Exclusive Online Guidance Session: PDUIA PG Diploma in Archaeology (2026 Admissions)
Consistent with our annual commitment, Inarch Center is organizing a highly focused online mentoring session to guide aspirants preparing for the upcoming entrance examination and interview at the Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology (ASI).
Engage directly with a distinguished Alumna of the Institute. This interactive session will provide realistic insights, strategic guidance, and comprehensive preparation tools to maximize your success within a limited timeframe.
Key Highlights of the Session, Diploma in Archaeology
Comprehensive Admission Roadmap: Step-by-step navigation of the application, shortlisting, and entrance process.
Study Materials & Reference Lists: Recommended readings, essential topics in Indian archaeology, ancient history, epigraphy, and material culture.
Short-Term Preparation Strategy: How to prioritize high-yield areas, structure revision, and tackle the written exam effectively under tight timelines.
Interview Masterclass: What the selection committee looks for, key focus areas, academic body language, and how to articulate your research interests with confidence.
Sample Practice Paper: Practice question paper curated based on PYQs to help you understand question structuring and time management.
Important Disclaimer on Model Papers: The sample papers and question sets provided are compiled by referencing previous years' question trends to give you an orientation of the paper format. They are designed purely for practice and do not represent official ASI question papers. The Institute/ASI reserves the right to modify the examination pattern at its discretion, and no fixed pattern is officially guaranteed.
Date & Time: 11 Oct, 2026
Platform: Microsoft Teams meeting (Link will be shared with you on Whatsapp after registration)
Emergency Contact: +918826672990/ assistance@inarchcenter.com
About the Institute
The Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology (PDUIA), functioning under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is a premier institution offering specialized training in archaeology. Each year, the Institute invites applications for its prestigious Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology (PGDA) to prepare young scholars for careers in archaeological research, excavation, exploration, and heritage conservation. As an integral component of the curriculum, students gain hands-on experience through structured field training, excavations, and academic study tours across key historical sites.
About the Course
The One-Year Post-Graduate Diploma in Archaeology (PGDA) is designed for students seeking specialised academic and practical training in archaeology. The programme combines classroom learning with practical and field-based exposure, including archaeological methods, exploration, excavation and related areas of archaeological research. The current programme has 15 seats, including sponsored candidates.
Category | Details |
Course Duration | One-year |
Total Seats | 15 seats every year. In case of in-service candidates from state governments, and university, etc., application should be forwarded through proper channel to the Director General, Archaeological Survey of India. |
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit: The upper age limit is 25 years
Qualification: Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Ancient Indian History, Culture, or Archaeology from a recognised university or possess an equivalent qualification.
A minimum aggregate of 55% marks is required.
A minimum aggregate of 50% marks is required for candidates belonging to the reserve categories as per Government rules.
Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/EWS, etc., is provided according to the Government of India regulations issued periodically. There is a relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates. There is no age limit for in-service candidates from the Archaeological Survey of India or for candidates sponsored by state departments of archaeology, museums, universities, or colleges teaching archaeology. Candidates from SAARC and BIMSTEC nations will follow the guidelines issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR).
How to Apply & Where to Get Information:
Applications are invited online when the admission window opens. Candidates should refer to the official ASI / Institute of Archaeology admission notification for the latest application dates, eligibility, examination pattern, documents required and other instructions.
The mode of application will be exclusively online.
Exam: The procedure will comprise a written test followed by a personal interview for shortlisted candidates.
This will be undertaken in November (Not confirmed Yet).
The marks for the entire process shall be out of 100; the ratio of marks between the written and personal interview shall be 70:30.
Personal interview:
Candidates will be selected for a personal interview based on their performance in the written test.
The names of those shortlisted will be publicly announced via the website and notice board. The personal interviews for these candidates will take place the day following the announcement of the written test results. The results will be released in December.
Stipend: Students (not sure about sponsored candidates) would be entitled to a stipend of Rs. 8,000/- per month (Might Change this year).
Accommodation
Students have access to hostel accommodations located on the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya campus in Knowledge Park II, Greater Noida. Hostelers have access to a kitchen and dining room.
Important Dates
· Online Application Start Date: End of October or Start of November (Not confirmed)
· Last Date to Apply: Not announced yet
· Written Entrance Examination Date: November-December (Not confirmed)
· The academic session will start from the first week of January
About Guest Speaker: Chhavi Pandey | Archaeologist | Alumna of Lucknow University (M.A. AIHA) & Institute of Archaeology (PGDA '25) | Currently working at the Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India
Register Now for the Session (Click the button, and fill the registration google form): Read the criteria before filling the registration form.
Comments