Archaeological Survey of India

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI. Besides it regulate all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972. For the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance the entire country is divided into 24 Circles. The organization has a large work force of trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphist, architects and scientists for conducting archaeological research projects through its Circles, Museums, Excavation Branches, Prehistory Branch, Epigraphy Branches, Science Branch, Horticulture Branch, Building Survey Project, Temple Survey Projects and Underwater Archaeology Wing.

Activities of Archaeological Survey of India

Conducting archaeological explorations and excavations;
Maintenance, conservation and preservation of protected monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance;
Chemical preservation of monuments and antiquarian remains;
Architectural survey of monuments;
Epigraphical and numismatic studies;
Setting up and re-organization of Site Museums;
Training in Archaeology;
Bringing out archaeological publications;
Archaeological expeditions outside India ;
Horticulture operation in and around ancient monuments and sites;
Implementation and regulation of – The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958;
The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, etc.

Heritage Sites under ASI

There are 32 World Heritage Properties in India out of which 25 are Cultural Properties and 7 are Natural Properties.

The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Hill Forts of Rajasthan
Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell)
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
Red Fort Complex, Delhi
Agra – Fort
Ajanta Caves
Ellora Caves
Agra – Taj Mahal
Group of Monuments Mahabalipuram
Konark – Sun Temple
Churches and Convents of Goa
Fatehpur Sikri
Group of Monuments at Hampi
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Elephanta Caves
Great Living Chola Temples
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
Humayun’s Tomb
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
Mountain Railways of India
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
Institute of Archaeology

Institute of Archaeology

The Institute of Archaeology was established in the year 1985, by upgrading the School of Archaeology which was established in 1959 for imparting advanced training in multidisciplinary field of Archaeology, Epigraphy, Numismatics, Museology, Conservation, Antiquarian law, etc. The Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology course, conducted in the Institute is of two years duration. It is conducted by the faculty members of the Institute and the Country’s eminent archaeologists as guest lectures.

S. K. Manjul

Admission to PGDA

The mode of selection to this course is direct through advertisement. The admission notice is issued in the Employment News and website of ASI in the first / second week of June and the last date for receipt of application is first week of August. The scrutiny of applications and preparation of merit list is done immediately and eligible candidates are called as per the merit for written test followed by viva in the first week of September each year.

The qualification for admission is Master’s Degree in Ancient or Medieval Indian History / Archaeology / Anthropology/ Geology with knowledge of Pleistocene age / Indian Classical languages such as Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Arabic or Persian from a recognized University or equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate

Field Work of ASI

The Circles carry out archaeological fieldwork, research activities and implement the various provisions of the AMASR Act, 1958 and Antiquities and Art Treasures Act 1972. This may include the following:

Carrying out village-to-village survey of antiquarian remains; exploration of archaeological sites, documentation of loose sculptures;
Excavation of archaeological sites;
Conservation and day-to-day maintenance of protected monuments;
Providing basic amenities at the monuments for tourists;
Issuing permission for filming, photography and cultural programmes at the protected monuments;
Organising public awareness programmes on various occasions like Word Heritage Day (April 18), World Heritage Week (November 17-25), Museum Day (May 18) and other important occasions;
Registration of antiquities and issuing non-antiquity certificates;
Interaction with various universities and research institutions

Archaeological Survey of India

3rd Floor, Puratatva Bhavan, Block-D, General Pool Office Complex, INA,

New Delhi, Delhi 110023

Phone: 011 2465 4832

Website: http://asi.nic.in/