PG · 2 yrs

M.A — Economics

Graduate economics for policy institutions, research and consulting.

Duration2 years (4 semesters), full-time

EligibilityBachelor’s (often with Economics and/or Mathematics), typically 50–55%+; top programmes expect a strong quantitative background

Typical fees₹15,000–₹5 L total

Colleges127

Course overview

A 2-year postgraduate degree that builds rigorous training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and quantitative methods, with electives spanning development, finance, public policy and international economics. It is analytically demanding and increasingly data-driven, opening doors in research, policy, banking, consulting and academia. The strongest programmes are heavily mathematical and treat economics as an empirical, model-based science.

Is M.A — Economics right for you?

✅ Choose it if you…

like building models and reading data to explain how economies and markets behave, and are comfortable with statistics and mathematics.

⚠️ Reconsider if you…

you expected a purely descriptive, non-mathematical subject, or you want a vocational degree with a guaranteed corporate job track.

Eligibility & entrance exams

Eligibility: Bachelor’s (often with Economics and/or Mathematics), typically 50–55%+; top programmes expect a strong quantitative background.

Entrance exams

CUET-PG → central universitiesIndian Statistical Institute (ISI) entranceDelhi School of Economics → via CUET-PGIIT JAM EconomicsJNU / institute-specific tests

What you’ll study

Semester 1

Core microeconomics, macroeconomics, and mathematical methods for economics.

Semester 2

Advanced micro and macro, plus introductory and applied econometrics.

Semester 3

Field electives — development, public, financial, international or labour economics — and advanced econometrics.

Semester 4

Further electives plus a research paper, dissertation or applied data project.

Core subjects covered

Microeconomic TheoryMacroeconomic TheoryEconometricsMathematical EconomicsDevelopment EconomicsPublic EconomicsInternational EconomicsMonetary & Financial Economics

Popular specialisations

Development EconomicsPoverty, inequality, health and education policy — the core of India’s policy-research ecosystem.

Econometrics & Data AnalyticsStatistical modelling of real-world data, the most employable quantitative track.

Public Policy & Public EconomicsTaxation, welfare and government decision-making, feeding think-tanks and government roles.

Financial EconomicsAsset pricing, markets and risk, bridging to banking and finance careers.

International / Trade EconomicsTrade, exchange rates and global macro, relevant to multilaterals and policy bodies.

Admission process

1 · Choose entrance routeIdentify whether targets use CUET-PG, ISI, IIT JAM or an institute-specific test.

2 · Prepare & sit the testBuild maths, statistics and economics fundamentals; appear for the relevant exam.

3 · Apply & shortlistSubmit applications with scores; some institutes add interviews or written rounds.

4 · Counselling / merit listSeats allotted by score, category and preference; attend any interview.

5 · EnrolmentVerify documents, pay fees and register for the programme.

🗓️ Entrance tests cluster around March–May, with admissions and counselling May–July for a July/August start. Confirm exact dates on the official sites each year.

Duration & fees

Duration: 2 years (4 semesters), full-time, full-time.

Institute type	Indicative fees	Examples
Govt / state & central universities	₹15,000–₹60,000 total	Delhi School of Economics, state universities
Deemed / specialised institutes	₹80,000–₹2.5 L total	ISI, autonomous research-led institutes
Private universities	₹2.5–₹5 L total	large private liberal-arts/economics universities

📋 Source: official institute fee structures (2024–25). Indicative; confirm with the institute.

Career outcomes & salary

Role	Indicative fresher CTC market
Research Associate (think-tank/academia)	₹4–8 L
Economic / Business Analyst	₹5–10 L
Policy Analyst / Consultant	₹6–12 L
Banking & Finance (entry)	₹5–12 L
Data Analyst / Economist (corporate)	₹6–14 L

📋 Source: indicative market ranges (AmbitionBox, Glassdoor, 2026) — not official figures. Official institute placement averages are shown on each college below. Actual outcomes vary by college, skills & year.

Top recruiters

Reserve Bank of India (RBI)NITI AayogWorld Bank / IMF (research)NCAER & policy think-tanksDeloitte / EY / KPMG / PwCMcKinsey / BCG (analyst tracks)Banks & financial institutionsCRISIL / ICRAEdTech & analytics firmsJ-PAL / IFMR / research orgsGovernment economic servicesUniversities & colleges

📋 Source: companies reported by institute placement cells (2024). Recruiters vary by college & year.

