UK - Know about living in the country

ABOUT THE COUNTRY

Great Britain comprises four countries united under one government, a union of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Also referred to as `United Kingdom' this island country is in north Western Europe. It is a small country but a very important one as it was the British who founded the largest Empire in History. With less than 27% of world's people and meager natural resources, they have contributed some great scientists, explorers, artists and leaders to this world.

English is the official language and is spoken throughout the country except in Wales where Welsh is also spoken and taught.

Most of England has vast expanse of plains, fields and meadows with the coastline having steep cliffs, clear beaches and fishing towns. Northern Scotland is a windswept region with the sea cutting deep into the landmass. Northern Ireland has low mountains and sprawling fields, while Wales has rugged mountains and lush green valleys.

Britain has eight land regions and seven of these are on the island of Great Britain. The Scottish highlands made up of mountain ranges, deep valleys and plateaus lie in Northern Scotland. Very few people stay here as it is like a wasteland with coarse grass and shrubs. The Central lowlands are vast plains and excellent farmland. It is rich in coal deposits and most Scottish people stay here. The Southern uplands are green plains used for sheep rearing. The Pennines lie south of this and are mountain chains running halfway through England. West of this are the famous lakes and tourist attractions. Wales is covered by the Cambrian Mountains and to its south is vast plateau land cut by deep river valleys. The south west peninsula is a plateau with sharp cliffs. This region has fishing villages. The English lowlands have agricultural farm land and industry. Midland are grasslands to the south of which is the valley of river Thames. On the banks of the Thames is London, Britain's capital.

Climate

The climate in Great Britain is mild, though in the north it is extremely cold. The winter temperature is a minimum of -12oC and in summer it goes up to 32oC. In south (London) average temperature ranges below 2oC in January and above 15oC in July.

EMPLOYMENT AS A STUDENT

It is not possible to earn one's living as a full time student in Britain or to work one's way through college. Due to unemployment in the UK and restrictions on employment for overseas students, it is very difficult to find even part time employment. Some students do manage to get permission to work but it is not advisable to rely on this kind of income support. There are 3 categories of rules regarding employment (I) Students from European Council countries can work without permission. (II) While students from other countries, including India, find on arrival in UK that their passport bears a stamp or two restricting freedom to work or prohibiting it completely.

The stamp may read: "Leave to remain in the UK on condition that the holder does not engage in employment paid or unpaid without the consent of the Secretary of State for Employment and does not engage in any business or profession without the consent of the Secretary of State for the Home Office" then you may work during your free time or vacations. This must not exceed 20 hours per week during the term. However, this is subject to the consent of the local office of the Department of Employment. In Northern Ireland permission is granted by the Department of Manpower Services in Belfast, for which the application is made by the prospective employer. The Department grants permission only when there is no suitable resident labor for the post. Your college must also submit a letter stating that the job will not affect your studies.

Prohibition for employment

If the stamp on your passport reads: "Leave to enter the UK on condition that the holder does not enter employment paid or unpaid and does not engage in any business or profession is hereby given until ....” you may not work at all. The prohibition stamp can be changed to restriction stamp if your college advisor recommends this change.

Working without permission is a criminal offence, and a breach of your immigration conditions. The penalty for such an offence is usually deportation and fine.

Work opportunities when you have employment restrictions - For part time and vacation work through employment department, Form OSSI should be filled in all its 3 parts. This form is available with job centres. The 1st part of the form is filled in by the student, the 2nd by the employer and the 3rd by the college. Acceptance of the application is communicated to the employer if there is no local worker available and if the work involves less than 20 hours of work per week. Job centres monitor all such allocations and must be approached for job change also.

Practical training in `Sandwich courses'

Placement for practical or work experience while enrolled in a full time sandwich course is not your responsibility. It is the college which applies for the student. However, you should check with your college that you have permission to work before undertaking employment. The college should write to the Employment Department asking for permission for you to do practical training. The application gives details of the course indicating that the practical training is an integral part of the course.

Some students wish to get work experience after graduation. There is a training and work experience scheme which enables overseas nationals to get work experience or to undertake training. Work experience and training are two different categories and the permission for any does not transfer to the other. The work permit scheme is for those who have 2 years of work experience abroad.

Training is intended for those who are looking for recognized professional qualification, e.g., architects, lawyers, civil and construction engineers, accountants, etc.

Work experience is granted for 12 months and the conditions are as follows:

• Your age should be in the range 18-35 years
• You do not get a regular position but are surplus to the organization
• You have the necessary qualification or experience
• You work for the stipulated duration
• Work for 30 hours a week besides academic work
• Work experience is at the managerial or equivalent level at least NVQ level 4
• You accept a token payment

To get access to training and work experience, you must

• Find an employer ;
• Ensure that your employer fills Form WP2 ;
• See that the form is sent to the Department of Employment ;
• Wait for 2 months for a decision.

