SSC 13th Phase Exam: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Assistant Archaeologist Post

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Since the release of the SSC Exam 2025 (13th Phase) notification, we have received several common questions. To address them efficiently, we have compiled this list of FAQs. Please read the questions and answers carefully.

---

New Updates: Admit card or admission certificate download here or check steps how to download admit card or admission certificate for the examinations of ssc - click here

Disclaimer: All answers provided here are based on our team's personal experience and research. These are not official statements. We strongly advise readers to refer to the official notification for accurate information.

---

Question 1: How does the ASI recruit archaeologists? Specifically, how does the SSC recruit for the Assistant Archaeologist post?

Answer 1: The ASI recruits Assistant Archaeologists through the SSC. The SSC conducts an examination for the Assistant Archaeologist post. Candidates who qualify in the exam are called for document verification. If everything is in order, selected candidates receive an appointment letter after completing all formalities. This process may take 1 to 2 years.

Question 2: How often does the SSC conduct recruitment for the Assistant Archaeologist post? Does it happen every year or depend on vacancy numbers?

Answer 2: The SSC does not conduct recruitment for the Assistant Archaeologist post every year. Recruitment depends on the number of vacancies available in the ASI.

Question 3: What is the typical duration of the entire SSC Assistant Archaeologist recruitment process (from exam to final appointment)?

Answer 3: While we are unable to provide definitive timelines due to the confidential nature of organizational processes, as per our past experience the selection process typically requires a minimum of 12-18 months to complete(from the written test)

Question 4: Is the Assistant Archaeologist post recruited through SSC a permanent job within ASI?

Answer 4: Yes, it is a permanent position with chances of getting posted anywhere in India. Although, a mandatory probation of minimum 2 years must be completed before induction as a permanent employee. If you fail to complete the probation successfully, you may be terminated.

Question 5: What are the roles and responsibilities of an Assistant Archaeologist?

Answer 5: Job Requirements / Duties Of Post.

1 Assisting the Superintending Archaeologist/Deputy Superintending Archaeologist in all matters connected with Exploration and Excavation, reporting and publication.

2. Conducting or supervising archaeological excavations and explorations, preparing and keeping relevant records for purposes of preliminary and final reports and for research activation.

3. Documenting, cataloguing and indexing of the excavated, explored other archaeological material Including loose sculptures or monuments and sites and museums.

4. Keeping in safe custody excavated or explored material and records connected therewith.

5. Taking measures for safe transportation of all excavated and explored material for purpose of study and exhibition and to arrange proper exhibition.

6. To take round visitors to the excavated sites, monuments and exhibitions whenever required.

7. Preparing cultural/technical notes on monuments and antiquities.

Question 6: Is the job primarily office-based, or does it involve frequent travel/relocation?

Answer 6: This position involves a combination of office-based responsibilities and fieldwork, including visits to excavation sites and historical monuments.

Important Note: This is an All India Service post, requiring frequent transfers across the country as per organizational needs. So, you will be frequently transferred across the country.

Question 7: What is the starting salary for an Assistant Archaeologist?

Answer 7: To know about the Pay scale for this post please refer to the official notification or visit this link: Grade Pay(pre-revised) Pay Level Matrix - Level 6: 35400 /- to 112400

As per our sources: Approximate salary of Assistant Archaeologist is 70,000, is someone is posted in Delhi or similar "X" category cities.

Question 8: What is the career progression/further scope after becoming an Assistant Archaeologist?

Answer 8: Promotions are based on seniority and performance. Career progression includes roles like Deputy Superintending Archaeologist, Superintending Archaeologist, and higher positions in ASI.

Question 9: I just completed my Master's degree (waiting for the result) in Archaeology/Ancient History. Am I eligible?

Answer 9: Crucial date for Essential Qualification (EQ) and Age Limit: Para 10.2: The Crucial date for determining of the age-limit and for possession of Essential Qualifications (EQs)/Experience will be

01-08-2025.

10.3. Before applying for the post(s), the candidates must ensure that they possess all the Essential Qualifications including Experience wherever it is prescribed as Essential Qualification and also meet the age-limit as on the crucial date mentioned in Para 10.2 above (as mentioned in official notification of SSC 13th phase)

Means: the final result of the essential qualification (Masters) must be declared and marksheet must be issued by 31st July, 2025. Otherwise even if you qualify the written exam, you'll be rejected during the document verification procedure.

