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Anthropology

What is Anthropology?

  • Anthropology is a study of the evolution of human beings from a very early age.

  • It is a multidisciplinary and wide field of study mainly in Biological evolution together with the growth of societies, languages, and cultures.

  • The anthropologist will find some deeper meanings into most of the activities like celebrating a birthday, holding a mobile phone, wearing trendy clothes.

  • Each of these activities points towards some beliefs, values and norms of the society.

How can one study UG in Anthropology?

  • In India, students wishing to study BSc. Anthropology must preferably have completed up to the 12th class with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. 

  • In case that is not done, then also it is possible to get enrolled in a B.A. Anthropology UG course from the Arts stream.

  • The BSc. for PCB is due to the fact that during the course one will have to come across and use many scientific terms and techniques.

  • Still, if you are from the Humanities or Commerce stream, Bachelors like Psychology, Sociology, and History will enable you to study the cultural and human evolution, which are all integral parts of Anthropology for Masters.

Where can one study Anthropology at UG level?

Best places for studying Anthropology at UG level:

  • Hansraj College, Delhi University

  • Hindu College, Delhi University

  • Punjab University, Chandigarh

  • Ashoka University, Sonipat 

  • Symbiosis School of Liberal Art, Pune 

  • Vidyasagar University, West Bengal 

Popular institutes having Anthropology at UG level are:

  • Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur

  • Ram Lakhan Singh Yadav College, Ranchi University

  • Ranchi College, Ranchi University

  • Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Madhya Pradesh

  • NIMS School of Humanities and Social Science, Jaipur

While many colleges give admission based on the marks obtained in the Board exams, some institutions believe in taking admission tests.

What do I do after the course?

Most students in order to become more competitive in the job market prefer to do Post Graduation and go on to do M. Phil. and Ph. D. in Anthropology. 

The better-known institutions are:

  • Visva Bharati University, West Bengal 

  • Berhampur University, Odisha

  • University of Allahabad 

  • Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Chhattisgarh  

  • University of Hyderabad 

  • University of Rajasthan

Popular Institutes for PG in Anthropology are

  • Pondicherry University

  • Savitribai Phule Pune University 

  • Utkal University 

  • Banaras Hindu University

  • University of Mysore

  • National Post Graduate College

  • NIMS University, Rajasthan

What is the course duration UG and PG course in Anthropology? 

  • Normally, UG in Anthropology is of THREE years’ duration and PG of 2 years.

  • Specialization courses like M. Phil and Ph. D. will vary according to the subject.

What specialization streams are there under Anthropology?

The following areas of specialization are normally available:

  • Archaeology

  • Linguistic Anthropology

  • Cultural Anthropology

  • Biological Anthropology

What are the Job Prospects after acquiring UG / PG in Anthropology?

Anthropology develops your skills not only in examining the evolution of human beings area but also in many other socio-cultural fields.

  • Students may proceed with NET and PhD in this field

  • Or may work as a lecturer in University/Institutes

  • Or may work as a market researcher or social researcher

This is a very rapidly growing subject since the Anthropologist is needed by:

  • Planning Commission

  • Archaeological Survey of India

  • UNESCO

  • UNICEF

  • National Museum

What is the expected Salary at the start?

It depends on the job profile and sector you have chosen to start your professional career: 

  • the starting salary remains around Rs. 3.65 lacs per annum 

  • In the private sector, the average salary remains around 4.96 lacs per annum.

  • At the peak of career, the salary can vary from Rs. 5.00 lacs to 6.00 lacs depending on your employer, posting and nature of the job.

(source: salaryexpert.com)

Who are the top recruiters in this field? 

The following organizations recruit Anthropologists in large numbers

  • The United Nation 

  • Archaeological Survey of India 

  • Colleges and Educational Institutions

  • Market Research Bureau 

  • Museums 

  • Police Department (Forensic Anthropologists)

What kinds of books and study materials are available for studying anthropology at the UG level?

  • An Introduction to Social Anthropology by Makhan Jha

  • Anthropological Thought by Dr A Ashok and Dr PV Lakshmaiah

  • Anthropology study of Man by Dr Indrani Basu Roy

  • In Search Of Ourselves An Introduction To Social-Cultural Anthropology by Naresh Kumar Vaid

  • Indian Anthropology by S. Narayan

Interesting facts

  • 6 million years ago the ancestors of humans and chimpanzees interbreed. They are considered belonging to the same species. 

  • The Sub-Saharan region is considered the most genetically diversified area of the world