Anthropology is the science concerned with the study of the
evolution of man. It encompasses both the social sciences as well as the
physical sciences, covering the origin of man, physical characteristics,
systems, languages, traditions, material possessions as well as the social,
cultural and religious beliefs and practices. This is undertaken to study
different aspects of man’s behaviour over the centuries, so as to compile
authentic scientific knowledge about the human species.
In this way, scientists are able to consider the dynamism of
the evolutionary process and explain how a community is what it is today, and
its relationship with the past, and to other communities or groups. Therefore,
anthropologists also study the differentiation of physical and cultural types
in human beings, and the effects of living in different environments all over
the world, and over the centuries. It is for this reason, too, that a study of
anthropology can help you with a more learned understanding of sociology,
development, economics, gender studies, criminology and psychology, the legal
system and so on.
Skills
Though a variety of skills are required to succeed, the most
important one is to be able to develop field-work skills. Students looking to
specialise in biological anthropology or population genetics/genomics should
develop laboratory skills.
Eligibility
To be a professional Anthropologist one has to qualify B.Sc
in Anthropology. The minimum qualification for B.Sc in Anthropology is 10+2
pass with science subjects. However requirement of individual
collages/universities is different such as 10+2 with Biology and minimum
percentage of marks scored. For better career option one can pursue M.Sc in
Anthropology for which minimum qualification is B.Sc in the concerned subject.
There are also higher studies such as M.Phil and PhD in anthropology.
Nevertheless some universities or collages also offer B.A and M.A courses in
Anthropology into which, a 10+2 pass student with social science can also be
enrolled.
Job prospects
Teaching positions offer a bright future since they are becoming
financially rewarding. In order to teach at the college or university level,
students must clear the national eligibility test or state eligibility test.
Another option is to pursue a career in research at a research institute, such
as the Anthropological Survey of India, Indian Statistical Institute, Indian
Institutes of Management, Cultural /Tribal Research Institutes, as well as some
medical institutes including public health research institutes. A third option
is to be engaged in jobs in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in
the field of health, nutrition, education, environment and the likes. A number
of NGOs prefer to employ anthropologists since they are usually experienced in
field-work with rural, local as well as indigenous populations . Anthropology
students can also have the opportunity to work for different museums. Students
specialising in biological anthropology can have access to jobs pertaining to
public health and nutrition research , forensics, molecular genetics and biotechnology.
Remuneration
Anthropologists receive very good remunerations. Those
employed in public sector research institutions and departments have pay
packages as per government norms. Corporate houses and industries offer various
fringe benefits other than salaries and allowance. Professors and teachers in
academic institutions also have good salaries.
Top Colleges Offering UG (Under Graduate programmes)
PG/Other Courses
- University of Delhi;
- Visva BharatiUniversity, West Bengal;
- University of Allahabad,
- Sambalpur University, Orissa,
- Bangalore University;
- University of Rajashthan;
- North Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya;
- Pune University;
- University of Hyderabad;
- Kurukshetra University,
- Pt.Ravishankar Shukla University, Chhatisgarh;
- Vinoba Bhave
- University, Jharkhand;
- Berhampur University, Orissa;
- University of Calcutta;
- University of Mysore;
- Vidyasagar University, West Bengal;
- Manipur University;
- Venkateswara University, A.P.