INSURANCE AND TAX REGULATIONS

International students need to pay national insurance contributions if they are working. Before taking up employment it is necessary to get national insurance number. Generally this takes a little over 2 months to get. However, you can begin work once you have applied. If your passport prohibits you from working you don't need a National Insurance number.

International students on a part time and vacation employment fall in the same category as UK residents. Exceptions are made for students who are on an exchange programme.

SCOPE FOR WORK AFTER COMPLETING STUDIES

Immigration rules are strict and do not permit international students to stay on after their studies are over. It is only under the work permit scheme that you can stay on. There are certain exceptional circumstances when the Home Office and the Employment Department consider allowing you to remain in UK for employment. Two categories are prominently acceptable (1) highly qualified and experienced professionals (2) those who have specialized knowledge and experience of languages and cultures not readily available in the UK. The employer, however, has to make an appeal on a WP1 form.

Address for contact which provides information and necessary guidance in this matter: Department of Employment; Overseas Labor Section, Block C; Porter Brook; House c/o Moor foot; Sheffield S1 4PQ.

ACCOMMODATION:

It is advisable for an international student to arrange accommodation, temporary or permanent before leaving the home country.

There are two main types of accommodations: (a) accommodation of the college or managed by the college, and (b) private accommodation (a place you have to arrange by yourself)

Accommodation provided by school, college or university is the most popular option taken by more than half the international students on degree courses in UK and around 30% who study in FE colleges.

College accommodation

Halls of residence - These are generally shared rooms. Bathrooms and other facilities are common. Halls of residence may be for males and females and they usually provide breakfast and an evening meal. It is like a typical hostel as in India with basic facilities of international standards. Cost £260 - £320 per month.

Self-catering halls - This accommodation gives you the freedom to buy and cook your own food. While being similar to the halls of residence, international students prefer this type of accommodation.

When you apply for college accommodation you must enquire about the type, duration, cost, facilities provided and whether you can retain it during vacations.

Private or self-arranged accommodation

Hostels - There are students’ hostels which are generally very convenient for the international student. Hostels have cooking facilities and alternatively provide meals. These hostels have generally a student population hence there is more likelihood of your getting acclimatized to the place faster. Booking in these hostels is made by paying an initial deposit. British Council offices have a list of hostels which you could ask for.

Lodgings - Lodgings are rented rooms very much akin to the paying guest concept in our country. You will be living, perhaps eating or cooking with them and keep company of the landlord/landlady. It, however, will not allow you absolute freedom. Cost £300 - £350 per month.

Bedsits - There are blocks with single room. Each room has living and sleeping space. Cooking area may also be provided in the room or for a set of rooms elsewhere in the block. Bathrooms too are shared and cleaning and laundry is your responsibility. This kind of accommodation may vary both in quality and size. You should really see it before hiring it.

Hired flats/houses - After staying for some time in Britain you could hire a flat with friends. This is a shared accommodation managed entirely by you and your friends. It is advisable that before signing any documents pertaining to accommodation seek the advice of your college welfare office. Cost £180-£200.

Temporary accommodation

Many international students who have not ensured an accommodation before leaving their country live in temporary or transit accommodation. Temporary accommodation could be either Hotels or guest houses. Though slightly expensive, these can be reserved from India. If you have to travel further and halt in London you could request such a transit accommodation through the British Council Study Fellows at Victoria Station in London.

Useful information about accommodation can be accessed from:

Student Officer, Indian High Commission in Britain who could be contacted for accommodation

Legal advice can be taken from a Law Centre or Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

For transit accommodation you may contact the London Tourist Board located at Victoria Station, Liverpool Street Station, London Heathrow Airport in London or the British Council Arrival Cell, Victoria Station, London

For calling accommodation service, you may call the London Tourist Board at 071 824 8844 during working hours

Lodgings are arranged by Experiment in International Living, Otesaga; West Malvern Road, Worcestershire WR14 4EN, Tel.: 068 456 2577

For hostel accommodation, you may contact the following:

• YMCA, 640 Forest Road, London E17 3DZ Tel.: 081 520 5599
• YWCA, 16 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LR, Tel.: 071 580 4827
• Youth Hostels Association, Trevelyan House, 8 St. Stephens Hill, Hertfordshire AL1 2DY, Tel.: 072 785 5215
• London Hostels Association Ltd., 54 Ecclestan Square, London SW1V 1PG, Tel.: 071 834 1545

ESSENTIAL FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS

Before embarking for study you need to ensure that you have enough money for your course fee and living expenses. Fees are generally revised each year, e.g., Arts course in universities and higher education establishments costed £5500 in 93-94 and £400 more in 95. Science courses went up from £7360 to £ 7400 and Clinical courses £13550 to £ 14,150. You must ask for the latest fee structure. Private institutions are likely to cost more. For food and accommodation your expenses could range from £6000 to £10000 per annum.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS

Our country imposes foreign exchange restrictions on those travelling abroad. When a student has to privately fund his education he needs an RBI clearance. When this clearance is received you can deposit the money in a national bank and get the amount transferred to UK.

