleges:

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

About 60+ best Archaeology colleges are there in India, of which 52 are government-owned, 6 are owned privately, and 3 are owned by semi-government institutions. CUET and CUET-PG are the top entrance exams for admission to the best Archeology colleges in India. The top Archaeology colleges in India are Kerala University, BHU, University of Madras, and MSU, etc.

Archeologists find, conserve, organise, and store historical artifacts discovered in the field. Their study is to unearth elements of the past in order to better comprehend how previous societies lived and grew. An archaeologist can specialise in any historical period, from recent years to ancient civilisations.

A career as an Archaeologist allows you to be a part of some of the most important discoveries in human history, allowing people to better understand where they came from. Read More: Career in Archaeology

To become an Archaeologist, you need to have excellent research skills, the ability to work methodically, planning & project management skills, an interest in History & research, cultural awareness, and so on. These skills will help you succeed in your field.

There are many reasons why students may want to study Archaeology courses. Some of these reasons are listed below: 

• Archaeology is an exciting career, with many unconventional job opportunities like Museum Curation, Field Archaeology, and Heritage Management. The fieldwork often includes traveling to new locations, exploring and researching new ideas, and debating the latest archeological theories. 
• An Archaeology student studies various aspects of Science and social Science like history, chemistry, and anthropology to deepen their understanding of the subject and to conduct research in Archaeology.
• Archaeology allows you to choose a field job but also offers the opportunity to work with advanced technology and conduct research. Students who study Archaeology also gain useful soft skills like analytical thinking, interpreting raw data, statistical and numerical techniques, and a knowledge of various subjects like history, sociology, geography, etc. which they can put to use in other job fields. 

Archaeology is a multi-disciplinary Science integrating knowledge of geology, anthropology, history etc. Archaeologists study old monuments, inscriptions, excavation sites, etc. , delving into significant phases of human activity to study its influences on life. Archivists study documents for finding historical evidence.

Scope: Archaeologists have long recognised the value of artistic representations of maritime scenes as a source of information. They can work in a multitude of organisations, undertaking a broad selection of tasks.

Career options - In India archaeologists work in the Archaeological Survey of India, Department of the Ministry of External Affairs, Central Board of Dilm Censors, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Defence Services, Council of Cultural Relations, Indian Council of Historical Research, in its exploration, excavation, epigraphy, pre-history and museum branches.

There are other various heritage bodies and some foreign universities and foundations that are involved in urban conservation or excavations.

Yes, you can get admission to best Archaeology colleges in India without any entrance exam but it is advised to go for entrance exams like CUET PG to increase your chances of getting into most colleges. However you can refer below for the best Archaeology colleges in India that accept students on merit-basis:

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Hope this helps!

Candidates can check the below given procedure to know about Archaeology admission process:

Chose University/College: The first step is to search for colleges or universities which are offering courses in Archaeology. Check the fees, the seats offered eligibility criteria which is set for the course.

Apply for Course: Proceed to apply for admission after getting to know the university offering the programme. Fill up the details as required and pay the application fee. The application forms are available for a limited period of time so the candidate is advised to know the details way in advance.

Mode of Admission: Universities and Colleges will either conduct entrance exams for admission or offer admission through merit. For postgraduate courses, the candidate will have to appear for an entrance exam.

Results: Selected and qualified candidates make the merit list. The student has to get the desired rank and percentage, to be eligible for admission.

Counselling: The candidate will have to appear for the counselling session conducted at the university to book their seat, submit their documents and pay the fees to seal admission.