What is MA Economics

Explore the dynamic realm of a Master of Arts (MA) in Economics in India, a prestigious postgraduate programme designed to cultivate an in-depth understanding of economic theories, policies, and their practical applications. This two-year course delves into intricate economic concepts, quantitative methods, and contemporary economic issues, providing students with a robust foundation in both micro and macroeconomic principles. In recent years, Indian universities have incorporated cutting-edge methodologies and global economic perspectives into their MA Economics curricula, reflecting the programme's evolution in response to global economic trends. This integration ensures that students are well-equipped with relevant... Read More

MA Economics Admission Criteria

The requirements for getting into a MA in Economics programme vary from one college to the another. But most colleges and universities have a similar process for letting students in, which includes the steps below:

Educational Qualifications
  • Applicants for the Master of Economics degree must have a Bachelor’s degree in Economics or equivalent from an accredited university.
Entrance Exams
  • Universities and colleges conduct entrance examinations as part of the admission process for the MA in Economics programme.
Merit-Based Selection
  • In addition to entrance exams, institutions employ a merit-based selection process. They consider various factors such as academic performance, entrance exam scores, undergraduate marks, and personal interviews. Universities assign weights to these components to evaluate and select candidates for the programme.

MA Economics Eligibility

The requirements to get a Master of Arts in Economics degree may be different depending on the institution. But here are some general eligibility requirements:

Eligibility Criteria Discription
Educational Requirements Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or college. The majority of institutions recommend applicants with a bachelor’s degree in economics or related fields.
Minimum Marks Applicants must have gotten at least 50% on their qualifying exam as a whole. But some colleges and universities might have a different minimum grade point average.
Age Limit There is no upper age limit for getting into Economics programmes in India. Some colleges and universities may have a lower age limit.

MA Economics Entrance Exams

Candidates interested in pursuing the MA Economics programme in India are required to participate in entrance examinations administered by universities and colleges. The exams are intended to evaluate the candidates' language proficiency, general awareness, and analytical skills. Although it's not a must for all colleges to require entrance exams for MA in Economics admission, some colleges consider merit-based admission based on the students' academic records. The following are the most popular entrance exams taken by MA in Economics applicants:

State Level Entrance Exams

MPSET (Madhya Pradesh State Eligibility Test), APPECET (Andhra Pradesh Postgraduate Engineering Common Entrance Test), TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test), BCECE (Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination), MAH CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test), PU CET (Panjab University Common Entrance Test), Odisha CPET (Common Postgraduate Entrance Test), KMAT Kerala (Kerala Management Aptitude Test)

University Level Entrance Exams

DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test), Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam (JNUEE), (Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test) BHU PET, Aligarh Muslim University Entrance Exam (AMU Entrance Exam), University of Calcutta Entrance Exam, University of Madras Entrance Exam, (Osmania University Common Entrance Test) OUCET, Panjab University Common Entrance Test (PU CET), Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam

MA Economics Fee Structure

The fee structure for a MA in Economics varies widely in India. This course costs between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 1,00,000 per year, on average. However, the fee may be different depending on things like the type of institution (government or private), its reputation, its location, and the facilities it offers.

Courses after MA Economics

Candidates who have finished a MA in Economics can take additional courses to learn more and improve their skills in the field. Here is a list of some of the popular programmes candidates can choose from:
MBA

MBA in Finance, MBA in Marketing, MBA in International Business, MBA in Human Resource Management, MBA in Operations Management, MBA in Business Analytics.

PHD

Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Econometrics, International Economics, Development Economics, Monetary Economics, Financial Economics, Game Theory and Economic Modeling, Public Economics, Industrial Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, Health Economics, Labor Economics, Behavioral Economics.

Career Opportunities after MA Economics

MA in Economics programme offers a broad knowledge that can lead to many different careers in economics. It is a professional master’s programme that trains students to become experts in a wide range of economics-related fields. Some common private and public sector jobs for people who finish this programme are:

Position/Role Responsibility  Salary (per annum)
Economist Analyzing economic issues, advising on policy, and preparing reports. INR 6-12 Lakhs
Financial Analyst Evaluating investment opportunities, analyzing financial data, and making recommendations. INR 4-10 Lakhs
Data Analyst Interpreting data, analyzing results, and identifying trends. INR 4-9 Lakhs
Market Research Analyst Studying market conditions, and examining potential sales of a product or service. INR 3-8 Lakhs
Policy Analyst Researching political subjects, evaluating policy proposals, and advising on policy options. INR 5-10 Lakhs
Risk Analyst Identifying and analyzing potential risks, and advising on risk management. INR 5-12 Lakhs
Operations Manager Overseeing operational activities, improving efficiency, managing budgets. INR 6-15 Lakhs
Academic Researcher Conducting research, publishing papers, teaching. INR 3-10 Lakhs
Public Sector Banker Banking services, customer relations, financial management. INR 4-9 Lakhs
Consultant Providing expert advice, analyzing business needs, recommending solutions. INR 5-15 Lakhs

MA Economics Scope, Salary & Employers

Scope: A MA in Economics opens several doors. Graduates work in government, finance, research, consulting, and more. They may engage in economic analysis, policy formation, market research, financial analysis, consulting, data analysis, and more. Graduates’ economic and analytical abilities make them desirable in many fields.

Salary: Job position, industry, experience, and location affect MA Economics graduates’ salaries. Banking, financial analysis, and research entry-level earnings average INR 6–15 lakh. Experience and specialisation may boost management and senior wages.

Employers: MA Economics graduates have several job options. The RBI, Ministry of Finance, and planning commissions employ them. Banking, insurance, and investment organisations hire economics graduates for financial analysis, risk management, and research. Research, consultancy, market research, and multinational organisations hire economists with economics degrees. Economics graduates are valued for their analytical and problem-solving abilities by corporate enterprises, non-profits, and NGOs for economic development initiatives.

Required Skills for MA Economics

Students pursuing a Master of Arts in Economics programme must possess a combination of hard and soft skills to succeed. Both skill sets are equally important to a MA in Economics student’s success. Here are some of the essential skills required for a Master of Arts in Economics:

  • Quantitative Skills
  • Analytical Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving Abilities

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Specialisations within the MA in Economics programme can vary across institutions. Some common specialisations include macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics, international economics, development economics, financial economics, and agricultural economics.
MA in Economics programmes typically have a broader focus on theoretical and applied aspects of economics, including policy analysis and research. MSc in Economics programmes often place a stronger emphasis on mathematical and quantitative techniques used in economic analysis.
Some universities may accept candidates from diverse academic backgrounds, provided they have relevant prerequisites or foundational courses in economics. However, it is advisable to check the specific admission requirements of the institution you are interested in.
The curriculum may include subjects such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, mathematical economics, international economics, development economics, public finance, and economic policy analysis.
While a solid understanding of mathematics is beneficial, different programmes have varying mathematical requirements. It is advisable to check the specific prerequisites and curriculum of the MA in Economics programme you are considering.
Some universities offer part-time or distance learning options for the MA in Economics programme. However, the availability of such programmes may vary across institutions. It is recommended to research the offerings of individual universities.
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