HEALTH CARE

Another area of concern for most International students is concerning illness and medical care. Britain has a National Health Service (NHS) which is financed and run by the Government. Treatment under the NHS is free for permanent resident of UK while emergency, accident and community service is free for everyone. Hospitalization is not covered.

If you go for a course which is of more than 6 months duration you are eligible for free treatment. When you are eligible for NHS treatment you have to register with a doctor. You will have to do this soon after reaching.

If you are not entitled and register with a doctor under the NHS you have to pay as a private patient. Award holders may get medical sponsorship for emergency condition. Medical insurance scheme covers all necessary medical expenditure for those not entitled to the NHS.

New Zealand - Know About Living In The Country

KNOW ABOUT LIVING IN THE COUNTRY - NEW ZEALAND

ABOUT THE COUNTRY

New Zealand is an island in the South West Pacific Ocean. It belongs to a large group of islands called Polynesia, 1600 kilometers southeast of Australia. New Zealand consists of two main islands and many smaller islands spread out hundreds of kilometers from the main ones. Once a British colony, New Zealand is now an independent country and member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The capital of New Zealand is Wellington and Auckland is the largest city both located on the Northern mainland. The population of New Zealand is over 3 million. Many New Zealanders are British descendants from 1800's. More than 70% of the population lives in the North Island and 85% are concentrated in urban areas. New Zealand's most important cities are Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Manukau and Dunedin.

Maoris were the first settlers in this country and now there are about 300,000 Maoris who live in New Zealand. Maoris are Polynesians whose ancestors settled in New Zealand several centuries ago. The majorities of New Zealanders today are of European descent and are popularly called pakcha or white men. New Zealand has a long and outstanding tradition of upholding equal rights of all peoples. It was the first country to provide social security benefits and old age pensions for its people and in 1893 it was the first nation to give women the right to vote. It follows a parliamentary form of government and elects its parliament. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers perform the task of running the government.

The North Island is about 1, 14,592 square kilometers with 3 prominent geographical regions.

Geographic regions
Northern peninsula and Waikato Basin occupies most of the island and is rich in forests, orchards and rich lowlands. There are beautiful beaches on the west coast.
Volcanic region and Western Hill country lies to the west. This region is volcanic rock area and there are some active volcanoes, geysers and hot springs too.

Eastern Hills - To the east are a mountain range extending from East Cape to Cook Strait. On the eastern slopes cattle and sheep are reared.
South Island is larger than the north in area. On this island are the Southern Alps, the Canterbury Plains and the Olago Plateaus and Basin. Mount Cook the highest peak in the Alps is approximately 3800 meters. This region is very beautiful. Rain forests cover the slopes. The southwest coast has a rugged coastline lined with Granite Mountains. In the Canterbury plains crops such as wheat, oats, and fodder are grown for cattle.

Climate
New Zealand generally has a mild rainy climate but extreme climatic conditions prevail in the Northern islands central plateau. In the South island the west is wet as compared to the drier east. South island is cooler than the North Island. Snow falls in the South Island Mountains in winter making it a popular ski sport centre. Seasons in New Zealand are reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere, since it is in the Southern Hemisphere. Summer is from December - February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August and spring from September to November.

EMPLOYMENT FOR OVERSEAS STUDENTS

Under present immigration regulations most international students on student permits are automatically permitted to work up to 15 hours per week during the period of the academic year (February-November). It is also possible to work full-time during the summer holidays (November-February). International student who wish to work during the summer holidays are required to obtain a work variation to their student permit from the New Zealand Immigration Service.

STUDENTS' ACCOMMODATION

NZ institutions assist students in finding accommodation whilst studying in NZ. Various types of accommodation are available.

Halls of residence, student hostels, dormitories
These are usually located on campus with single or double (shared) rooms. Costs range from NZ$ 800 - 850 i.e. Rs 16,000 -16,500 per month including food.

Homestay
Students will live with a New Zealand family with their own room. As a family member, the student has every opportunity to experience the New Zealand way of life. Cost for this (including food) also ranges between NZ$ 220- 240 per week

Apartments/flats
This is a popular option with Indian students. Most institutions help students find a flat. Students choose their own flat mates. Costs range from NZ$ 150 - 550 per week depending on city and area. This includes food + other expenses.

