BA Economics

Bachelor of Arts in Economics or BA Economics is an undergraduate course lasting three years which teaches students about the basic ideas and methods used in economics. Students who have finished their 10+2 education from a certified board are eligible to study for a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, regardless of their previous field of study. Certain universities, such as Delhi University, offer admission to these programmes by considering the marks obtained by students in class 12th. However, institutions such as Christ University have their own entrance test for admitting students. 

BA Economics Subjects are structured in such a manner that they allow the development of skills in topics like: micro and macroeconomics, mathematical economics, statistics, econometrics, financial markets, public policy making, etc. BA in Economics core subjects include Principles of Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International Economics, Development Economics, Environmental Economics, Public Finance, Economics of Taxation, etc.

Following completion of the course, individuals are eligible for BA Economics jobs including economic analyst, research associate, statistician and financial analyst among others. These positions can be found within companies engaged in business activities, banking sectors, rating agencies or management consulting firms as well as export-driven businesses. BA Economics salary for freshers is estimated to span from INR 3 to 6 lakhs. They also have the option to pursue advanced degrees such as a Master's in Economics, MBA or even a PhD, which could lead them to higher positions within economic consultancy, creating policies, planning strategies, predicting market trends and researching stocks. This can result in significantly larger incomes.

Generally, BA Economics gives you the understanding of concepts and ability to analyse things. This creates a solid base for successful jobs in the economics area.

CUET UG Registration 2024 has begun from February 27, 2024 and the last date to apply is March 26, 2024. CUET UG 2024 exam is scheduled to take place from May 15 to 31, 2024. 

BA Economics is a three-year undergraduate degree. Get details of the programme such as course duration, course fee, course level, and more below:

Here are a few key reasons why studying Bachelor of Arts in Economics can be a good choice:

Develop Analytical Skills - An economics degree sharpens your ability to think critically, analyse data, identify trends and solve complex problems. These skills are valued in many industries.
Flexible Career Options - With a BA in Economics you can work in a variety of fields like finance, business, government, law, international organisations, research, journalism etc. It opens up many career paths.
Understand the World - You will learn how markets, trade, fiscal and monetary policies, production, consumption etc interact and affect the economy as a whole. This helps make sense of the world.
High Demand - Economics graduates are in high demand in both the private and public sector. The job prospects for econ majors are usually quite good.
Well-Rounded Perspective - Economics gives you a broad base of knowledge and teaches you to think from multiple perspectives. This helps in decision making.
Strong Analytical Foundation - The rigorous training in economic theory, mathematics and statistics provides a strong base for graduate studies in economics, business, public policy etc.

An online BA in Economics programme gives the students a chance to earn their degree without having to be physically present in classrooms and lecture rooms

Here are some key things to know about online BA Economics degrees:

Curriculum - The online curriculum is as comprehensive as a campus economics BA Economics programme, containing subjects like microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, international economics, public economics, monetary economics, financial markets etc.
Flexibility - Online programmes offer students to study as per their respective schedules. You can study while you still work or continue with other responsibilities.
Accessibility - Economics education online offers a way out to students who cannot be physically present in a campus due to distance, costs, or other constraints.
Virtual Lectures - Instead of in-person lectures, instruction is provided through videos, online classes, virtual office hours with profs etc.
Self-Paced Learning - Certain programs offer flexibility in coursework, permitting students to go faster where they are most comfortable and slower at places where they are stumbling.
Interactive - There exist interactive forums where one connects with professors and mates through the online platforms. Nevertheless, online programs are not as interactive as compared to the traditional programmes.
Price - The main difference between online and on-campus programs is the cost, in the form of tuition and other expenses.
Credentials: The accredited online BA Economics degree is as valid as the campus ones, though the stigma surrounding online education is prevalent in some circles.

The difference between the BA Economics and BA (Hons) Economics Degrees is tabulated below:

BA Economics vs BA (Hons) Economics Degrees

The BA Economics course provides a comprehensive understanding of economic principles, theories, and their real-world applications. However, it may or may not be similar to other courses such as BA (Hons) Economics. To find out more about the differences and similarities check below: 

It is important to note that the specific features and offerings of BA Economics and BA (Hons) Economics programmes may vary between universities. Prospective students should refer to the respective universities' websites or official information for detailed programme requirements and curriculum details.

