MA Economics focuses both on economic theory as well as practical application to the current economic and developmental issues. The program equips an individual with advanced quantitative skills and analytical techniques to help in tackling economic challenges and conducts empirical research work to help students become the future leader in the field of economics.
MA in Economics deals with the wealth, distribution and consumption in a society. The course covers a huge part of macroeconomics in terms of price, output, employment and much more along with microeconomics which focuses more on demands, supplies, markets, and much more to understand the economy. The course duration of MA in Economics is 2 years in full time mode. An entrance exam is an important criterion for the selection process in the master’s degree.
This article talks about MA Economics specifically focusing on its types, eligibility, available universities, syllabus and future career prospect. The article is helpful for the students who want to study further in the field of Economics.
Table of Content
• What is MA Economics?
• MA Economics Eligibility Criteria
• MA Economics Course Entrance Exams
• MA Economics and Its Types
• MA Economics Course Admission Process
• MA Economics Syllabus
• MA Economics Course Fee and Colleges
• MA Economics Job Prospects, Salary and Recruiters in India
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions
MA Economics Overview
Mentioned below is a table that provides with an overview of MA in Economics:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Master of Arts in Economics (MA in Economics) |
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Entrance Exams | CUET PG, IIT JAM, GATE, etc. |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Graduation from a recognized university with an aggregate of 50% or above along with an entrance exam |
| Course Fee | INR 20,000 – INR 1.5 lakhs |
| Job Profile | Teacher, Professor, Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Policy Banker, and more |
| Job Recruiters | KPMG, The Economist, World Bank, IMF, CRISIL |
| Average Salary | INR 4 – 12 LPA |
What is MA Economics?
MA Economics full form is Master of Art in Economics. It is a postgraduate degree which focuses on blending all the aspects of society in economic terms. The course of study focuses on how society depletes or renews its resources along with production and consumption patterns to makes predictions about the future trends and practices.
MA Economics is a two-year course which can either be pursued online, on-campus, part-time or distance mode, depending on individual’s interest and choices. It deals with the various branches of economics including Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International Economics, Business Economics and much more.
MA Economics Eligibility Criteria
MA Economics is one of the most important disciplines which increases our knowledge and skillset about the economic problems and deficiencies that occur in the world. It allows us to question and even be present with answers.
Depending on which university an individual is enrolling in, the eligibility criteria might differ. But mentioned below are the common criteria followed in most of the universities:
1. The candidate should have completed a bachelor’s degree in economics or related fields. Along with that, some of the universities also allow an individual from any field to pursue an MA Economics.
2. The candidate should have an average of 50% or above from a recognized university.
3. Candidates in their final year are also eligible to appear for the entrance exams.
4. There is no age limit as prescribed for pursuing an MA Economics.
MA Economics Course Entrance Exams
Admission to MA Economics is usually dependent on the entrance exams. An entrance exam is the key to admissions in MA in Economics. Most of the universities conduct their own entrance exams to admit the students with fair criteria. Mentioned below are some of the important entrance exams for MA Economics.
| Entrance Exams | Entrance Exams Dates | Official Website |
|---|---|---|
| CUET PG 2025 | 13th March – 1st April 2025 | https://pgadmission.uod.ac.in/ |
| IIT JAM 2025 | 2nd February 2025 | https://jam2025.iitd.ac.in/index.php |
| GATE 2026 | 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th February 2026 | https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/ |
MA Economics and Its Types
MA Economics provides an individual the option to choose how they want to pursue their further studies. Many of the students are working professionals who have difficulty in pursuing their course in full time mode, thereby MA Economics is available in different types as discussed below.
| Type of MA in Economics Courses | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full-time Mode for MA Economics | MA Economics in full-time is one of the most popular courses as it allows students to have campus connections and face-to-face classes. It supports holistic development by enabling students to attend extra lectures, seminars, and extracurricular activities, helping them grow academically and socially. |
| MA Economics Distance Education | MA Economics Distance Learning is beneficial for working professionals or students who live far from the university. Classes are not conducted face-to-face; instead, students receive study material and are required to visit the campus only for seminars and examinations. |
| Online Mode for MA Economics | The Online Mode of MA Economics is ideal for working professionals or students residing in another state. From classes and lectures to assignment submissions, everything is conducted online, reducing expenses and offering flexibility in coursework. |
MA Economics Course Admission Process
Pursuing an MA Economics can be difficult for an individual for the first time. Mentioned below is a step-by-step admission process to help you understand better.
Step 1: Researching: The first step to pursue MA Economics is to search for the universities that provide the program. Make sure to check the program structure along with eligibility criteria, faculty, curriculum and other important factors to determine if the university is a perfect fit for you.
Step 2: Admission Form: The next step is to fill in the admission form of your preferred university. It is important to fill in all the details using original documents and avoid any error.