HEALTH INSURANCE:

New Zealand is famous for having one of the world's best health care systems. Insurance for health though not compulsory is advisable. Insurance cover is for general ill health and all medical aid. New Zealand Education International Limited (NZEIL) in collaboration with 2 leading insurance companies provides specific policies for International students and universities provide details for these.

Leather Technologists - Introduction and Nature of Work

Since time immemorial man has used hyde and skin of animals to protect himself from vagaries of the weather. Our country has been a world famous market for leather goods. Processing of raw hyde into finished leather has been carried on for ages but perhaps the processes have never been more technical in nature as they are today. Leather Technology is a harsh and messy training. Conditioning is needed for handling of murky raw hydes and skins of animals from the onset. The training may not be very glamourous but the trained technologists get jobs in prestigeous firms, export houses and government organisations. Employability is as prestigeous as in other branches both financially and in terms of social status.

India is a major producer of leather goods and processed leather. Leather industries are mainly located in Kanpur and neighbouring areas and in the South in and around Chennai. Kolkata is base for leather goods. The industry is largely privately owned. Indian Leather industry has an estimated turnover of Rs. 70 billion per annum. With the largest cattle population it is the richest source for raw material and over the years has upgraded its processing capacity, to handle nearly 200 million hides and skin every year. The lucrative export earnings have made this a growth sector industry today.

Nature of Work

The work in a leather industry has 2 main areas – The processing of raw leather to finished leather ready for the manufacturing industries and design, production and marketing of finished leather goods. i.e garments and accessories. Leather techologists are trained in the treatment of animal skin and are involved in directing and supervising the processing of raw hide.

Leather tanning

Leather is prepared in tanneries from animal hide and skin. The hides of cows, buffalo, goats, pigs, horses are processed for preparing leather to be used for the manufacture of a variety of products. After pretreatment or curing which involves removal of unwanted flesh, hair from the skin and curing with salt the skin is made ready for tanning. Tanning agents cement together the protein fibres in the skin, giving leather its unique flexibility and hard wearing qualities. Tanning processes originally used vegetable tanners, currently tanneries are using chemicals such as chromium salts and synthetics. Tannages are used in combination or succession to produce leather with superior finish. This industry has been blamed for causing substantial environmental damage and hence there may be need to go back to the older processing methods.

Leather Technology

Leather technologists are trained to work in production, research and quality control, marketing and sales.

Production-In production leather technologists use scientific and technical processes for the processing of skin and hyde to make leather ready for shaping into products. They are aware of the processes used for treatment of hides and skin and assess the thickness, softness, texture, colour, and its water resistance capacity before it leaves the processing line. Leather technologists study the use of various chemicals in the processing of leather and supervise the processing as per specifications.

Research and Quality control - In research and quality control they test and analyse the finished products in laboratories, using chemicals, dye stuffs and small scale apparatus to ensure that the leather produced has all the
required qualities.

Marketing and Sales - In marketing and sales leather technologists use their scientific knowledge of leather processing to market the various qualities of leather advising on suitability for products to be manufactured.They communicate market demand to the production department with accurate specifications and requirements.

Leather product manufacturing - The work of a leather technologist in a leather product industry e.g in the shoe or garment industry depends on the size of the industry and often includes supervision of production line workers or even marketing and sales, and some technologists also become designers.

Work Environment

Leather technologists work in tanneries. The work is practical and can be messy particularly at the stage of processing of the hides and skin. Indian tanneries have not modernised and generally has noxious smell. Large machineries have to be worked on. Technologists work in offices while planning their work, working with product designers and the marketing department.Work in labs involves leather processing. Leather technologists working in marketing and sales have to work with customers to interpret production needs and pass this information to the technologists incharge of manufacturing. Their work involves travel.

Personal Characteristics

The work of technologists requires adaptability, problem solving skills, scientific acumen (mainly chemistry) and practical ability in manufacturing industries. Aptitude for managing people is needed. Good communication skills are required for written reports and verbal communication. The work requires physical fitness as in production the job is demanding. Technologists must not be allergic to chemicals, and should have no colour blindness.

Employment Avenues

A leather technologist finds employment with industries which manufacture footwear, leather garments and leather products. Exports of these items has been on the rise. Employment potential is encouraging at present and is
following a marked improvement in terms of opportunities for employment for manufacture of leather garments, shoes and sports goods. There are bright prospects for entrepreneurship and self employment with our exports of leather finished goods overtaking traditional goods. The requirement of experts in this field has increased manifold. Designers come from design schools or have special qualifications in the designing of footwear, leather garments and other products like ladies purses, brief cases and bags etc. Designers follow fashion trends and work as per given specifications. The manufacturing process involves production, supervision by the leather technologist who ensure that the goods manufactured are made correctly and the production line operates smoothly.

