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.
MA Economics Overview
Mentioned below is a table that provides with an overview of MA in Economics:
| 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 much 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:
- 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.
- The candidate should have an average of 50% or above from a recognized university.
- Candidates in their final year are also eligible to appear for the entrance exams.
- There is no age limit as prescribed for pursuing an MA Economics.
MA Economics Course Entrance Exams
| 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
| Type of MA inEconomics Courses | Detail |
| Full-time Mode for MA Economics | MA Economics in full-time is one of the most popular courses as it allows the students to have campus connections, and face-to-face classes. It works in the holistic development of the students. Students can attend extra lectures and seminars along with other extracurricular activities which can help them in growing and meeting more faces. |
| MA Economics Distance Education | MA Economics Distance Learning is beneficial for working professionals or students who reside far away from the university. The classes do not happen in face-to-face mode rather; students are given the study material and are requested to visit only during seminars and examinations. |
| Online Mode for MA Economics | Online Mode of MA Economics is helpful for individuals who are either working professionals or who reside in another state. From the classes and lectures to submission of assignments, all takes place in an online mode helping the individuals in reducing their expenses while providing flexibility in their 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
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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 is a professional whose work is to apply mathematical skills, statistics and financial theory in order to analyze the risks and uncertainty. | INR 7.4 LPA |
| Research Analyst | Research Analyst research, analyses and collects data to provide valuable insights and support decision-making across various sectors including finance, marketing and healthcare. | INR 5 LPA |
| Policy Analyst | The work of a Policy Analyst is to research, analyze and propose policies to address a problem and reach organizational goals. | INR 7 LPA |
| Economic Consultant | An economic consultant applies economic theories, econometrics and data analysis to provide expert advice and insights to the clients which usually consists of business, government sectors and litigation. | 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.
A PhD in Economics is a doctoral degree extending 3 – 5 years and focuses on research work and extensive coursework, contributing to provide with the original contributions to economic knowledge. The eligibility criteria for a PhD in Economics includes a master’s degree in economics or related field with an aggregate of 55% or more. In addition to that, an individual must appear for entrance exams including GATE, UGC NET, etc.
MA in Financial Economics is a postgraduate degree of two years and works as an interdisciplinary field of finance and economics to analyze financial market and make financial decisions.
MA in Economics is challenging, math-intensive, and theory-heavy, but rewarding for those with strong analytical and quantitative skills.
The future career prospects with an MA in Economics include Economist, Data Analyst, Research Analyst, Personal Financial Advisors, Statistician, Product Manager and much more.
Yes, some top universities for MA in Economics includes Miranda House, Christ University, Mithibai College of Arts, Delhi School of Economics and much more.
