

MA-ECONOMICS in General at Dr. P. Dayananda Pai - P. Satisha Pai Government First Grade College


Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is General at Dr. P. Dayananda Pai - P. Satisha Pai Government First Grade College Dakshina Kannada?
This MA Economics program at Dr. P. Dayananda Pai- P. Satisha Pai Government First Grade College focuses on providing a deep understanding of economic theories, quantitative methods, and their application to real-world policy issues. In the Indian context, this program is highly relevant, equipping students to analyze complex economic challenges ranging from poverty alleviation to fiscal policy. It differentiates itself through a robust curriculum covering both theoretical foundations and contemporary Indian economic policies, meeting the growing demand for skilled economists in the country.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for ambitious fresh graduates in economics or related fields seeking entry into research, policy analysis, or financial sectors. It also caters to working professionals from government, NGOs, or the private sector looking to upskill their analytical capabilities and transition into more specialized economic roles. Individuals with a strong quantitative aptitude and a keen interest in understanding societal and market dynamics, especially within India, will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as economic analysts, researchers, policy advisors in government bodies like NITI Aayog or RBI, and consultants for think tanks. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 10-20 lakhs. Growth trajectories are strong in fields like data analytics, public policy, and financial economics, often leading to leadership roles in national and international organizations operating in India.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Economic Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a strong grasp of Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Quantitative Methods. Regularly solve problems from textbooks, attend tutorial sessions, and clarify doubts promptly to build a solid theoretical and analytical base essential for advanced courses.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Economics textbooks (Class 11 & 12), Basic college-level textbooks (e.g., Mankiw, Pindyck & Rubinfeld), Online platforms like Khan Academy for math refreshers
Career Connection
Essential for competitive exams (UPSC, RBI Grade B, IES), entry-level analyst roles, and further academic pursuits.
Cultivate Quantitative Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with Econometrics and Quantitative Methods courses. Practice statistical software (R, EViews, Stata - even basic understanding helps) through lab sessions and self-learning modules. Participate in basic data analysis workshops.
Tools & Resources
R programming tutorials (online), Basic Excel functions for data analysis, NPTEL courses on statistics
Career Connection
Opens doors to data analyst, market research, and financial modeling roles, which are in high demand in India.
Engage in Peer Learning & Discussion- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex economic concepts, solve problem sets together, and prepare for internal assessments. Present your understanding to peers to solidify learning and develop communication skills.
Tools & Resources
College library discussion rooms, Online collaborative tools for virtual study groups
Career Connection
Enhances teamwork, critical thinking, and communication – soft skills highly valued in all professional environments, especially in collaborative policy-making or research teams.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Research Projects/Internships- (Semester 3-4)
Seek out opportunities for short-term research projects with faculty or apply for internships with local government bodies, NGOs, or small research firms. Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to practical economic problems relevant to India.
Tools & Resources
College career services, LinkedIn for internship postings, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Provides invaluable hands-on experience, builds a professional network, and strengthens CV for specialized roles in public policy or development economics.
Develop Specialization through Electives- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully choose optional papers that align with your career interests (e.g., Financial Economics for banking, Environmental Economics for sustainable development). Deep dive into these chosen areas through additional readings and case studies relevant to the Indian economy.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals, Specialized books, Online courses (e.g., Coursera, edX) in your chosen field
Career Connection
Creates a niche expertise, making you a more attractive candidate for specific roles in sectors like finance, environment, or public health in India.
Participate in Economic Competitions & Seminars- (Semester 3-4)
Join college-level or inter-collegiate economic debate competitions, essay contests, and paper presentation events. Attend seminars and workshops by guest speakers from industry or academia to broaden perspective and network.
Tools & Resources
College event calendars, Departmental notices, Student clubs
Career Connection
Develops analytical thinking, public speaking, and presentation skills crucial for policy advocacy, research dissemination, and corporate roles. Enhances visibility among potential employers.
Advanced Stage
Strategic Dissertation and Publication Focus- (Semester 4)
Choose a dissertation topic with real-world implications, ideally related to current Indian economic issues. Aim to produce high-quality research that could potentially be presented at conferences or even published in a student journal, showcasing your research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, EconLit), Research software (e.g., EViews, Stata), Faculty advisors
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a powerful credential for academic positions, research roles, and advanced analytical jobs in India and abroad.