Social Workers - Study and Training

Employment Avenues

Study and Training

Master in Social Work is a 2 year course open to graduates. This is a professional training necessary for social workers though anthropologists, sociologists and psychologists are also found suitable for some of the work social workers do. While the course is open to all graduates candidates from sociology/social work/psychology background would get preference. The course covers social science subjects - sociology, psychology, economics, philosophy, history of social and public institutions and the administration of such institutions.

Specialisation is offered in community social work/medical & psychiatric social work/criminology and correctional administration/family and child welfare etc. The field work during the course provides opportunity to work in the area of specialisation and complete a project on the work done. A course in labour and social welfare provides opening into the labour welfare section of personnel departments.

Admission to the postgraduate course is made through a written test and interview. The test assesses mental ability and general awareness and the interview is aimed to identify candidates with genuine interest in social work.

Almost 90 per cent of the students passing the Master’s Course in Social Work find suitable employment. They work for government organisations, prisons, hospitals, social work agencies and voluntary organisations. Career opportunities exist in the specific area of specialisation. Students who specialize in criminology and correctional work find jobs in prisons, and government departments.

Specialists in medical and psychiatric social work find opportunities in clinics, hospitals, sanatorium, child guidance clinics, counselling centers, mental hospitals, medical colleges, community public health centers etc. Social workers in community development are involved in field work with community groups, government and voluntary agencies. They work with local community leaders to bring about required changes in a given community to meet its welfare needs through the process of planned change.

Future prospects

Rural development, adult literacy, preventive health, food and nutrition, women and child welfare and environment conservation programmes are high on the agenda of the government, the future for trained social workers is certainly good. In the Industrial and Corporate sectors personnel welfare is becoming a major concern of most organisations.

Social workers form an integral part of the personnel department of most large public and private sector firms. Family planning and Aids awareness campaigns of the government also involve social workers. World organisations such as the United Nations, sponsors projects to facilitate developing countries in their social welfare and other developmental programmes. Enormous amounts of funds are used for funding such projects. Social workers are an essential part of such projects.

The NGO sector has come up in a big way. Ministry of social welfare and justice gives grant to more than 2,000 NGOs in the field of social welfare . A number of top Indian conglomerates have opened up social service wings and a number of international NGOs have set up offices here. The employment opportunities, in fact, have been expanding, from environment management to health and education.

In fact there are very few sectors which can do without social work professional. number of private hospitals employ professionals to examine the psychosocial aspects of diseases such as AIDS or cancer. CARE, an international NGO, has been making campus recruitment from several places like Delhi School of Social work, Jamia Millia and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.

Work Environment

Social workers do not always work at a desk. The job involves meeting clients, conducting interview, conferencing with other professionals, preparing reports etc. Counselling, educating, conducting group work takes substantial time. Much of the work needs travelling to the client's home and working with the family. Advocacy involves working with employers, agencies, legislators, NGOs etc. They may even testify in court.

Personal Characteristics

Social workers must have a mature outlook. They should genuinely like people, feel a concern for their welfare and accept people as they are, respecting their hopes and aspirations and working with them to improve their social conditions and to increase their autonomy. They need plenty of patience too, as it can be a long slow process building up a relationship with some clients and one may have to circumvent barriers of class, culture, religion, race and prejudice of all sorts. There may be set-backs and disappointments on the slow progress of cases. Majority of those engaged in social work are dedicated, conscientious people who enjoy excellent relations with their clients.

Historians, Archaeologists, Archivists and Curators - Employment Avenues

Employment Avenues

In India Archaeological work is conducted by government owned Archaeological survey of India. With headquarters in Delhi this organization has archaeological departments in all the states of India. Since the work is extensive and there is a growing need for maintaining, investigating and reporting about the cultural heritage of India, it has been allocated to specialized in charges. e.g there is a special branch dealing with temples, another in epigraphs etc. People working is these departments are selected from the local population so that they are more familiar with the geophysical conditions, social and cultural influences of that region. Selection is made by the UPSC and State Public Service Commissions.

Restorers and conservators work with museums, archaeological survey, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) or even as freelancers.

Opportunities for employment are offered by the Historical Division of the Ministry of External Affairs for handling jobs in their Cultural Affairs Division. These are research positions for which educational qualifications are as follows:

Researchers - Second Class M.A. in History/Pol. Science. Students of Modern History with knowledge of foreign language. Students with some study in the area of International Relations get preference.

