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BSC-HONOURS in Economics at Gokhale Memorial Girls' College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Economics at Gokhale Memorial Girls' College Kolkata?
This Economics Honours program at Gokhale Memorial Girls'''' College focuses on developing a robust understanding of economic principles, quantitative analysis, and policy implications. It prepares students for diverse roles in India''''s rapidly growing economy, offering a strong foundation for advanced studies and careers in finance, research, and public policy, with a particular emphasis on socio-economic development.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for analytically-minded high school graduates with a keen interest in understanding market dynamics, societal challenges, and policy solutions. It suits individuals aspiring to become economists, data analysts, or policy advisors. Students with a strong aptitude for mathematics and statistics, alongside an interest in current affairs and global economic trends, will thrive in this rigorous environment.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers in India''''s banking sector, financial institutions, economic research firms, and government think tanks. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential. The strong analytical skills gained also provide an excellent foundation for competitive exams like UPSC or for pursuing an MBA or Master''''s in Economics.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Foundational Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to mastering core micro and macroeconomics principles, and mathematical basics. Regularly review lecture notes, solve textbook problems, and clarify doubts promptly with faculty. Engage in peer study groups to discuss complex topics and reinforce learning.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on basic economics, Khan Academy for math refreshers, Economic textbooks by Mankiw, Samuelson, and Dornbusch
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for excelling in advanced subjects and analytical roles in finance or research.
Develop Analytical and Quantitative Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in tutorials and problem-solving sessions for quantitative papers. Practice numerical problems daily to build speed and accuracy. Consider enrolling in online courses or workshops for basic statistical software (like Excel for data analysis).
Tools & Resources
Online data analysis tutorials, Excel proficiency courses, Past year question papers for practice
Career Connection
These skills are highly sought after by employers in data analytics, market research, and financial modeling.
Cultivate Economic Awareness- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read leading Indian economic newspapers (e.g., The Economic Times, Business Standard) and magazines (e.g., India Today, Frontline) to stay updated on current economic events and policies. Discuss contemporary issues in class and with peers to develop a critical perspective.
Tools & Resources
Subscriptions to financial newspapers, Economic journals, RBI bulletins, NITI Aayog reports
Career Connection
Essential for understanding the Indian economic landscape, crucial for interviews and policy-related careers.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Theory to Real-World Scenarios- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on applying theoretical economic models to analyze contemporary Indian economic problems. Participate in college debates, essay competitions, and case study challenges that require economic reasoning and problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
Case studies from IIMs or other B-schools, Economic policy briefs from think tanks
Career Connection
Enhances problem-solving abilities, which are vital for consulting, research, and policy analysis roles.
Enhance Software Proficiency for Economic Analysis- (Semester 3-5)
Gain hands-on experience with statistical software relevant to econometrics and data analysis (e.g., R, Python, SPSS, EViews). Work on small data projects using publicly available datasets (like those from NSSO, MOSPI, World Bank).
Tools & Resources
Free online courses on R/Python for data science (Coursera, edX), Official documentation of EViews/SPSS
Career Connection
Makes you highly employable for roles requiring quantitative analysis, econometric modeling, and data interpretation.
Seek Internship and Networking Opportunities- (Semester 3-5)
Actively look for internships during semester breaks with economic research firms, NGOs, government departments, or financial institutions. Attend webinars, seminars, and workshops organized by the department or professional bodies to network with industry professionals.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College placement cell, Industry specific job portals, Alumni network
Career Connection
Internships provide practical experience and a competitive edge for placements; networking opens doors to future opportunities.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Specialization and Research Project- (Semester 6)
Deep dive into your chosen Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) and engage in a comprehensive research project or dissertation if offered. This allows for specialized knowledge development and demonstrates independent research capabilities, which are highly valued by employers and for higher studies.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly, Indian Economic Review), University library resources, Guidance from faculty mentors
Career Connection
Essential for pursuing Master''''s/PhD programs or research roles, showcasing expertise in a specific area.
Intensive Placement Preparation and Mock Interviews- (Semester 6)
Begin rigorous preparation for campus placements or job applications, focusing on technical economics concepts, quantitative aptitude, and communication skills. Participate in mock interviews and group discussions organized by the career services cell or department.
Tools & Resources
Online aptitude test platforms, Interview guides, Current affairs apps, Alumni mentors
Career Connection
Directly impacts placement success, helping secure roles in analytics, finance, and consulting.