BA Economics vs BSc Economics

The difference between the BA Economics and BSc Economics Degrees is tabulated below:

BA Economics vs BBA

Here's a comparison between BA Economics and BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) in table format:

It's important to note that the specific features and offerings of BA Economics and BBA programs may vary between universities. Prospective students should refer to the respective universities' websites or official information for detailed program requirements and curriculum details.

BA Economics vs BCom

BA Economics offers a broader understanding of economic theories and policies, suitable for careers in economics, research, and policy analysis. BCom provides a comprehensive understanding of commerce-related subjects, preparing students for careers in finance, accounting, and business-related fields. Here's a comparison between BA Economics and BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) in table format:

It's important to note that the specific features and offerings of BA Economics and BCom programs may vary between universities. Prospective students should refer to the respective universities' websites or official information for detailed program requirements and curriculum details.

Students are oftentimes confused between BA Economics and BCom Hons course. To simplify this, we are presenting you with core differences between the two so that you can make an informed decision: 

BA Economics in India can be pursued full-time, part-time, or through distance learning. The following BA Economics course information is provided below.

Students who want to take BA Economics courses must meet the following requirements in order to be accepted into universities that offer BA Economics courses:

• Students must pass the class 12th or equivalent exam from a recognized board with a minimum of 45% - 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA from a recognized state board of education.
• Some of the colleges/ universities may require a candidate to have passed Mathematics, Statistics, or Economics in 10+2 or equivalent examination.
• In addition, there is no set age limit or criteria for obtaining a BA Economics admission; applicants of any age group are welcome to apply and enrol in the BA Economics program.

Required Skill Set for BA Economics

BA Economics graduates should acquire skills which will help them in their career progressions. Check out some of the skills below: 

The entrance exam is necessary for admission to the top government and private BA Economics programmes in India. Because colleges release the final student list based on exam results, exams are the main requirement for students. The common entrance exam for a BA in Economics is:

• CUET: The Common University Entrance Test is conducted by the National Testing Agency. It is an all-India test for admission to UG, PG and doctorate programmes.

While this social science degree analyses the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, students can choose from various popular BA Economics specialisations dedicated to a specific area of the study of economics. Check out the different Economics specialisations available for aspirants to choose from:

• Financial Economics
• Commerce
• Business Economics
• Applied Economics
• Social Economic Policy
• Agricultural Economics

Students also have the option to pursue BA in Economics with different degrees such as Politics, History, or Psychology.

The application procedure may differ slightly from other courses since BA Economics programmes in India require a specific set of abilities and knowledge. A group discussion or interview follows the entrance exam, which is still the primary method used by most BA Economics colleges to select applicants. The following are the admissions procedures for BA Economics programmes in India.

• Entrance-Based BA Economics Admissions
• Merit-Based BA Economics Admissions

The general steps to admission for a BA in Economics vary depending on the college, but they are as follows:

Step 1: Fill out and submit the online BA Economics application.

Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional costs that might be incurred in the event that admission is decided by merit. Admission to the entrance-based BA Economics programme requires the completion and passing of an exam.

Step 3: Those who made the short list will be invited to move on to the next round of interviews, group discussions, or counselling, depending on the nature of the process.

Step 4: Candidates must submit all necessary paperwork and fees in order to be admitted to the BA Economics programme, having completed the previous steps.

In most colleges and universities, admissions to the BA Economics course are based on merit. A written 10+2 exam, a series of in-person interviews, and/or a qualifying exam relevant to the course will determine which candidates are accepted into the BA Economics course. Under these scenarios, candidates are usually selected on the basis of their academic standing and their results on a prior important exam.

The course fees for BA Economics vary between INR 15k and INR 65k. The facilities and amenities offered by the college or university, as well as the level of education provided, affect the course's fees. The average yearly course fee for well-known universities that offer the course is shown below:

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.

BA Economics syllabus and subjects are organised in such a way that students have a deeper comprehension of the course's numerous disciplines, which is necessary for them to develop knowledge in future courses. The following are some of the most important topics covered in this programme:

BA Economics course subjects provides students with a comprehensive understanding of economic theories, principles, and their practical applications. Here is an overview of the BA Economics core and BA Economics optional subjects covered in the course curriculum:

A few of the top private BA Economics colleges in India as per the NIRF Rankings 2023 are as mentioned below:

A few of the top government  BA Economics colleges in India as per the NIRF Rankings 2023 are as mentioned below:

A few of the top colleges offering direct admission to BA Economics course without any entrance exams are as follows: 

BA Economics Jobs

BA Economics degree opens up a wide range of job opportunities and promising career prospects. Graduates with this qualification possess a strong foundation in economic principles, data analysis, and critical thinking, which are highly sought after in various sectors. Here are some potential career options and job prospects after BA Economics for graduates:

BA Economics Top Recruiters

Candidates with a BA Economics degree are employed in a variety of financial industries, including banks, trading markets, and other government and private sectors of the economy.

Aspirants can get attractive employment offers from top worldwide organizations after successfully completing BA Economics. The following are some of the top recruiters for BA Economics programs:

• Citigroup
• JP Morgan Chase
• Wells Fargo
• ICBC
• Allianz
• AXA
• Bank of America
• HSBC

BA Economics Employment Areas

Agricultural companies, economic research institutions, analysis/ forecasting firms, stock exchanges, financial information firms, banks/ credit unions, international trade companies, manufacturing firms, statistical research firms, and more are all looking for BA Economics graduates. BA Economics jobs are available in a variety of industries and it pays well. The following are some regions where BA Economics students can be recruited after the BA Economics course completion:

• Finance
• Education
• Business Entities
• Law
• Research and Development
• Actuarial Science
• Banking Institutions

BA Economics Salary

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, graduates can be employed in different roles. Given below is an idea of the salary prospects for BA Economics graduates in India:

Please note that the salary ranges provided are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, location, organisation, and individual skills.

The first course that we'll discuss is the MA in Economics, which can be pursued immediately after getting a BA in Economics. 

MA Economics

A Master of Arts in Economics (MA Economics) is a two-year postgraduate degree that studies economic development and various branches of economics. It provides an in-depth understanding of the finance and management sectors and develops skills to face challenges in the industry.  Some topics covered in the course include: Monetary economics, Elementary statistics, International trade. MA Economics graduates can pursue careers as financial analysts, trade analysts, bank managers, and marketing managers. The average salary of a professional economist in India is between INR 88k to INR 1.32L per month. To be eligible for an MA Economics, you need a bachelor's degree in economics or a relevant field of study with a minimum of 50% at the graduation level. 

After completing their bachelor's and postgraduate degrees, students can pursue research studies or a PhD in Economics.

PhD in Economics

A PhD in Economics can teach you how to analyse economic data, evaluate public policy, and understand macroeconomic variables. With a PhD, you can work for a college, the Federal Reserve, banks, or other organisations. You can also become a public intellectual by writing books or working in the media. 

Furthermore, after completing the BA in Economics, candidates are also eligible to continue on to professional programmes like: 

• Chartered Accountancy: CA stands for Chartered Accountant. Chartered accountants are globally recognised financial professionals who work for corporations, governments, and individuals. They handle budgets, audits, taxes, and business strategies for their clients. 
   
• Company Secretary: A prestigious professional qualification programme, the Company Secretary (CS) course gives you the information and abilities to become a valuable advisor to businesses on legal, financial, and governance issues. The legal facets of a company or sole proprietorship are managed by a certified company secretary. In addition to maintaining and auditing the company's tax returns, a CS also keeps records, counsels the board of directors on the financial standing of the business, and makes sure the business complies with all applicable laws and regulations.  
   
• Cost and Management Accounting (CMA): Cost and Management Accounting (CMA) is a certificate course that leads to the CMA designation. The designation may lead to a lucrative career in business accounting. CMA focuses on financial understanding to help organisations succeed by providing credible financial information and analysis. Cost accounting is the analysis, calculation, and control of an organization's costs. Management accounting provides both financial and non-financial information to help with planning, decision-making, and control. 
   
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation awarded by the CFA Institute to financial and investment professionals. The CFA exam consists of three parts that cover the fundamentals of investment tools, asset valuation, portfolio management, and wealth planning.  
   
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB): A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is an undergraduate degree in Law Sciences. The purpose of the LLB syllabus is to provide students with a solid understanding of legal concepts, research techniques, and the roles and responsibilities that lawyers have in society. Depending on the jurisdiction, obtaining this degree is frequently necessary in order to sit for bar exams or become a licenced practitioner.