BSc Anthropology: Course Details, Eligibility, Colleges, Scope, Jobs, Salary, IGNOU

The full form of BSc Anthropology is Bachelor of Science in Anthropology. It is a three-year undergraduate course. BSc Anthropology is the study of biological diversity, human societies, cultures, and communities. The field of anthropology examines a variety of facets of human existence, such as social systems, kinship, belief systems, languages, physical traits, and archaeological artefacts.

The admission into this course is done on both merit and entrance basis. BSc Anthropology entrance exams are SET, CUCET, CUET and NPAT.  

BSc Anthropology eligibility is 10+2 (Science stream) with minimum 50% marks from a recognised board. The required subjects may vary, but typically include Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or Mathematics.

The fees for BSc Anthropology is INR 50,000 – 2 Lakhs. Some of the top BSc Anthropology colleges are Punjab University, Hansraj University, Amity University, University of Lucknow and, NIMS University among others.

BSc Anthropology syllabus includes topics on Biological Anthropology, Archaeology, Prehistory, Linguistic Anthropology, Human Evolution, Anthropological Theories, Social and Cultural Anthropology.

BSc Anthropology subjects include Introduction to Anthropology, Ethnographic Fieldwork, Ethnographic Writing and Analysis, Anthropology of Gender, Anthropology of Religion, Anthropology of Migration and Visual Anthropology.

Also Read: BSc Courses after 12th

BSc Anthropology jobs include Researcher, Cultural Resource Manager, Cultural Consultant, Human Resources Consultant, Forensic Anthropologist, Economic Anthropologist, and Community Development Worker. BSc Anthropology salary ranges from INR 5 – 7 LPA.

Some of the top recruiters for this course are the SEWA (Self Employed Women's Association), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

BSc Anthropology scope includes courses such as MSc Anthropology, MSc Specialised Anthropology, and PhD in Anthropology.

More BSc Courses:

BSc Anthropology: Course Details

What is BSc Anthropology?

BSc Anthropology is all about understanding people, their societies, and their cultures. It is a comprehensive discipline that seeks to explore the full range of human diversity and the similarities and differences among various societies.

The four subfields of Anthropology are Biological Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology and Linguistic Anthropology. Let's examine each subfield in brief:

Biological Anthropology: this specialization focuses on the study of human evolution, human genetics, primatology, skeletal biology, and forensic anthropology.

Cultural Anthropology: involves the study of human behavior, beliefs, customs, rituals, language, and social structures.

Archaeology: focuses on the study of past human societies through the analysis of material remains such as artifacts, buildings, and landscapes.

Applied Anthropology involves the practical application of anthropological knowledge and methods to real-world issues and challenges.

Why pursue BSc Anthropology?

BSc Anthropology allows an in-depth study of biological diversity, human societies, cultures, and communities. There are several factors why pursuing a BSc Anthropology degree in India might be a wise choice. Given below are some of the factors:

Fascination with Human Diversity: Anthropology offers a vast and varied subject of study if one has a sincere interest in learning about the complexity of human existence and the ways in which people live, think, and interact.

Interdisciplinary Approach: BSc Anthropology is an interdisciplinary course that incorporates knowledge from sociology, biology, archaeology, linguistics, psychology, and more. This multidisciplinary approach allows one to develop a holistic understanding of human beings.

Research and Analytical Skills: Studying anthropology will help one to develop a variety of research techniques and analytical abilities, such as the ability to gather and analyse both qualitative and quantitative data and to think critically and solve problems.

Career Opportunities: BSc Anthropology opens diverse career opportunities in academia, research institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, cultural heritage management, social services, public health, international development, market research, and many other fields.

Who Should pursue BSc Anthropology?

BSc Anthropology is the perfect course for people who are passionate about diversity of human cultures, communities, biological diversity, and biological adaptations. However, it might be a good fit for the following potential candidates:

• Students who were in the science stream in 12^th and scored minimum of 50% marks.
• BSc Anthropology requires students who are open-minded as it involves studying and appreciating different cultural practices, beliefs, and world views which could be much different from their own.
• Individuals interested in conducting field studies, participating in ethnographic research, and engaging with communities to gather data and insights.
• People who have a strong aptitude for scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and data analysis are well-suited for this program.

BSc Anthropology: Course Duration

The duration of BSc Anthropology in India is 3 years, which is divided into 6 semesters. However, the exact duration may vary depending on the university or institution offering the course. BSc Anthropology distance education programs may have a longer duration, up to 5 years, compared to the regular full-time course.

Also Read: MLT

BSc Anthropology: Course Types

BSc Anthropology is offered to students in two modes that can be pursued full-time or via distance education.  

BSc Anthropology Full-time: This course is designed in a systematic way and provides both theoretical and practical knowledge to the students. To build a strong foundation in BSc Anthropology,various aspects ofthe human culture, communities, biological diversity, and biological adaptations are taught in detail.

BSc Anthropology Distance Education: This option is available for students who cannot pursue this course on a full-time basis and require flexibility in choosing their study time. Throughout the program, students will engage in laboratory work, fieldwork, and research projects, allowing them to develop practical skills and gain hands-on experience in biological sciences.