Narrators (people engaged in writing Military History) - Post Graduation in History and a Doctorate in the discipline.

Research Assistants/Curator/Junior Research Officer and Senior Research Officer (in the Ministry of Defence) - Second class Post Graduate qualification.

Besides employment opportunities offered by the Historical Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, the following also provide employment opportunities :

-- Central Board of Film Censors, Film Division of Government of India

-- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

-- Defence Services

-- All India Handicrafts Board

-- Ministry of Education

-- Department of Tourism

Archaeological Survey of India, Janpath, New Delhi

Job positions and Eligibility - Listed here are job positions and qualifications required for recruitment to major Government organisations

Director General - Master’s Degree of a recognised university or equivalent in Indian History or Archaeology. Knowledge of Indian monuments and antiquities. 10 years’ experience in archaeology, excavation and 5 years’ experience in administration

Additional Director General - Master’s Degree of a recognised university or equivalent in Indian History or Archaeology or Master’s Degree of a recognised University or equivalent in an Indian Classical language with Bachelor’s Degree with Indian History or Archaeology as an optional subject. Knowledge of Indian monuments and antiquities. 10 years’ experience in Archaeology, Excavation and 5 years’ Administrative experience.

Joint Director General - Promotional position.

Director (Archaeology) - Promotional position.

Superintending Archaeologists - Second Class Master’s degree in Indian History/Archaeology with knowledge of Stone age archaeology/geology. Diploma in Archaeology from the Archaeological Survey of India with 3 years field experience or 5 years’ field experience in archaeology and knowledge of monuments and antiquities.

Deputy Superintending Archaeologists - Second class Masters degree in Indian History/Archaeology/Sanskrit/Persian/Pali/Arabic/Anthropology with knowledge of stone age archaeology. Diploma in Archaeology from Archaeological Survey of India or 2 years’ research experience in Ancient or Medieval Indian History, Archaeology, Epigraphy and Museology.

Assistant Superintending Archaeologists and Registering Officer - Second Class Master’s Degree in Indian History or Archaeology or Anthropology with knowledge of stone age Archaeology or Geology with knowledge of Pleistocene Geology of a recognised university or equivalent.

Chief Epigraphist - Master’s Degree in Ancient Indian History with B.A. degree in Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu or Master’s degree in Sanskrit or Pali or Prakrit or Tamil or Kanada or Telugu with B.A. degree with Ancient Indian History. Seven years’ experience in deciphering and editing inscription in different scripts and epigraphical research in a responsible post.

Senior Epigraphical Assistant (Arabic and Persian Inscriptions) - Master’s Degree in Indian History with Arabic and Persian as one of the subjects at degree level or Master’s degree in Arabic or Persian with Indian History as one of the subjects at degree level. Two years’ experience in deciphering and editing inscription in Arabic or Persian.

Technical Assistant - Master’s Degree in History with Ancient or Medieval Indian History or in both or in Archaeology or in Geology with knowledge of Pleistocene Geology or in Anthropology with knowledge of Archaeology.

Technical Assistant (PreHistory) - Master’s Degree in History with Ancient or Medieval or in both or in Archaeology or in Geology with knowledge of Pleistocene Geology or in Archaeology with knowledge of stone age Archaeology.

Epigraphical Assistant (Sanskrit Inscriptions) -M.A. in Indian History and B.A. with Sanskrit, Pali or Prakrit as one of the subjects or M.A. in Sanskrit, Pali or Prakrit and B.A. with Indian History as one of the subjects or oriental Diploma/title in Sanskrit, Pali or Prakrit, as equivalent to M.A. with a Bachelor’s Degree in Indian History.

Epigraphical Assistant (Dravidian Inscriptions) - M.A. in Indian History and B.A. with a Dravidian Language as one of the subjects; or M.A. in a Dravidian language and B.A. with Indian History as one of the subjects; or Oriental Diploma/title in a Dravidian language as equivalent to M.A. and B.A. with Indian History as one of the subjects.

Epigraphical Assistant (Persian and Arabic Inscriptions) - M.A. in Indian History and B.A. with Arabic or Persian language; or M.A. in Arabic of Persian and B.A. with Indian History; or Oriental Diploma/title in Arabic/Persian equivalent to M.A. and B.A. with Indian History.

Curator - Master’s degree in History with Ancient or Medieval Indian History or in Archaeology or in Geology with knowledge of Pleistocene Geology or in Anthropology with knowledge of stone age Archaeology.

Indian Council of Historical Research, 35, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi 110001

Director - At least Second Class M.A. in History or allied subjects Ph.D. or research publication of equivalent standard. 10 years’ experience in teaching or guiding research Published work of high standard is required.

