Anthropologist
Studies human origins, cultures and customs — how people interact with each other, their environment and the artefacts they create.
Overview
An Anthropologist is interested in studying the origins, cultures, customs, and connections humans have with one another. They look at how people interact with each other, their environment, and the artifacts they create to understand why humans behave the way they do. They study these areas by researching, collecting, and evaluating information of humankind. They may focus on a specific area of interest within the field, such as cultural anthropology or archaeology. They use scientific methods to gather data about human cultures, which includes observing social interactions, interviewing participants, and analyzing artifacts found at excavation sites.
Where they work
- Anthropological Survey of India
- Research institutes
- Publishing houses
- Non-governmental organizations
- Museums
Work environment
There may be opportunities to work in offices, laboratories, or engage in fieldwork. Fieldwork may require extended periods of travel.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You pay attention to details
- You have strong communication skills
- You appreciate and have an interest in knowing different cultures
- You like to analyze problems
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Humanities stream.
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree in Arts (B.A.) in Anthropology, followed by a Master's degree in the same, and then complete a PhD in Anthropology.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.Sc.) in Social Sciences/Humanities, followed by a Master's degree in the same, and then complete a PhD in Anthropology.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is conducted by the Department of Anthropology. This list of institutions is for illustrative purposes only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Ranchi College, Ranchi, Jharkhand
- Arya Vidyapeeth College, Guwahati, Assam
- Dibrugarh Hanumanbux Surajmall Kanoi College, Dibrugarh, Assam
- North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya
- Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (Central University), Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
- Shia PG College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- NIMS University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts, Pune, Maharashtra
- Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana
- Narasinha Dutt College, Howrah, West Bengal
- Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Trainee
- 2Anthropologist, Cultural
- 3Senior Anthropologist
- 4Head of Department
Expected income
₹15,600 – ₹39,100 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Archaeologist
Studies human history and prehistoric cultures by excavating and exploring ancient art, relics, monuments and other remains.
Sociologist
Studies society, human behaviour and interaction — examining institutions, cultures and groups, from family and religion to class and the state.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Arts.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to researching.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. Madhumala Chattopadhyay — An Indian anthropologist who specialises in the indigenous people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The source describes her and her colleagues as the first outsiders to establish peaceful contact with the Sentinelese people, in 1991. After completing her studies she joined the Anthropological Survey of India (A.N.S.I.) as a researcher and later as a senior fellow. Recalling her first field visit, she describes spending three months learning the islanders' language through gestures before returning to Port Blair to analyse the data she had collected.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 791 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3DmVh4X
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 791; the contents list gives 793. Ranchi College is printed as being in 'Jharkhand, Bihar'; Ranchi is in Jharkhand. 'Indian Anthropological Survey' is given its proper name, the Anthropological Survey of India, and 'Narsingh Datt College' is corrected to Narasinha Dutt College. Visiting North Sentinel Island is prohibited by law to protect the Sentinelese.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.