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FPM in Economics at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Economics at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad Ahmedabad?
This Economics specialization program at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad focuses on providing rigorous training in theoretical and empirical methods. It prepares scholars for advanced research and academic careers, with a keen eye on India''''s dynamic economic landscape and its policy implications. The program distinguishes itself through its blend of foundational economics with contemporary research methodologies and management perspectives.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, researchers, and policy analysts passionate about unraveling complex economic phenomena. It targets fresh postgraduates with a strong quantitative and economics background, as well as working professionals in research or policy roles looking to pursue doctoral studies and contribute to advanced economic thought and practice in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue esteemed academic careers as professors and researchers in leading Indian and international universities. Other paths include research roles in central banks like RBI, government think tanks such as NITI Aayog, or research divisions of major corporations. Salary ranges are highly competitive, especially for academic positions, offering significant intellectual and professional growth trajectories within the Indian research ecosystem.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Economic Theories- (Year 1-2 (Coursework))
Rigorously study foundational microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Utilize standard graduate-level textbooks, actively participate in problem-solving sessions, and form study groups with peers. This strong theoretical base is crucial for clearing comprehensive exams and building a robust research foundation.
Tools & Resources
Mas-Colell, Whinston & Green: Microeconomic Theory, Romer: Advanced Macroeconomics, Wooldridge: Econometric Analysis, Problem Sets and Peer Study Groups
Career Connection
A deep understanding of core theories is indispensable for success in the FPM program, enabling critical thinking and problem-solving skills highly valued in academic research and policy analysis roles. It directly supports successful completion of comprehensive exams, a prerequisite for doctoral research.
Develop Advanced Quantitative and Analytical Skills- (Year 1-2 (Coursework))
Focus on developing proficiency in advanced mathematics, statistics, and programming languages (e.g., R, Python, Stata) essential for empirical economics. Attend specialized workshops, leverage online courses, and apply these skills to solve economic problems. This quantitative prowess is vital for conducting rigorous empirical research.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, edX for R/Python/Stata), IIMA''''s internal workshops on econometric software, Quantitative methods textbooks, Practice datasets
Career Connection
Strong quantitative skills are critical for contemporary economic research, enabling data analysis, model building, and empirical validation. This directly enhances employability in research roles at academic institutions, think tanks, and data-driven organizations in India.
Proactively Engage with Faculty Research- (Year 1-2 (Coursework))
Attend all faculty research seminars, engage in discussions, and initiate conversations with professors about their research interests. Explore potential research ideas early on, which helps in identifying suitable faculty advisors and understanding the frontiers of economic research. This early engagement can lead to co-authorship opportunities.
Tools & Resources
IIMA Research Seminars, Faculty office hours, Departmental working paper series, Academic conferences
Career Connection
Early engagement with faculty fosters mentorship, which is key to navigating doctoral studies. It helps in formulating a relevant thesis topic, building a professional network, and potentially securing research assistantships, laying the groundwork for a successful academic career in India.
Intermediate Stage
Excel in Comprehensive Examinations- (Year 2-3 (Post-Coursework))
Dedicate focused time for structured preparation for the comprehensive examinations in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Form intense study groups, rigorously solve past exam papers, and seek regular feedback and guidance from senior FPM students and faculty. These exams are a critical gatekeeper to the thesis stage.
Tools & Resources
Past comprehensive exam papers (if available), Targeted study groups, Faculty guidance and review sessions
Career Connection
Successfully passing comprehensive exams is a major milestone, validating a student''''s command over core economic principles. This achievement is essential for progressing in the FPM program and signifies readiness for independent research, which is paramount for academic placements.
Formulate a Robust Research Proposal- (Year 2-3 (Post-Comprehensive Exams))
Identify a compelling and original research question that addresses significant economic issues. Work closely with potential advisors, refine the proposal through multiple iterations, and ensure it demonstrates a clear contribution to existing literature. Attend proposal writing workshops for structured guidance.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentorship, Research proposal workshops, Literature review databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), IIMA library resources
Career Connection
A well-defined research proposal is the blueprint for a successful doctoral thesis. It showcases a student''''s ability to conceptualize and plan independent research, a core competency for academic and advanced research roles in India and globally.
Actively Participate in Research Workshops and Conferences- (Year 2-4)
Present preliminary research ideas or literature reviews in internal IIMA workshops. Attend national and international conferences (e.g., Indian Econometric Society, Indian Economic Association, academic conferences abroad) to gain exposure, receive feedback, and network with leading economists. This builds confidence and refines research direction.
Tools & Resources
IIMA internal research workshops, Calls for papers for relevant conferences, Departmental funding for conference travel
Career Connection
Presenting research enhances visibility, provides critical feedback for thesis improvement, and helps in building a professional network. These interactions are vital for future collaborations and job market opportunities within the Indian academic and research landscape.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Quality Thesis Writing and Publication- (Year 3-5 (Thesis Writing))
Maintain a disciplined writing schedule, seek regular and constructive feedback from your thesis committee, and engage with academic writing support services if available. Aim to develop thesis chapters into publishable papers, focusing on clarity, rigor, and contribution to economic knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Thesis advisor and committee, Academic writing guides, Journal submission platforms, Proofreading services
Career Connection
A high-quality thesis, especially with publishable chapters, is the cornerstone of a successful FPM completion. It significantly boosts a candidate''''s profile for academic job applications and establishes their credibility as a researcher in India and internationally.
Strategically Target Top-Tier Academic Journals- (Year 3-5 (Concurrent with thesis writing))
Work closely with your advisor(s) to identify suitable top-tier academic journals for your research papers. Meticulously prepare manuscripts according to journal guidelines, address reviewer comments thoroughly, and be persistent in the submission and revision process. Aim for publications that have high impact in your field.
Tools & Resources
Journal metrics (Impact Factor, Scimago Journal Rank), Journal websites for submission guidelines, Advisor''''s experience and network
Career Connection
Publications in reputable journals are crucial for securing academic positions, gaining tenure, and building an international research reputation. This is especially important in the competitive Indian and global academic job markets.
Prepare Rigorously for the Academic Job Market- (Year 4-5)
Develop a comprehensive academic job market package including a strong CV, research statement, teaching philosophy, and a compelling job talk presentation. Participate in mock interviews, practice job talks, and network strategically with faculty at target institutions. Understand the specific requirements of the Indian academic landscape.
Tools & Resources
IIMA Career Services (if applicable for FPM), Mock interview panels (faculty/senior FPMs), Academic job market resources (e.g., AEA Job Market), Professional networking events
Career Connection
Thorough preparation for the job market maximizes the chances of securing desirable academic or research positions. It equips graduates with the skills to articulate their research and teaching potential, leading to successful placements in leading institutions across India and abroad.
