Kerala University MA Archaeology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaState UniversityEstd 1937NAAC Grade A++
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Jul 25, 2026

Kerala University’s MA Archaeology is a 2-year postgraduate programme at the Department of Archaeology, Kariavattom campus, Thiruvananthapuram. Admission is through the CSS PG entrance examination, with 18 seats and total programme fees of INR 5,280. The programme covers Indian archaeological methods, epigraphy, numismatics, art history, and museum studies in Kerala’s historical context. Kerala University is ranked 42nd overall in NIRF 2025.

📋 Admission Status: Applications closed. Classes commenced on 16 July 2026.


Key Points

  • Curriculum spans epigraphy, numismatics, and Indian temple architecture
  • Proximity to Kerala’s rich Buddhist, Brahmanical and colonial heritage sites
  • Graduates eligible for Archaeological Survey of India and State Archaeology posts
  • Interdisciplinary links with Manuscriptology and History departments on campus

Kerala University MA Archaeology Fees 2026

ComponentAmount (INR)
Semester 1 (including one-time charges)INR 3,300
Semesters 2, 3 and 4 (per semester)INR 660
Hostel Charges (optional, per year)INR 6,115
Total Programme FeesINR 5,280
  • Hostel is optional and not included in total fees of INR 5,280.
  • SC/ST students are eligible for fee concessions as per Kerala University norms.

Kerala University MA Archaeology Admission 2026

EventDate
Applications Opened16 March 2026
Application Deadline30 April 2026
CSS PG Entrance Examination21 May 2026
Rank List Published17 June 2026
Class Commencement16 July 2026
  • Entrance exam for MA Archaeology was held on 21 May 2026 in the morning session.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Any bachelor’s degree from a university recognised by Kerala University, with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination.
  • SC/ST and SEBC candidates are eligible for standard reservation concessions as per the Government of Kerala norms.
  • Candidates from outside the University of Kerala jurisdiction must obtain an eligibility certificate before finalising admission.
  • Candidates must qualify the CSS PG entrance examination in Archaeology conducted by the University of Kerala.

Admission Process

  • Register online on the CSS PG admissions portal at admissions.keralauniversity.ac.in/css2026 during the notified window.
  • Pay the registration fee of INR 1,500 for General and SEBC candidates or INR 750 for SC/ST candidates through online mode.
  • Appear for the CSS PG entrance examination in Archaeology, consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions for 100 marks with 0.25 negative marking.
  • A merit rank list is drawn up based on entrance exam scores following the reservation norms of the Government of Kerala.
  • Allotment memos are issued in phases to eligible candidates in order of merit and seat availability.
  • Report to the Department of Archaeology at Kariavattom campus with original certificates and pay the semester fee to confirm admission.

✓ Opt for this if

  • Passionate about Indian history, heritage, and archaeological methods.
  • Targeting a career with the Archaeological Survey of India or state agencies.
  • Interested in epigraphy, numismatics, or museum conservation work.
  • Seeking affordable PG education at a NAAC A++ government university.

✗ Skip if

  • Looking for a programme in modern or contemporary social sciences.
  • Expecting high private-sector salary packages immediately after graduation.
  • Preferring a course with mandatory internship or corporate placement support.

Kerala University MA Archaeology Scholarships 2026

ScholarshipAmountEligibility
Kerala SC/ST Post-Matric ScholarshipAs per Government of Kerala normsSC/ST students admitted to the programme
OBC/SEBC Post-Matric ScholarshipAs per Government normsOBC/SEBC students with annual family income below INR 1 lakh
UGC JRF Fellowship (if NET qualified)INR 37,000 per monthStudents who qualify UGC NET with JRF in Archaeology or History
  • Scholarship applications must be submitted through the official Kerala Government portal.
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67 Studentsshown interest in the last 30 days

Table of Contents

Kerala University Latest Updates and News

23 Mar, 2026 Kerala University has released MA Archaeology Fee Structure 2026. The total academic fee is ₹ 6,910

Kerala University MA Archaeology FAQs

Ques. What is the total fee for MA Archaeology at Kerala University?

Ans. The total programme fee for MA Archaeology at Kerala University is INR 5,280 for the 2-year course. The first semester includes one-time charges and costs INR 3,300, while semesters 2, 3 and 4 are INR 660 each. Hostel accommodation is available separately at INR 6,115 per year and is not included in the programme fees.

Ques. What is the eligibility for MA Archaeology at Kerala University?

Ans. Any bachelor’s degree from a university recognised by Kerala University, with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks, makes a candidate eligible to apply. There is no mandatory requirement for a specific undergraduate major, making the programme accessible to graduates from a range of humanities and social science backgrounds. Candidates must qualify the CSS PG entrance examination in Archaeology.

Ques. How is admission to MA Archaeology conducted at Kerala University?

Ans. Admission is merit-based through the CSS PG entrance examination. The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions on Indian archaeology, art history, epigraphy, and related subjects. A merit rank list is published and candidates receive allotment memos in phases. To confirm admission, candidates must report to the Department of Archaeology at Kariavattom campus with original certificates on the notified reporting date.

Ques. What subjects are covered in the MA Archaeology curriculum?

Ans. The MA Archaeology programme at Kerala University covers Indian prehistory and protohistory, historical archaeology, epigraphy and palaeography, numismatics, art history, temple architecture, and museum studies. Kerala’s rich heritage provides a contextual backdrop for field-based learning. Students also study archaeological survey methods and conservation techniques as part of their training in this 4-semester programme.

Ques. What are the career prospects after MA Archaeology from Kerala University?

Ans. Graduates can apply for posts at the Archaeological Survey of India, the Kerala State Archaeology Department, and state and national museums. Teaching posts in colleges and universities are available to those who qualify UGC NET. Other career paths include heritage tourism, art conservation, and research positions in history and archaeology. Many graduates also pursue PhD research in Archaeology or related disciplines.

Ques. Does MA Archaeology from Kerala University help in qualifying UGC NET?

Ans. Yes, the MA Archaeology programme at Kerala University provides a strong academic foundation aligned with the UGC NET syllabus in Archaeology. The programme’s coverage of ancient Indian history, art history, epigraphy, and museum studies directly corresponds to the UGC NET subject areas. Students who qualify UGC NET with JRF are also eligible for monthly fellowships of INR 37,000 to support further research.

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