B.A - Anthropology

Overview:

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology is a three-year program that studies the evolution of humans and how they interact with the world. Students can pursue this program at universities and colleges in India after completing class 12 from a recognized board.

Anthropology is a broad subject which focuses on and prepares you to be competent in three areas, namely: Cultural Anthropology, Biological Anthropology, Archaeology, and Linguistic Anthropology. Cultural Anthropology studies the interrelationship between culture and society to give meaning to the world around us.

B.A Anthropology course deals with the Science of human behaviour and social being. It is a detailed study of Socio-cultural, Biological, Linguistic and Archaeological Science. The subjects that students get to study while pursuing this course include Archaeology, Gerontology, Social Cultural Change, Indian Society and Culture etc.

To be eligible to apply to this course, students must have passed Class 12 or equivalent in a relevant discipline from a recognized board with an aggregate of at least 55% marks.

There are many colleges in India and abroad which offer the undergraduate degree of BA Anthropology. Some of the top Indian colleges among them are:-Admission to this course will be done based on the candidate's performance in the Class 12 examination. However, there are some institutes as well which offer admission based on the candidate's performance in entrance exams. The average tuition fee charged by colleges or universities for this course in India lies anywhere between INR 10,000 and 40,000 per annum. The fee varies as per the type of the institution.

After completing this course, students will be able to find work in various private and public sectors as an Archaeologist, Tour Guide, Curator or a Manager in a museum. They may also enter the profession of teaching and/or further research. Average initial salary offered to a Anthropology degree holder ranges somewhere between INR 3,00,000 and 8,00,000 per annum, which may increase with the number of years of work experience and knowledge in the field

Some Highlights of B.A Anthropology:

Top Colleges Offering B.A Anthropology in India:

• St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
  
• Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar
  
• Vidyasagar University, Midnapore
  
• Cotton University, Guwahati
  
• Dimoria College, Guwahati
  
• Dudhnoi College, Goalpara
  
• Gossner College, Ranchi
  
• MVR Degree College, Visakhapatnam
  
• Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Garhwal
  

Why Choose B.A Anthropology?

Choosing a B.A. in Anthropology offers a unique opportunity to study Human Societies, Cultures, and Evolution. Here’s why it can be a great choice:

• Understanding Human Diversity: Anthropology provides deep insights into the diversity of human cultures, societies, and behaviors, helping you understand people from different backgrounds and time periods.
• Wide Range of Career Options: Anthropology graduates can pursue careers in Research, Education, Museum Curation, Human Rights, International Development, Forensics, Sociology, and more.
• Critical Thinking & Research Skills: The degree develops strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills, which are highly valued in many fields, including policy-making, social work, and consulting.
• Global Perspective: Anthropology encourages an understanding of global issues and cross-cultural communication, which is increasingly important in our interconnected world.
• Social Impact: Anthropologists often work on projects that address Social Justice, Human Rights, and Community Development, contributing to positive societal change.
• Career Flexibility: Anthropology opens doors to diverse industries, such as archaeology, ethnography, public health, corporate research, and international NGOs.
• Foundation for Further Study: A B.A. in Anthropology provides a solid foundation for advanced degrees in Anthropology, Sociology, Law, Public Policy, or International Relations.

In summary, a B.A. in Anthropology equips you with valuable skills in research, critical thinking, and cultural understanding, opening doors to a wide variety of impactful careers and further study opportunities.

Admission Procedure For B.A Anthropology:

• Registration date opens up annually and announcements are made in advance by the colleges. Registration will be done online where a profile needs to be created.
  
• Once a profile has been created, login and start the application process. Fill up the application form with past educational achievements, job experience, internships and projects done etc.
  
• Documents like mark sheets, photograph, signature and transfer certificates must be scanned and uploaded online to the portal.  All documents must be in a specific format and size.
  
• A minimal application fee has to be paid to process the application. Payment can be done using online payment methods.
  
• College will process the applications and send an Offer Letter for Admission if a candidate meets the cut offs and all other criteria.

Eligibility For B.A Anthropology:

• Candidates who have completed their Class 12 or equivalent, with an aggregate of 55% marks are eligible to enroll for this program.
  
• 5% relaxation in marks will be given to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), differently abled, and other categories.
  
• Candidates with Humanities stream are preferred for admission.

Career Opportunities for B.A Anthropology:

This course opens doors for the students in various sectors. There are ample job opportunities in a number of fields where an Graduate of Anthropology can work.  There are decent jobs in Conservation, Community Development, Healthcare, and Government sectors. After completion of B.A Anthropology course, one can work in Government organizations, NGOs, Research institutes, Government Agencies, and Educational Institutes. Anthropology research at both centre and state level are conducted by students with Anthropology specialisation.  The prime recruiter for Anthropology graduates is Anthropological Survey of India. There are also various international organizations like UNICEF, UNESCO, WHO and UN which hire Anthropology graduates.

Jobs Opportunities After B.A Anthropology:

·         Tour Guide

·         Archivist

·         Cultural Resource Manager

·         Urban Planner

·         Curator

·         Linguist

·         Anthropologist

·         Linguistic analyst

·         Researcher

·         Teacher

Areas of Employment B.A Anthropology:

·         Academic Research

·         Archaeological Fieldwork

·         Museum Curation

·         Social Impact Studies

·         Market Research Analyst

·         Community Development Work

·         Government Agencies

·         Media and Journalism

·         Forensic Anthropology

·         Business Anthropology

·         Anthropology Departments

·         Epidemiology

·         Art Galleries/Curators

·         Publishing Houses

·         NGOs

·         Archives

·         Museums and Libraries

Syllabus For B.A Anthropology:

Semester 1

Social and Cultural Anthropology
Social Research Method
Indian Society and Culture
Biological Anthropology
Archeological Anthropology

Semester 2

Basic Courses
Anthropological Thoughts
Survey Research Method Practical
Ethnographic Fieldwork
Comparative Anatomy & Human Evolution

Semester 3

Biological Anthropology Practical I
Advanced Courses
Advanced Anthropological Theories
Social Cultural Change
Medical Anthropology I
Biological Anthropology Practical II

Semester 4

Anthropological Demography
Applied Courses
Complex Societies and Urban Development
Tribal and Rural Development
Medical Anthropology II
Primitive Economy and Religion

Semester 5

Development Anthropology
Growth Development and Nutrition
Gerontology
Introduction to Molecular Anthropology
Advanced Archeology

Semester 6

Foundations of Anthropology
Practical in Physical Anthropology
Physical Anthropology
Archaeological Anthropology
Culture and Society