Scholarships & funding

CSIR-UGC NET JRF (Economics)JRF stipend for NET-qualified candidates pursuing research-oriented study.

Post-Matric & merit scholarshipsCentral and state schemes for SC/ST/OBC/EWS and high-merit students.

Institute need-based scholarshipsFee waivers and stipends at universities and private institutes by merit and means.

Foreign-study scholarships (Inlaks, Commonwealth)For graduates pursuing economics master’s/PhD abroad.

Scope & future

MA Economics is one of the most versatile postgraduate degrees, feeding research, policy, finance, consulting and data careers at once. Its value rises sharply with quantitative and coding skills, so candidates who pair theory with econometrics and programming command the best roles. Without that quantitative edge, outcomes are more modest and competitive.

📈 The Reserve Bank of India and government bodies continue to recruit trained economists, and India’s expanding policy-research and analytics sector keeps demand for quantitatively skilled economics graduates healthy.

Source: RBI · MoSPI

Where this degree can take you next

Higher studies (PhD)PhD in economics in India (DSE, ISI, IGIDR) or abroad, often funded.

Industry analytics & financeConsulting, banking, rating agencies and corporate economics teams.

Emerging fieldsClimate, behavioural and data economics in product and policy roles.

Government & policyIndian Economic Service, RBI, NITI Aayog and think-tanks.

Global organisationsWorld Bank, IMF, UN and international research roles, usually post-PhD.

Top colleges offering M.A — Economics

127 colleges · ranked by NIRF

Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

📍 New Delhi, Delhi · Public (Central)

NIRF #2NAAC A++

Fee₹12,000 / yr

Median*₹8.0 L

Seats60

View profile →

St. Xavier's College, Kolkata

📍 Kolkata, West Bengal · Autonomous

NIRF #6NAAC A++

Fee₹40,000 / yr

Median*₹5.5 L

Seats60

View profile →

University of Hyderabad

📍 Hyderabad, Telangana · Public (Central)

NIRF #17NAAC A+ · Institution of Eminence

Fee₹13,000 / yr

Median*—

Seats50

View profile →

Presidency University, Kolkata

📍 Kolkata, West Bengal · Public

NIRF #NAAC A

Fee₹11,000 / yr

Median*—

Seats40

View profile →

Savitribai Phule Pune University

📍 Pune, Maharashtra · Public (State)

NIRF #NAAC A+

Fee₹12,000 / yr

Median*—

Seats50

View profile →

Banaras Hindu University

📍 Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

Lovely Professional University

📍 Phagwara, Punjab · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

Christ University

📍 Bengaluru, Karnataka · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

📍 Vadodara, Gujarat · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#10

Panjab University

📍 Chandigarh, Chandigarh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#11

Jawaharlal Nehru University

📍 New Delhi, Delhi · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#12

Sharda University

📍 Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh · Private

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#13

Galgotias University

📍 Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh · Private

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#14

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology

📍 Bhubaneshwar, Odisha · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#15

Guru Nanak Dev University

📍 Amritsar, Punjab · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#16

Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University

📍 Gandhinagar, Gujarat · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#17

Annamalai University

📍 Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#18

Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University

📍 Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#19

Shivaji University

📍 Kolhapur, Maharashtra · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#20

Bundelkhand University

📍 Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#21

Banasthali Vidyapith

📍 Jaipur, Rajasthan · Private

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#22

University of Lucknow

📍 Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#23

Indira Gandhi National Open University

📍 New Delhi, Delhi · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#24

Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology

📍 Hisar, Haryana · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#25

Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research

📍 Chennai, Tamil Nadu · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#26

Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya

📍 Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#27

Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University

📍 Nagpur, Maharashtra · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#28

University of Madras

📍 Chennai, Tamil Nadu · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#29

Pondicherry University

📍 Kalapet, Puducherry · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#30

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University

📍 Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#31

NIMS University

📍 Jaipur, Rajasthan · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#32

Punjabi University

📍 Patiala, Punjab · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#33

Dr BR Ambedkar University

📍 Agra, Uttar Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#34

Mizoram University

📍 Aizawl, Mizoram · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#35

Acharya Nagarjuna University

📍 Guntur, Andhra Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#36

Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture Technology and Science

📍 Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#37

Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University

📍 Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#38

Himachal Pradesh University

📍 Shimla, Himachal Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#39

Dibrugarh University

📍 Dibrugarh, Assam · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#40

PDM University

📍 Bahadurgarh, Haryana · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#41

University of Rajasthan

📍 Jaipur, Rajasthan · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#42

University of Allahabad Allahabad

📍 Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#43

Integral University

📍 Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#44

Kakatiya University

📍 Hanamkonda, Telangana · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#45

