Epigraphist
Studies inscriptions carved into stone or cast in metal — such as those on India's temple walls — to learn about the past.
Overview
Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions or epigraphs carved into hard materials such as stone or cast in metal. It provides data about the past. In India, inscriptions on temple walls are common.
Where they work
- Private and government colleges and universities
- Museums
- Cultural organizations or societies
- Research organizations etc.
Work environment
It is not a desk job. Local travel is a part of this job role. Part-time work and contractual jobs may be available. Organizations usually work for 5 to 6 days a week and 8 to 9 hours every day. This may vary from organization to organization. You are likely to put in extra hours as and when the need arises.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are good at working independently
- You like putting things together or assembling things
- You enjoy learning about other cultures
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (BA) in History/Art History/Archaeology/Epigraphy or any related subject.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Diploma in History/Art History/Archaeology/Epigraphy or any related subject.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by Master's (MA/PG Diploma) and PhD degrees in the same or related field.
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 Department of History/Archaeology. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Government Degree College, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- DAV Degree College, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh
- University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal
- University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka
- Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi
- Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management, New Delhi
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- B.K. College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Thane, Maharashtra
- Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra
- Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University, Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyanga University, Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh
- SBET Institute of Management and Technology, Mohali, Punjab
- Uma Arts & Nathiba Commerce Mahila College, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
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
- 1Junior Researcher
- 2Epigraphist
- 3Senior Epigraphist
Expected income
₹25,000 – ₹30,000 per month for freshers
These figures are taken from the National Career Service (NCS) and 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.
Historian
Studies past events through written records, artefacts, photographs, interviews, films and letters to explain how and why things changed.
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, Languages, Any Stream.
- 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. K.V. Ramesh — Was an eminent epigraphist and former Joint Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). He had a Master's degree in Sanskrit language and literature from Madras University and a doctorate from Karnataka University, Dharwad. In 2011 he received an 'Honour of Excellence' from the then Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, in recognition of his contribution to epigraphy. He passed away in 2013.
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 819 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3EB4WFN
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 819; the contents list gives 821. The Institute of Archaeology of the Archaeological Survey of India and the Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management, listed under private institutes, are government institutes, so they are shown under government institutes here.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.