Step 3: Entrance Exam: Once you are done filling in the admission form, know that entrance exams will be conducted for the same. The entrance exams that are accepted in colleges are usually the national entrance exams including GATE, CUET PG, IIT JAM, etc.
Step 4: Interview and Counselling: In some universities, an entrance exam is conducted to see if the individual’s aspirations match with the university guidelines. Along with that, counselling sessions are held in universities based on the entrance score of an exam to help with the seat allotment and further processes.
Step 5: Document Verification: With the seat selection, the next and final step for an individual is the physical document verification with plays a crucial role in the admission. Along with that, as a final step, an individual should pay the fee to be eligible for enrollment in the program.
MA Economics Syllabus
Mentioned below is a generalized form of syllabus for MA Economics. This can, however, vary depending on the university.
YEAR 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Microeconomic Theory – I | Microeconomic Theory – II |
| Macroeconomics: Theory and Policy | Advanced Macroeconomic Theory and Politics |
| Indian Economics: Issues and Politics – I | Indian Economics: Issues and Politics – II |
| Economics of Development and Growth – I | Economics of Development and Growth – II |
| Quantitative Tools for Economic Analysis | Statistical Tools for Economic Analysis |
YEAR 2
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| International Trade Theory and Policy | International Financial System and Economic Policy |
| Public Economics I | Public Economics II |
| Research Methods in Economics | Elective |
| Basic Econometrics | Elective |
| Elective | Elective |
| Dissertation | |
| Comprehensive Viva |
MA Economics Course Fee and Colleges
To pursue MA Economics, an individual requires to be in one of the top universities that provides with good curriculum and opportunities to succeed. Choosing an institute or university can be difficult with no guidance. Hence, mentioned below are some of the colleges and their course feel to help you choose one of the top universities.
| MA in Economics Colleges | MA in Economics Fee |
|---|---|
| Miranda House, University of Delhi | INR 38,500 |
| Fergusson College, Pune | INR 9,680 |
| Christ University, Bangalore | INR 60,000 |
| Symbiosis College of Art and Commerce, Pune | INR 26,000 |
| Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai | INR 11,300 |
MA Economics Job Prospects, Salary and Recruiters in India
MA Economics in India provides an individual with an abundant of career opportunities. With the perfect skillset obtained with master’s in economics, an individual can pursue career opportunities in various fields. While some students choose the traditional careers including professor or a researcher, others challenge themselves with careers that focus more on communication skills, analytical abilities and critical thinking. Mentioned below are some of the careers after MA Economics that are profitable for individuals.
| Job Prospects | Description | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Economist | An Economist analyses economic data and trends to study how people make decisions to produce quality products in order to increase profits. | INR 16.4 LPA |
| Actuary | An actuary applies mathematical skills, statistics, and financial theory to analyze risks and uncertainty. | INR 7.4 LPA |
| Research Analyst | A Research Analyst researches, analyzes, and collects data to provide valuable insights and support decision-making across sectors such as finance, marketing, and healthcare. | INR 5 LPA |
| Policy Analyst | A Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and proposes policies to address problems and achieve organizational goals. | INR 7 LPA |
| Economic Consultant | An Economic Consultant applies economic theories, econometrics, and data analysis to provide expert advice to businesses, government sectors, and litigation cases. | INR 10 LPA |
Conclusion
MA in Economics is a postgraduate degree which focuses more on how society should use its resources. An individual needs to appear for entrance exams like GATE, IIT JAM or CUET PG in addition to bachelor’s degree with 55% or more. MA in Economics helps an individual in understanding the value of increasing demands and limited means to fulfill the growing new needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PhD in Economics? What are the eligibility criteria for the same?
A PhD in Economics is a doctoral degree extending 3 – 5 years and focuses on research work and extensive coursework, contributing to provide original contributions to economic knowledge. The eligibility criteria for a PhD in Economics include a master’s degree in economics or a related field with an aggregate of 55% or more. In addition, an individual must appear for entrance exams including GATE, UGC NET, etc.
What is MA Financial Economics?
MA in Financial Economics is a postgraduate degree of two years and works as an interdisciplinary field of finance and economics to analyze financial markets and make financial decisions.
Is MA in Economics tough to pursue?
MA in Economics is challenging, math-intensive, and theory-heavy, but rewarding for those with strong analytical and quantitative skills.
What are the future career prospects with an MA in Economics?
The future career prospects with an MA in Economics include Economist, Data Analyst, Research Analyst, Personal Financial Advisor, Statistician, Product Manager, and much more.
Can you name some of the top universities for MA in Economics?
Yes, some top universities for MA in Economics include Miranda House, Christ University, Mithibai College of Arts, Delhi School of Economics, and many more.
