Institute of Archaeology Admissions 2025

The Institute of Archaeology, located in Delhi, is a premier institution dedicated to the study and training in archaeology, affiliated with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and established in 1985. It is recognized for its specialized postgraduate diploma programs, particularly the Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology (PGDA), which is designed to train professionals for the ASI and related heritage organizations. The institute operates with a modest annual intake, typically around 15 seats per batch, and focuses on rigorous academic and field training. Admission is highly competitive, with selection based on entrance examination, academic merit, and interview performance. The institute does not offer undergraduate or PhD programs; its core offering is the two-year PGDA, with occasional one-year diploma variants.

Institute of Archaeology Admission Deadlines

Admission to the Institute of Archaeology in Delhi is typically announced in the latter half of the calendar year, with the application window for the 2025–26 session opening around November–December 2024. For the one-year PGDA, the application deadline was extended to December 12, 2024, with the entrance exam scheduled for December 21, 2024. The two-year PGDA generally follows a similar timeline, with applications and entrance tests in the December–January window. Candidates are advised to monitor the ASI and institute websites for exact dates, as deadlines and exam schedules may shift annually. There is no separate application fee mentioned in recent cycles, but candidates must complete the online application process within the stipulated window to be considered.

Institute of Archaeology UG Admission

The Institute of Archaeology in Delhi does not offer any undergraduate degree or diploma programs. Its academic focus is exclusively on postgraduate-level training in archaeology, primarily through the PGDA. Prospective students seeking undergraduate studies in archaeology or related fields must explore alternative institutions, as the Delhi campus of the Institute of Archaeology is not involved in UG admissions.

Institute of Archaeology PG Admission

Admission to the Institute of Archaeology’s flagship Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology (PGDA) is highly selective, with an annual intake of approximately 15 seats, including a small quota for sponsored candidates from state archaeology departments and universities. Eligibility requires a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 55% aggregate (50% for reserved categories), though a master’s degree in ancient/medieval Indian history or archaeology is required for the one-year PGDA. The upper age limit is 25 years (relaxable for reserved categories and government officials). Selection is based on a written entrance examination followed by a personal interview, with academic merit and relevant experience also considered. The two-year PGDA is the primary offering, but a one-year variant is occasionally announced based on ASI requirements.

Institute of Archaeology Application Process

The application process for the Institute of Archaeology’s PGDA programs is conducted online via the official ASI or institute website. Candidates must first ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, then complete and submit the online application form within the announced window. There is no separate application fee indicated in recent notices. After submission, eligible candidates are invited to appear for the entrance examination, typically held in Delhi. Shortlisted candidates proceed to a personal interview, and final selection is based on combined performance in the exam and interview. Document verification and fee payment complete the admission process for selected candidates.

• Check eligibility and prepare required documents (degree certificates, mark sheets, ID proof, etc.).

• Complete the online application form during the open window (November–December typical).

• Appear for the entrance examination on the scheduled date (December–January typical).

• Attend the personal interview if shortlisted.

• Complete document verification and pay the course fee upon selection.