Master of Arts in Economics (MA Economics)

MA Economics: the short answer

MA Economics is a two-year postgraduate degree in economic theory, quantitative methods and policy. You study econometrics, public finance, international trade and how markets, financial systems and government policies work. It suits students aiming for banking, finance, public policy, economic research, consulting or academia.

Eligibility criteria

• A bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
• An economics background is preferred, but many universities do not insist on it.
• Usually 45% to 50% aggregate marks.
• Admission on merit or through an entrance test.

Admission process

Universities admit students in one of these ways:

• Merit, based on your bachelor's marks
• CUET PG
• The university's own entrance examination
• A state-level entrance test

Read each university's notice for its exact rules, as they differ.

Subjects you study

• Microeconomics and macroeconomics
• Econometrics
• Public finance
• International economics
• Monetary economics
• Development economics
• Financial economics
• Research methodology
• Economic policy analysis

Later semesters usually add a dissertation or project on current economic issues. The semester-wise syllabus is listed below.

MA Economics through distance or online learning

Many working students look at MA Economics distance education. The degree is worth the same as a regular one only if the university is recognised for that mode. UGC's ODL and online regulations say postgraduate degrees awarded in open and distance or online mode by universities recognised under them are equivalent to the same degrees from conventional study.

Before you apply, check the university and the programme on the UGC Distance Education Bureau website for the year you join. If you are admitted during a recognised period, your admission stays recognised until you finish, even if the university's recognition is not renewed later, provided the programme follows UGC's rules.

Career scope

Graduates work in roles such as these:

• Economist
• Financial analyst or investment analyst
• Banking officer
• Economic consultant
• Research analyst or data analyst
• Policy analyst
• Assistant professor
• Government officer

The course is also good preparation for competitive examinations, including RBI, UPSC and other government recruitment exams. It lays the base for a PhD and an academic career too.

Salary

The average starting salary after the course ranges from ₹4 LPA to ₹12 LPA. People in banking, finance, consulting and analytics can earn significantly more with experience.

Top recruiters

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
• Public sector banks
• Government departments
• Research organisations and think tanks
• Financial institutions and investment firms
• Insurance companies
• Consulting firms
• Universities and colleges

Why choose MA Economics

• Strong career options in finance and banking.
• Steady demand in research and analytics roles.
• Useful preparation for RBI, UPSC and other government jobs.
• A foundation for a PhD and an academic career.
• High earning potential in finance and consulting.

If you are still choosing an undergraduate course, see BA Economics. If you want to go on to research, read about the PhD in Economics.