BSc Anthropology: Distance Education

BSc Anthropology distance education is a feasible option for students who are working professionals or are unable to pursue the course regularly. Given below are some of the key highlights of this course:

• BSc Anthropology eligibility for distance education is 10+2 (Science stream) with minimum 50% marks from a recognised board. The required subjects may vary, but typically include Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or Mathematics.
• The average course fee for BSc Anthropology distance education is INR 15,000 – 50,000.
• The curriculum is the same as a full-time course and covers topics related to biological diversity, human societies, cultures, and communities.
• The course generally takes 3 years to complete, although some universities may offer longer duration programs.
• The study material for a distance education program in India is provided through printed books, e-books, and online resources.
• Students are required to complete assignments and appear for exams as part of the BSc Anthropology distance education programme.

Some of the top Colleges/Universities offering BSc Anthropology distance education is given below: 

• Indira Gandhi National Open University
• Delhi University
• Chandigarh University
• Jaipur National University
• Sikkim Manipal University
• Osmania University
• University of Mumbai
• Tamil Nadu Open University

BSc Anthropology: IGNOU

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers BSc Anthropology via distance education. The course is intended to introduce students to the major themes of Anthropology, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences. Given below are the key features of this course:

BSc Anthropology: IGNOU Syllabus

Given below is the detailed syllabus of BSc Anthropology, IGNOU Syllabus:

BSc Anthropology: Fees

BSc Anthropology fees in India normally costs anywhere between INR 50,000 – 2 Lakhs. Depending on the university, college, and region, different BSc Anthropology programs may have different costs. Given below is an overview of the fees for this course.

Government Colleges/Universities: In comparison to private colleges, the cost of a BSc Anthropology at government institutions is significantly lower. The annual fees for students in the general category might be anywhere from INR 5,000 - 50,000.

Private Colleges/Universities: The fee in a private institution is generally higher and can also vary depending on the college's standing and location. The costs typically range from INR 50,000 to 2 Lakhs or more.

Note: Students in the reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) may pay less in tuition or be eligible for fee exemptions or grants in both government and private institutions.

BSc Anthropology: Colleges

Given below is a list of the top BSc Anthropology colleges in India along with their fees:

BSc Anthropology: Admission Process

It is highly recommended that aspirants score well in their high school examinations or prepare well for the entrance exam. Given below is an overview of both the modes of admission:

BSc Anthropology Admission: Merit Based

• An aspirant should score more than 50% marks in their high school examinations to be applicable for merit-based admission.
• Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
• Make sure to check the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents (10th and 12th Certificates, Aadhar Card, Photographs etc.) in hand.  
• Merit lists are usually updated on the official website of the colleges and need to be checked regularly by the aspirant.
• If selected, the aspirant can pay the required fees and the admission process will be complete.  
• Finally, candidates must attend the counseling or orientation organised by the institution for further details, if selected from the merit list.  

BSc Anthropology Admission: Entrance Based

• Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
• The application form will require the candidate to register themselves with an email ID, password, and mobile number along with academic and course details.
• The candidate is required to upload the necessary documents online, such as Photograph, 10th, and 12th Certificates, Aadhar Card etc.)
• Once the form is complete, the candidate will be asked to pay a minimal amount of application fee.
• It is advised to check the website regularly for updates on the admit card, entrance exam and entrance exam syllabus.
• Admit cards will be issued to all the eligible students which will have important information such as the date of the examination, examination center and timings.
• The college/university will then publish lists according to their cutoff and seat availability.
• If selected, a candidate should pay the course fee as soon as possible and attend the orientation/counselling organised by the college for further information.

BSc Anthropology: Eligibility

• BSc Anthropology eligibility is 10+2 (Science stream) with minimum 50% marks from a recognised board.
• The required subjects may vary, but typically include Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or Mathematics.
• The minimum age for this course is 17 years.

BSc Anthropology: Entrance Exams

BSc Anthropology entrance exam in India is often composed of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and normally lasts 2-3 hours, with the total amount of questions and marks varying depending on the institution. In some colleges there might be negative marking as well.

Given below are the details of some of the entrance exams conducted by various universities along with their details: 

BSc Anthropology: Entrance Exams Syllabus

BSc Anthropology Entrance Exam syllabus may vary slightly depending on the college or university. However, here are some common topics that are usually included in the syllabus:

BSc Anthropology: Syllabus

The course is divided into 6 Semesters which must be covered in 3 years. The syllabus of BSc Anthropology will vary from college to college; however, a brief of the syllabus is given in the following tables:

BSc Anthropology: Colleges in India

Given below is a list of the best BSc Anthropology colleges in India along with their average annual fees and placement offer:

BSc Anthropology: Recommended Books

Given below are the names of some recognised books along with their authors in the field of Anthropology that a candidate must read to gain further knowledge in the course: 

BSc Anthropology: Jobs  

There are various BSc Anthropology jobs in India. Some of the popular job profiles along with their description are given below:

BSc Anthropology: Salary

BSc Anthropology salary ranges from INR 5 – 7 LPA. Given below are various job opportunities available in the field along with their average salary:

BSc Anthropology: Top Recruiters

After completing BSc Anthropology, graduates can apply to both private as well as public sector companies for job opportunities. Given below is a list of the top recruiters of this course:

BSc Anthropology: Scope

BSc Anthropology scope includes various further study options for graduates in India. Some of the popular ones are: