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.
BA Economics Course Highlights
BA Economics is a three-year undergraduate degree. Get details of the programme such as course duration, course fee, course level, and more below:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Course | Bachelor of Arts in Economics or BA Economics |
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Course Duration | 3 years |
| Course Mode | Regular/Full-time |
| Course Eligibility Criteria | Passed class 12th with a minimum 50% aggregate or above marks from a recognised school board |
| Course Admission | Merit-based/Entrance Exam-based |
| Top Entrance Exams | CUET |
| Top BA Economics Colleges in India | SRCC, Hindu College, Loyola College, Hansraj College and others |
| Average Course Fees | INR 15k – 65k |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 4 – 15 LPA |
| Job Profiles | Economist, Auditor, Financial Analyst, Financial Planner, Statistician and others |
| Areas of Employment |
|
Why Choose BA Economics?
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.
What is an Online BA Economics Degree?
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.
Types of BA Economics Courses
BA Economics in India can be pursued full-time, part-time, or through distance learning. The following BA Economics course information is provided below.
| Type of BA Economics | Eligibility Criteria | Course Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BA Economics Full-Time | Must have completed 10+2 with Arts or Humanities with a minimum of 50% marks and Entrance Exam. | 3 Years |
| BA Economics Part-Time | Must have passed 10+2 with Arts or Humanities with at least 50% marks. | 3 Years |
| Distance BA Economics | Must finish 10+2 with Arts or Humanities and a minimum of 45-50% marks. | 3-5 Years |
BA Economics Eligibility Criteria
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:
| Communication Skills | Time Management |
|---|---|
| Interpersonal Skills | Problem-Solving Skills |
| Team Work | Data Analysis |
| Critical Thinking Skills | Commercial Awareness |
BA Economics Admission Process in India
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.
BA Economics Fees in India
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:
| NameCollege | Annual Fee (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Hansraj College, Delhi | 15k |
| Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi | 65 k |
| GD Goenka University, Delhi | 20k |
| St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai | 35k |
| NMKRV College for Women, Bangalore | 15k |
Career Options After BA Economics
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:
| Job Profile | Description of job role |
|---|---|
| Economic Analyst | Many organisations, including government bodies, financial institutions, and research firms, hire economic analysts to analyse economic data, forecast trends, and provide insights for decision-making. |
| Business Consultant | With their strong analytical skills, economics graduates can work as consultants, assisting organisations in areas such as market entry strategies, pricing strategies, and performance optimisation. |
| Financial Analyst | BA Economics graduates can work as financial analysts, examining financial data, assessing investment opportunities, and offering recommendations to clients or organisations. |
| Market Researcher Analyst | These professionals analyse market trends, conduct surveys, and gather data to help companies understand consumer behaviour, assess market demand, and make informed business decisions. |
| Data Analyst | Proficiency in data analysis equips economics graduates to work as data analysts, extracting insights from large datasets, conducting statistical analysis, and supporting evidence-based decision-making. |
| Policy Analyst | BA Economics graduates can work as policy analysts, evaluating the impact of government policies, proposing policy reforms, and contributing to public policy-making processes. |
| Researcher | Graduates can pursue research roles in academic institutions, think tanks, or research organisations, conducting economic research, publishing papers, and contributing to the development of economic theories and policies. |
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:
| Job Roles | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Economic Analyst | INR 4 – 10 LPA |
| Financial Analyst | INR 4 – 12 LPA |
| Market Research Analyst | INR 4 – 8 LPA |
| Policy Analyst | INR 4.5 – 12 LPA |
| Data Analyst | INR 4.5 – 10 LPA |
| Business Consultant | INR 5 -15 LPA |
| Researcher | INR 3 – 8 LPA |
Courses After BA Economics Degree
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.