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University

📍 Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#46

University of Burdwan

📍 Bardhaman, West Bengal · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#47

Pt Ravishankar Shukla University

📍 Raipur, Chhattisgarh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#48

Dr Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya

📍 Sagar, Madhya Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#49

Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University

📍 Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#50

Chaudhary Charan Singh University

📍 Meerut, Uttar Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#51

Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University

📍 Aurangabad, Maharashtra · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#52

Noida International University

📍 Noida, Uttar Pradesh · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#53

Gauhati University

📍 Guwahati, Assam · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#54

University of Mysore

📍 Mysuru, Karnataka · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#55

SNDT Womens University

📍 Mumbai, Maharashtra · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#56

Ranchi University

📍 Ranchi, Jharkhand · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#57

Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University

📍 Naur, Uttarakhand · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#58

Islamic University of Science and Technology

📍 Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#59

University of Kashmir

📍 Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#60

Amity University

📍 Chandla Dungerwas, Haryana · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#61

Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University

📍 Amravati, Maharashtra · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#62

Kalinga University

📍 Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh · Private

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#63

Mahatma Gandhi University

📍 Nalgonda, Telangana · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#64

Adamas University

📍 Kolkata, West Bengal · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#65

RNB Global University

📍 Bikaner, Rajasthan · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#66

Central University of Rajasthan

📍 Bandar Sindri, Rajasthan · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#67

Jodhpur National University

📍 Jodhpur, Rajasthan · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#68

Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila Vishwavidyalaya

📍 Khanpur Kalan, Haryana · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#69

Bharathidasan University

📍 Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#70

Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University

📍 Jalgaon, Maharashtra · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#71

Manonmaniam Sundaranar University

📍 Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#72

Doon University

📍 Dehradun, Uttarakhand · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#73

Swami Vivekanand University

📍 Sironja, Madhya Pradesh · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#74

Maulana Azad National Urdu University

📍 Hyderabad, Telangana · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#75

Vikram University

📍 Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#76

Raffles University

📍 Neemrana, Rajasthan · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#77

Sambalpur University

📍 Burla, Odisha · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#78

Central University of Punjab

📍 Bathinda, Punjab · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#79

University College of Science

📍 Kolkata, West Bengal · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#80

Gandhigram Rural Institute

📍 Chinnalapatti, Tamil Nadu · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#81

Sanskriti University

📍 Mathura, Uttar Pradesh · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#82

Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University

📍 Patan, Gujarat · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#83

RKDF University

📍 Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#84

IFTM University

📍 Lodhipur Rajput, Uttar Pradesh · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#85

Yogi Vemana University

📍 Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#86

Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women

📍 Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#87

Ganpat University

📍 Mulsan, Gujarat · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#88

Manipur University

📍 Imphal, Manipur · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#89

Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University

📍 Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#90

Mangalayatan University

📍 Beswan, Uttar Pradesh · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#91

Quantum University

📍 Roorkee, Uttarakhand · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#92

Tantia University

📍 Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#93

Mewar University

📍 Chittorgarh, Rajasthan · Private

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#94

Nagaland University

📍 Thizama, Nagaland · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#95

Mohammad Ali Jauhar University

📍 Rampur, Uttar Pradesh · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#96

Fakir Mohan University

📍 Balasore, Odisha · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#97

Central University of Kashmir

📍 Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#98

Baba Mastnath University

📍 Rohtak, Haryana · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#99

Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University

📍 Kalwad Kalan and Khurd, Rajasthan · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#100

Shri Govind Guru University

📍 Godhra, Gujarat · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#101

Techno Global University

📍 Shillong, Meghalaya · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#102

Abhilashi University

📍 Chail-Chowk, Himachal Pradesh · Private

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#103

University of Kota

📍 Kota, Rajasthan · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#104

Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University

📍 Ajmer, Rajasthan · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#105

Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth

📍 Udaipur, Rajasthan · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#106

Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University

📍 Ballari, Karnataka · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#107

Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya

📍 Indore, Madhya Pradesh · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#108