Intensive Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate time to prepare for interviews, group discussions, and aptitude tests for placements. Focus on common interview questions for economic roles, case studies, and quantitative reasoning. Polish your CV and cover letter to highlight economic skills.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Mock interview sessions, Online aptitude test platforms (e.g., IndiaBix), Current affairs portals (e.g., The Hindu, Livemint)
Career Connection
Directly impacts job placement success in government, financial services, or consulting firms across India.
Build Professional Network & Mentorship- (Throughout the program, intensified in Semester 4)
Actively connect with alumni, faculty, and industry professionals through conferences, LinkedIn, and departmental events. Seek mentorship to guide your career path and understand industry expectations and trends within the Indian job market.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional associations (e.g., Indian Economic Association), Alumni networks
Career Connection
Crucial for uncovering hidden job opportunities, getting referrals, and receiving valuable career advice that can accelerate professional growth in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed the B.A. / B.Sc. / B.Com. / BBM / BBA degree examination of Mangalore University or any other University considered as equivalent thereto by Mangalore University, is eligible for admission to the M.A. Degree programme in Economics. Candidates who have secured at least 45% (40% for SC/ST/Category-I candidates) marks in Economics as optional/major/cognate subject in the degree examination are eligible.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEC 401 | Micro Economics – I | Core | 4 | Consumer Behaviour, Theory of Production, Theory of Cost, Market Structures (Perfect Competition, Monopoly), Welfare Economics |
| MEC 402 | Macro Economics – I | Core | 4 | National Income, Classical and Keynesian Models, Consumption and Investment, Money and Banking, Inflation |
| MEC 403 | Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis – I | Core | 4 | Basic Mathematics for Economics, Differential Calculus, Matrix Algebra, Linear Programming, Input-Output Analysis |
| MEC 404 | Economics of Growth and Development – I | Core | 4 | Economic Growth Theories, Theories of Development, Dualism, Poverty, Inequality, Human Development |
| MEC 405 | Indian Economic Policy – I | Core | 4 | Structural Changes in Indian Economy, Agriculture Sector, Industrial Policy, Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEC 451 | Micro Economics – II | Core | 4 | Oligopoly, Theory of Distribution, General Equilibrium, Market Failures, Information Economics |
| MEC 452 | Macro Economics – II | Core | 4 | Business Cycles, Open Economy Macroeconomics, IS-LM Model, AD-AS Model, New Classical and New Keynesian Economics |
| MEC 453 | Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis – II | Core | 4 | Inferential Statistics, Sampling, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation, Regression Analysis |
| MEC 454 | Economics of Growth and Development – II | Core | 4 | International Trade and Development, Role of State, Planning, Sustainable Development, Environmental Economics, Poverty Alleviation Strategies |
| MEC 455 | Indian Economic Policy – II | Core | 4 | Foreign Trade, Balance of Payments, Indian Financial System, Public Sector Enterprises, Economic Reforms |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEC 501 | Public Economics | Core | 4 | Public Goods, Externalities, Public Expenditure, Taxation, Fiscal Federalism |
| MEC 502 | International Economics | Core | 4 | Theories of International Trade, Terms of Trade, Commercial Policy, Exchange Rates, International Financial Institutions |
| MEC 503 | Econometrics – I | Core | 4 | Classical Linear Regression Model, Estimation, Hypothesis Testing, Multiple Regression, Dummy Variables |
| MEC 504 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Design, Data Collection, Sampling Techniques, Report Writing, Ethical Issues in Research |
| MEC 505 (A) | Economics of Infrastructure | Elective | 4 | Basic Infrastructure Concepts, Energy Sector, Transport Sector, Water Supply, Social Infrastructure (Education, Health) |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEC 551 | Welfare Economics | Core | 4 | Pareto Optimality, Social Welfare Functions, Market Failure, Asymmetric Information, Public Choice |
| MEC 552 | Indian Fiscal and Monetary Policy | Core | 4 | Union Budget, Fiscal Reforms, Monetary Policy Framework, RBI Functions, Financial Sector Reforms |
| MEC 553 | Econometrics – II | Core | 4 | Problems in Regression (Multicollinearity, Heteroscedasticity, Autocorrelation), Time Series Analysis, Panel Data, Limited Dependent Variable Models |
| MEC 554 | Open Economy Macroeconomics | Core | 4 | Exchange Rate Regimes, Balance of Payments Adjustment, International Monetary System, Monetary and Fiscal Policy in Open Economy, Capital Flows |
| MEC 555 | Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Proposal, Literature Review, Data Analysis, Thesis Writing, Presentation |




