University of Calcutta MA Archaeology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Master of Arts (MA) Archaeology at University of Calcutta is a 2-year full-time postgraduate program designed to provide comprehensive training in archaeological theory, methods, and practice. The course duration is 24 months (4 semesters), with total fees of Rs 14,650 for the complete course. The program accepts 120 seats annually and is recognized as one of the premier archaeology programs in India. The course is popular among students interested in ancient history, cultural heritage preservation, and archaeological fieldwork, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical excavation experience.

Admission for the 2026-27 academic session is currently ongoing. The application deadline for MA Archaeology at University of Calcutta is December 31, 2025. Admission and verification process typically occurs in November-December, with classes commencing in October. For the 2025-26 session, the admission date was December 31, 2025. Candidates are advised to submit their applications before the deadline as seats are limited. Merit-based selection is conducted with 60% seats reserved for current year Calcutta University graduates and 40% for other candidates based on entrance test performance.

Key Points:

Established department since 1960 with strong research focus on prehistoric to medieval period archaeology
Regular excavation programs providing hands-on field training to students
Multi-disciplinary approach incorporating geology, anthropology, and environmental science
Faculty expertise in prehistory, early medieval archaeology, Buddhist archaeology, and Sanskrit epigraphy
Access to Asutosh Museum of Indian Art for practical learning
Strong collaboration with national and international research institutions

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Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
FAQs

Calcutta University MA Archaeology Fees

The MA Archaeology program at University of Calcutta has a total fee structure of Rs 14,650 for the complete 2-year course. The tuition fees are structured as Rs 7,425 for the first year and Rs 7,225 for the second year. Additional charges include admission fees, library fees, laboratory fees, and other miscellaneous charges. All fees are refundable as per university norms.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Year 1 (Rs)	Year 2 (Rs)	Total (Rs)
Tuition Fees	7,425	7,225	14,650
Admission Fees	200	-	200
Library Fees	200	200	400
Games Fee	10	10	20
Union Fee	10	10	20
Magazine Fee	10	10	20
Student Aid Fund	10	10	20
Student Health Fee	10	10	20
Identity Card Fee	75	-	75
Total Fees	7,950	7,475	15,425

Laboratory fees (Rs 1,800 per semester) apply only for laboratory subjects.
Hostel fees are optional and charged separately.
Payment can be made in installments as per university schedule.
SC/ST candidates receive 50% concession on application and entrance test fees.

Calcutta University MA Archaeology Admission 2026

The admission process for MA Archaeology at University of Calcutta follows a merit-based selection system with separate consideration for current year Calcutta University graduates and other candidates. The university conducts an entrance test for non-CU and back-year candidates. Admission is conducted in two parts: Part A (60% seats for current year CU students based on merit) and Part B (40% seats for other candidates based on entrance test). The selection process is transparent and strictly follows merit order with no personal communication made to selected candidates.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Application Submission Start	February 2026 (Tentative)
Application Submission Deadline	December 31, 2025 (for 2025-26 session)
Entrance Test (Part B)	To be notified
Merit List Publication	To be notified
Admission and Verification	November-December 2025
Classes Commencement	October 2025

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor's degree with Honours in Ancient Indian & World History, History, Sanskrit, Pali, Anthropology, Geography, Geology, Botany, Zoology, or Environmental Science from a recognized university
Minimum 50% marks in the qualifying examination (45% for SC/ST candidates)
Candidates from other universities must have equivalent qualifications recognized by University of Calcutta

Admission Process

Online submission of application form through the university portal
Merit-based selection for Part A (CU current year students)
Entrance test for Part B candidates (non-CU and back-year students)
Document verification and counseling
Final admission at respective campus offices
Registration with the university (mandatory for non-CU candidates within one month of admission)

Calcutta University MA Archaeology Scholarships 2026

University of Calcutta offers various scholarships for eligible MA Archaeology students. Merit-based scholarships are available for students with outstanding academic performance. SC/ST students are eligible for reserved category scholarships as per government norms. The university also provides need-based financial assistance through its scholarship schemes. Students can apply for UGC scholarships and other government-sponsored schemes. Details regarding specific scholarship amounts and application procedures are available from the university's scholarship office.

Calcutta University MA Archaeology Placement 2026

The Department of Archaeology at University of Calcutta has strong placement prospects for graduates. Graduates pursue careers in archaeological research, museum curation, heritage conservation, academic positions, and government organizations like the Archaeological Survey of India. The department's strong research focus and collaborations with national institutions provide excellent opportunities for further research and academic pursuits. Many alumni work with international archaeological expeditions and heritage organizations.

Placement Opportunities

Career Options
Archaeological research
Museum curation
Heritage conservation
Academic positions
Government organizations like the Archaeological Survey of India
International archaeological expeditions
Heritage organizations

Calcutta University MA Archaeology FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between MA and MSc Archaeology at University of Calcutta?

Ans. Both MA and MSc Archaeology follow the same curriculum and have identical eligibility criteria. The degree awarded depends on the student's undergraduate background - students with arts background receive MA while those with science background receive MSc. The course content, duration, and career prospects remain the same.

Q2: Is fieldwork/excavation mandatory in the MA Archaeology program?

Ans. Yes, fieldwork is an integral part of the curriculum. Students participate in regular excavation programs conducted by the department at various archaeological sites. This hands-on training is essential for understanding archaeological methods and is a key component of the course evaluation.

Q3: What are the career options after completing MA Archaeology?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as archaeologists with the Archaeological Survey of India, work in museums as curators, join heritage conservation organizations, pursue academic positions in universities, work with international archaeological expeditions, or pursue PhD research. Many graduates also work in cultural resource management and heritage tourism sectors.

Q4: Can I apply if my undergraduate degree is from a university outside West Bengal?

Ans. Yes, candidates from other recognized universities are eligible to apply. However, non-CU candidates must have their degree equivalence verified by the university. They will be placed in Part B of the selection process and must appear for the entrance test. Non-CU candidates must also submit a migration certificate within one month of admission.

Q5: What is the entrance test pattern for Part B candidates?

Ans. The entrance test consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQ) on an OMR sheet. Each correct answer carries 2 marks, with negative marking of 0.5 marks for incorrect answers. The test evaluates knowledge of archaeology, history, and related subjects. The exact syllabus and test pattern are notified by the university before the examination.

Q6: Are there any internship or research opportunities during the course?

Ans. Yes, the department offers research opportunities through its ongoing projects funded by UGC and ICHR. Students can participate in research projects on prehistoric archaeology, early medieval archaeology, and epigraphy. The department also facilitates collaborations with international institutions for research and exchange programs.

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University of Calcutta: 1 Answered Question

Which is better Calcutta university or Presidency university for a PG course in economics?

Tiyasha GhoshStudied at the University of Calcutta (2018)

Between Calcutta University and Presidency University for a PG, you should opt for Presidency University. Having studied in Calcutta University, I suggest you go for Presidency instead.

Calcutta University is known to provide low marks to students.
The teachers are part of the board or question setter which doesn't give good marks and a student has to study under them.
Apart from this, there are certain colleges that, to improve their grades, give good marks to the students.
Both of these cases are not good. Along with this, the marks get worse as the answer sheets are not checked by the college faculty and are instead checked by someone else.
The Presidency won over these things. A student scores good marks in Presidency.
The teachers are not that strict and they only check the answers sheets.
As it's only the college teachers who do the questions and answers work in the exam, once getting familiar with them will help a student score well.

Therefore, it's better to opt for Presidency University. Due to its better faculty, facilities and overall experience.

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