Rajiv Gandhi University

📍 Rono, Arunachal Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#109

Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women's University

📍 Jharna, Rajasthan · Private

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#110

Tripura University

📍 Bikramnagar, Tripura · Public/Government

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#111

Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University

📍 Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#112

Nehru Gram Bharati

📍 Kotwan, Uttar Pradesh · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#113

Global Open University

📍 Dimapur, Nagaland · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#114

RIMT University

📍 Gobindgarh, Punjab · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#115

NIILM University

📍 Ujana, Haryana · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#116

Madhav University

📍 Bharja, Rajasthan · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#117

SAGE University

📍 Indore, Madhya Pradesh · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#118

Kuvempu University

📍 Shankaraghatta, Karnataka · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#119

Motherhood University

📍 Roorkee, Uttarakhand · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#120

Kamla Nehru Mahavidyalaya

📍 Nagpur, Maharashtra · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#121

Al Falah University

📍 Faridabad, Haryana · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#122

Royal Global University

📍 Guwahati, Assam · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#123

Government Maharaja College

📍 Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh · Public/Government

NIRF #

Median*—

#124

Arunachal University of Studies

📍 Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh · Private

NIRF #NAAC accredited

Median*—

#125

Sri Sai University

📍 Gangoh, Himachal Pradesh · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#126

Apex Professional University

📍 Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

#127

Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University

📍 Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh · Private

NIRF #

Median*—

*Median = institute-level NIRF median salary (official — institutes publish median, not average), where branch-specific data isn’t published. Fees from official institute structures (2024–25).

MA Economics vs MBA

	MA Economics	MBA
Focus	Economic theory, data & policy	General management & business
Best fit	Research, policy, analytics, academia	Corporate leadership & management
Approach	Analytical & quantitative	Practical & managerial

Frequently asked questions

What is the eligibility for M.A — Economics?

Bachelor’s (often with Economics and/or Mathematics), typically 50–55%+; top programmes expect a strong quantitative background.

What is the fee for M.A — Economics?

Indicative fees are ₹15,000–₹5 L total. Always confirm the current fee with the institute.

How long is M.A — Economics?

2 years (4 semesters), full-time.

What can I do after M.A — Economics?

Common paths include Economist / Economic Analyst, Data Analyst / Research Associate, Policy Analyst / Consultant, Banking & Finance Professional.

Which colleges offer M.A — Economics?

127 colleges in our list offer it, including Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, University of Hyderabad.

Interested in admission?

Share your details and we’ll send admission info, fees and updates for M.A — Economics colleges. Free, no obligation.

📋 Sources & data vintage

Fees: official institute fee structures (2024–25).
College placements (avg / highest): NIRF 2024 & institute placement reports.
Role-wise salary ranges: indicative market estimates — AmbitionBox, Glassdoor (2026). Not official.
Eligibility & approvals: UGC · AICTE · official college websites.

Figures above are drawn from the official releases listed — they are indicative, not quotations. Official data typically runs 1–2 years behind the current admission cycle; that is the publishing rhythm of the source, not an omission here. CourseLane is a data reference point, not the issuing authority — for the fee, seat or placement figure that applies to you, please contact the institute's admission or placement cell directly.

CourseLane Editorial

Compiled and fact-checked by the CourseLane editorial team from official sources. Figures are indicative and may lag the current admission cycle by 1–2 years — always confirm the detail that applies to you with M.A — Economics or the authority below. Gaps are shown, never guessed.

Verify against: UGC·AICTE·NIRF · the institute's official website

Is M.A — Economics the best-fit for you?

Treat everything above as a starting point rather than a verdict. What decides it is what you want the qualification to do — the fee you can commit to, the place you can move to, and the outcome you are actually after. Where a figure here is blank, it is blank because we could not source it officially, and we would rather show you the gap than fill it with a guess. Weigh M.A — Economics against your own shortlist and decide whether it is the best-fit for you.

Disclaimer. Course details, fees, eligibility, salary and career information on this page are for general reference only, and may vary by location, institution, company, experience and market conditions. Figures are indicative and are not a guarantee of admission, employment or earnings — always verify with the official institution before deciding. CourseLane is an independent information platform and shall not be responsible for any decision made based on the information on this page.

Written by the CourseLane Research Team · reviewed by a senior counsellor · Last updated June 2026.