The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the premier organization for the archaeological research, scientific analysis, excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and preservation of protected monuments and areas of national importance, maintenance of site museums and overall regulation of legislations related to antiquities and art treasures.

It is an attached office under the Department of Culture. Being an attached office, the ASI has its own head designated as Director General. An Additional Director General, two Joint Director General and 17 Directors assist the Director General in performing his duties.

For the administrative convenience the entire country is divided into 24 Circles. Each Circle is headed by a Superintending Archaeologist (S.A.), who is further assisted by Deputy Superintending Archaeologist (Dy.S.A.), Deputy Superintending Archaeological Engineer (Dy.S.A.E.), Assistant Superintending Archaeologist (A.S.A.), Assistant Superintending Archaeological Engineer (A.S.A.E.), Assistant Archaeologists (A.A.) and Conservation Assistants (C.A.).

For conducting specialised archaeological researches there are also 6 Excavation Branches, 1 Prehistory Branch, 1 Building Survey Project, 2 Temple Survey Projects, 2 Epigraphy Branches, 1 Science Branch and Underwater Archaeology Wing in the Archaeological Survey of India.