Explore Higher Education and Competitive Exams- (Semester 6)
Research and apply for Master''''s programs in Economics (M.A./M.Sc.) or MBA programs in India and abroad. If interested in civil services, begin preliminary preparation for exams like UPSC, leveraging the strong foundation in economics and current affairs.
Tools & Resources
University admission portals, GRE/GMAT/CAT preparation materials, UPSC study groups
Career Connection
Provides pathways for advanced academic pursuits, research careers, or prestigious government positions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed H.S. or equivalent examination with Economics/Mathematics/Statistics/Business Mathematics/Pure Mathematics as one of the subjects and at least 50% in aggregate and 45% in Economics/Mathematics/Statistics/Business Mathematics/Pure Mathematics (whichever is applicable).
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 1 | Introductory Microeconomics | Core | 6 | Basic Problems of an Economy, Consumer Behaviour, Production and Costs, Market Structure (Perfect Competition, Monopoly), Factor Market |
| CC 2 | Introductory Macroeconomics | Core | 6 | National Income Accounting, Determination of Output and Employment, Money, Inflation, Open Economy Macroeconomics |
| AECC 1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its conservation, Environmental Pollution |
| GE 1 | Generic Elective (Other Discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics depend on chosen subject from other disciplines (e.g., Political Science, History, Mathematics) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 3 | Intermediate Microeconomics I | Core | 6 | Consumer Theory, Production Theory, Costs, Market Structure (Perfect Competition, Monopoly), Factor Markets |
| CC 4 | Intermediate Macroeconomics I | Core | 6 | Classical and Keynesian Systems, IS-LM Model, Aggregate Demand and Supply, Inflation, Unemployment |
| AECC 2 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | English Communication Theory, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Presentation Skills, Group Discussion |
| GE 2 | Generic Elective (Other Discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics depend on chosen subject from other disciplines (e.g., Political Science, History, Mathematics) |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 5 | Intermediate Microeconomics II | Core | 6 | General Equilibrium, Welfare Economics, Market Failure, Asymmetric Information, Public Goods |
| CC 6 | Intermediate Macroeconomics II | Core | 6 | Economic Growth Models (Harrod-Domar, Solow), Business Cycles, Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy, Exchange Rate Regimes |
| CC 7 | Statistical Methods for Economics | Core | 6 | Introduction to Statistics, Probability Theory, Sampling and Estimation, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression |
| SEC 1 | Computer Applications in Economics | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Data Entry and Management, Statistical Software (e.g., MS Excel, SPSS), Data Visualization, Basic Econometric Software Applications |
| GE 3 | Generic Elective (Other Discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics depend on chosen subject from other disciplines (e.g., Political Science, History, Mathematics) |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 8 | Introductory Econometrics | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Econometrics, Classical Linear Regression Model, OLS Assumptions, Hypothesis Testing, Dummy Variables |
| CC 9 | Mathematical Methods for Economics I | Core | 6 | Functions of one real variable, Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Integration, Linear Algebra |
| CC 10 | Indian Economy I | Core | 6 | Basic Characteristics of Indian Economy, Economic Planning in India, Agriculture Sector, Industrial Sector, Service Sector |
| SEC 2 | Data Analysis | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Data Collection Methods, Data Cleaning, Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics, Report Writing |
| GE 4 | Generic Elective (Other Discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics depend on chosen subject from other disciplines (e.g., Political Science, History, Mathematics) |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 11 | International Economics | Core | 6 | Theories of International Trade, Terms of Trade, Trade Policy (Tariffs, Quotas), Balance of Payments, Exchange Rate Systems |
| CC 12 | Development Economics I | Core | 6 | Economic Growth and Development, Theories of Economic Development, Poverty and Inequality, Human Capital, Population and Development |
| DSE 1 | Indian Public Finance | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Public Goods, Externalities, Fiscal Policy, Taxation in India, Public Debt |
| DSE 2 | Financial Economics | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Time Value of Money, Risk and Return, Portfolio Theory, Asset Pricing Models, Derivatives |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 13 | Public Economics | Core | 6 | Role of Government, Market Failure, Public Goods, Externalities, Taxation, Public Debt |
| CC 14 | Indian Economy II | Core | 6 | Poverty and Inequality in India, Unemployment, Financial Sector Reforms, External Sector, Economic Reforms and Liberalization |
| DSE 3 | Econometrics II | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Heteroskedasticity, Autocorrelation, Multicollinearity, Time Series Econometrics, Panel Data Models |
| DSE 4 | Environmental Economics | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Environmental Externalities, Pollution Control, Valuation of Environmental Goods, Sustainable Development, Climate Change Economics |