Question 10: Is a Master's degree in History from distance/Open eligible for the Assistant Archaeologist post?

Answer 10: Only if you have Ancient Indian History or Medieval Indian History as a paper mentioned in the marksheet. (It may also include papers where the period during Ancient Indian History/Medieval Indian History – like 6th cent. BCE to 7th cent. CE or History of India up to 17th cent. – was studied.) However, chances are very less, as per our knowledge.

Question 11: Is a Master's degree in Museology/Modern History/ World History/ Gender History/ Buddhist Studies/ History of Art and Conservation eligible for this exam?

Answer 11: No! Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in one of the following from a recognized University/Institute:

Master degree in Archaeology or Master degree in Indian History (with Ancient Indian History or Medieval Indian History as a subject or paper);

or

Master degree in Anthropology (with stone-age Archaeology as a subject or paper)

or

Master degree in Geology (with Pleistocene Geology as a subject or paper) from a recognized University or Institute.

Question 12: Can an undergraduate (UG) student apply for the exam?

Answer 12: No, a Master's degree in a relevant field is mandatory.

Question 13: How do I apply for the SSC Assistant Archaeologist exam?

Answer 13: To apply please visit SSC official website or download Myssc app on your phone.

Question 14: Are transgender individuals also eligible for this post?

Answer 14: Yes! as per the official notification transgender individuals are also eligible.

Question 15: What should I fill in the 'experience' section of the application form if I'm a fresher?

Answer 15: Select "Not applicable", in experience section.

Question 16 What is the syllabus for the SSC Assistant Archaeologist examination?

Answer 16: Syllabus for the SSC Assistant Archaeologist examination is shared in the official notification or read it below;

 Graduation & above level:

(A)General Intelligence:

(B) General Awareness:

(C)Quantitative Aptitude:

(D)English Language:

Click here to read full syllabus here (Check Updated Section of the Post)

or Whatsapp us on + 918826672990

• Mode: Computer-Based Examination (CBE)

• Duration: 60 minutes (80 minutes for candidates eligible for scribes)

• Negative Marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer

• Reservation for categories

• Language: Hindi and English

  
  

Additionally: If you want you can follow the SSC CGL tier 1 Exam patter!!

Question 17: How do I start preparing, what strategies should I use for the SSC Assistant Archaeologist exam from scratch as a beginner?

Answer 17: To know about this watch our talk session with Dr. Priyank Gupta "Assistant Archaeologist" on YouTube.

Question 18: Where and how can I find previous year's question papers for SSC Selection Post/Assistant Archaeologist exams?

Answer 18: You can check PYQs here ( check New Update Section)

Question 19: What is the difficulty level of the SSC Assistant Archaeologist exam? Is it comparable to SSC CGL?

Answer 19: The difficulty is moderate—easier than SSC CGL but requires good command on English, math, reasoning, general knowledge and daily practice.

Question 20: What are the tentative dates for the Assistant Archaeologist exam?

Answer 20: As of now the tentative dates for the Assistant Archaeologist exam is 24th July - 04th August 2025.

Question 21: Is there an interview conducted for the Assistant Archaeologist post?

Answer 21: No, the selection is based on the written exam + document verification.

Question 22: Are freshers (recent Master's graduates) competitive, or are experienced candidates always preferred regardless of exam marks?

Answer 22: It’s a golden opportunity for freshers to join one of India’s oldest organizations! You only need to clear a single exam—no prior experience is required. There’s no partiality either, as the selection is purely merit-based with no interviews. Only the best will get the job!

Question 23: What cutoff score should I aim for to be safe this time?

Answer 23: Aim for 160+ to be a safe if you are in General Category (as per our own experience, no official comment)

Question 24: What is the overall selection process of the exam and getting the post?

Answer 24: Written Exam (Objective MCQ-based). Document Verification (Check eligibility). Final Appointment Letter.

Question 25: Are there other posts within ASI apart from Assistant Archaeologist that I should be aware of?

Answer 25: Yes, ASI also recruits: Archaeological Chemist, Conservation Assistant, Epigraphist, Superintending Archaeologist (via UPSC) and so on.

Question 26: I am facing an issue with the Application Fee payment on the SSC portal. (This question is commonly asked by female candidates).

Answer 26: As per the official notification, the application fee of INR 100 is exempted for female candidates . Please proceed with your application without payment if you are a female candidate.

---