Editor-cum-Project Officer - Second Class M.A. in History or allied subjects, Ph.D. or research publication of equivalent status. 5 years’ experience in teaching or guiding research is required.

Senior Professional - Second Class M.A. in History or allied subjects Degree in Library Science, 5 years’ experience in Library/Documentation work is required.

Publication Officer - Good Master’s Degree in History/allied subjects with Experience of publication and production work.

Junior Professional - Second Class M.A. in History or allied subjects. Degree/Diploma in Library Science, two years’ experience in Library or Documentation work is required.

Research Officer - M.A. in History or allied subjects at least 2nd class 3 years’ experience in teaching/research.

Senior Research Assistant - Second Class M.A. in History or allied subjects.

Technical Assistant - At least Second Class graduate in History/Political Science.

National Archives of India, Janpath, New Delhi - 11001

Director of Archives - Second Class Master’s Degree in Modern Indian History of a recognised University or equivalent. Knowledge of Archival Science and experience of administering an archives office in a higher supervisory post. Adequate experience of undertaking and conducting and guiding research work of post-graduate standard is required.

Deputy Director of Archives - Second Class Master’s or equivalent degree in Modern Indian History/Persian/Physics/Chemistry or a recognised University. Knowledge of Archival Science. Experience of Administration in responsible supervisory capacity.

Assistant Director of Archives (Records & Publication) - Second Class Master’s Degree in Modern Indian History of a recognised University or equivalent. Knowledge of Archival Science.

Assistant Director of Archives (Oriental Records) and Keeper of Records, Bhopal - Second Class Master’s Degree in Modern Indian History of a recognized University or equivalent. Adequate knowledge of Persian Shikestan Script. Knowledge of Archival Science. Experience in conducting Research in the modern period of Indian History Publication of merit to his credit.

Archivist (General) - Second Class Master’s Degree in Modern Indian History of a recognised University or equivalent. About 2 years’ experience of research or teaching in Modern History and/or teaching of Modern History to University classes or about 2 years’ experience or work in a Government Records Office.

Archivist (Oriental Records) - Second Class Master’s Degree in Modern History of a recognised University or equivalent. Adequate knowledge of Persian Shikestah script.

Assistant Archivist (Grade I General) - Master’s Degree in Modern Indian History of a recognised University or equivalent. Experience of research and teaching in college or University.

Assistant Archivist (Grade I Oriental Records) - Master’s Degree in Modern Indian History of a recognised University or equivalent.

Assistant Archivist Grade II (General) - Master’s Degree in Modern Indian History of a recognised University or equivalent.

Assistant Archivist Grade II (Oriental Records) - Master’s Degree in Modern Indian History of a recognised University or equivalent Knowledge of Persian, Shikestah script.

National Museum, New Delhi

Director - Master’s Degree of a recognised University or equivalent in Indian History or Archaeology or Anthropology or Sanskrit or Pali or Fine Arts or a combination 10 years’ experience in a Museum and 5 years, administrative experience Knowledge of Indian antiquities, Archaeology excavation, museum and publications; Indian arts and decorative arts.

Assistant Director - Master’s Degree of a recognised University or equivalent in Indian History or Archaeology or Anthropology or Sanskrit or Pali or Prakrit or Persian or Arabic or Fine Arts. 5 years experience in a Museum and 3 years administrative experience. Research experience and knowledge of Indian Antiquities Museum and Publications.

Keeper (Archaeology) - Master’s Degree in Indian History or Sanskrit or Pali or Prakrit or Persian or Arabic or Archaeology. Diploma in Museology and 5 years experience in Museum or 7 years’ experience in a Museum Research experience with evidence of published research work. Field experience and practical training in Archaeology.

Keeper (Lecturing & Education) - Master’s Degree in Indian History or Sanskrit or Pali or Prakrit or Persian or Archaeology or Art History. Diploma in Museology with 5 years’ experience in a Museum or 7 years’ experience in a Museum. Experience in teaching, planning and organising of educational work in Museum. Research experience of published research work on Museum or other educational subjects.

Keeper (Central Asian Antiquities) - Master’ Degree in Indian History or Sanskrit or Pali or Prakrit or Archaeology. Diploma in Museology and 5 years’ experience in a Museum or 7 years’ experience in a Museum Research experience with evidence of published research work on CA with sound knowledge of Sanskrit Field experience and practical training in Archaeology.

Keeper (Publication) - Master’s Degree in Indian History or Sanskrit or Pali or Prakrit or Persian or Arabic or Archaeology and/or Indian History and Art History. Practical training and experience in publication work, including layout, typography, printing process, ordering blocks, etc. proof-reading 3 years experience in editing art or Archaeology Publications. Some Scholarly competence and experience with research experience and publications in a field included in a Museum collections.

