Curator
Keeps and cares for collections — historical artefacts, documents, artworks and photographs — in museums, universities and government facilities.
Overview
Curators keep and maintain collections for institutions including museums, universities, or government facilities, and tend to the various items and many types of objects found within their collections, which could include historical artifacts, sports memorabilia, or works of art. As preservationists, Curators care for important items, documents, and entire collections that include historical transcripts, artwork, photography, and other important historical or artistic things.
Where they work
- Museums
- Galleries
- Universities
- Any organization that has a valuable collection requiring care by someone with expertise in a particular field
Work environment
You will typically work full time, and at times you may work more than 40 hours per week to meet deadlines or to coordinate with other museum staff. You may also travel to attend professional meetings, conferences, and workshops or to conduct research.
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 written and verbal communication skills
- You have an interest and knowledge of history
- You like to work in a team
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in Humanities with History as a subject.
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree in Arts (B.A.) in History/Fine Arts/Archaeology, followed by a Master's degree in Arts (M.A.) in Archaeology or a related field.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree in Arts (B.A.) in History/Fine Arts/Archaeology, followed by a PG Diploma in Curatorial Studies.
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 offered by the departments of History/Museology/Archaeology. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
- National Museum Institute, New Delhi
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- St. Xavier's College, Ranchi, Jharkhand
- Madras Christian College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Fergusson College, Pune, Maharashtra
- St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Christ University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Banasthali Vidyapith, Tonk, Rajasthan
- Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
- Wilson College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
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
- 1Helper
- 2Archivist
- 3Curator (Museum)
- 4Head Curator
Expected income
₹5,200 – ₹20,200 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
Related careers to explore
Museologist
Organises and manages museums — looking after, displaying and developing collections, and conducting research.
Art Historian
Researches and interprets art across history — curator, teacher, critic or advisor.
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
Tasneem Zakaria Mehta — An art historian, curator, designer and cultural activist. She studied English literature at Delhi University, followed by a fine arts degree from Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai, and a Master's in liberal arts from Columbia University, New York. The source describes her as Managing Trustee and Honorary Director of Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai, and credits her efforts with transforming the museum into one of the country's liveliest contemporary spaces for Indian art.
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 803 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 803; the contents list gives 805. Banasthali Vidyapith is printed as being in Jaipur; it is in Tonk district, Rajasthan. The short link to the salary source contains a character that cannot be read with certainty (1, l or I), so it is not shown.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.