Keeper (Public Relations) - Master’s Degree of a recognised University or equivalent in one or more of the following: Indian History or Sanskrit or Pali or Prakrit or Persian or Arabic or Archaeology or Art History or Anthropology. Diploma in Museology and 5 years’ experience in a Museum or 7 years experience in a Museum of standing or a comparable institution.

Keeper (Numismatics and Epigraphy) - Master’s Degree or recognised University or equivalent in Indian History or Sanskrit or Pali or Prakrit or Persian or Arabic with special knowledge of coins and epigraphy. Diploma in Museology and 5 years experience in a museum of standing or a comparable institution.

Keeper (Manuscripts) - Master’s degree of a recognised University or equivalent in Indian History or Sanskrit or Pali or Prakrit or Persian or Arabic with special knowledge of epigraphy, manuscripts and calligraphy. Diploma in Museology and 5 year’s experience in a museum of standing or a comparable institution.

Deputy Keeper (Pre-Historic Archaeology) - Master’s degree in Geology or Anthropology or Ancient Indian History with knowledge or Stone age Archaeology. Diploma in Museology and 3 years experience in a Museum or 5 years experience in a Museum. Field experience and Practical training in Pre-Historic Archaeology.

Deputy Keeper (Decorative Art) - Master’s degree in Indian History or Sanskrit or Pali or Prakrit or Persian or Archaeology or Art History Diploma in Museology and 3 years’ experience in a Museum or 5 years’ experience in a Museum. Research experience of published research work.

Deputy Keeper (Pre-Colombian and Western Art) - Master’s degree in Indian History and Culture/History of Art Diploma in Museology and 3 years’ experience in a Museum or 5 years’ experience in a Museum. Research experience of published research work Knowledge of Pre-Colombian and Western Art and Culture.

Senior Librarian - Degree of a recognised University or equivalent in History or Art or Anthropology. Diploma in Library Science of a recognised University or Institution or 5 years’ experience in a Library preferably a museum library

Senior Museum Lecturer - Master’s Degree in History with knowledge of Indian antiquities. Diploma in Museology and 2 years’ experience in a Museum or 4 years’ experience in a Museum.

Senior Technical Assistant (Archaeology) - Master’s Degree in Indian History or Sanskrit or Pali or Prakrit or Arabic or Archaeology or other allied subjects. Diploma in Museology and 2 years’ experience in a Museum or 4 years’ experience in a Museum.

Technical Assistant - Master’s or Honour’s degree in Indian History/History of Art/Archaeology/Ancient Indian History and Culture/Anthropology/Sanskrit/Pali Persian/Arabic.

Museum Lecturer - Master’s or Honours degree in Archaeology/Indian History/History or Art/Ancient Indian History and Culture. Ability to speak on Indian Art and Hindi and English.

Assistant Librarian - Degree of a recognised university or equivalent in History or Art or Anthropology. Diploma in Library Science of a recognised University or Institution or 5 years’ experience in a Library preferably in a museum library or one year’s experience in a library of good standing preferably Museum Library.

Archival work is sedentary and quiet. It involves attention to detail meticulousness and can be tedious. The job often is done alone and at times with a couple of assistants. There is little contact with the public. During exhibitions archivists may be called upon to respond to public enquiries and the press.

Work Environment

Curators work in an office environment through working conditions depend upon the type of museum. Small museums are restricted by funds but in large museums for expansion work considerable travel may have to be undertaken to visit private collectors, commercial owners, museums, archaeological sites, botanical explorations. They also require to travel to restoration sites and as administrators to distant historical sites. In museums the work environment is convenient as light, temperature, humidity are controlled. Museums are warm and well lit with the exception of some theme and working museums. These include villages, industrial sites, outdoor, indoor display where it may be cold, wet and dusty.

Conservation work is carried on in laboratories or workshops. Some work of restorations is carried on at the site. In the laboratory the environment is clean but work goes on with many types of chemicals. Time is spent in art galleries, museums and architectural sites. Work involves sitting or standing depending on the work.

Personal Characteristics

Archaeologists, archivists and curators have one thing in common - they all enjoy knowledge for its own sake and work for passing it on to others. They have deep interest in the past and are curious to find out more than the obvious. Archaeologists work outdoors hence should be able to take physical stress to work in conditions which may not be comfortable.

Museum Curators must be resourceful, systematic, artistic with managerial qualities, Curators must be able to assimilate and analyse information. Logical thinking, art appreciation and creativity are required characteristics. Accuracy and keen observation are valuable qualities for an archivist, curator and archaeologist.

Conservators need patience, hand skills, and good colour vision. Scientific acumen is needed to understand materials, cause of deterioration etc. They need to work as part of a team.