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B-S in Economics at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Economics at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Nagar?
This B.S. Economics program at IIT Kanpur focuses on rigorous quantitative and analytical training, combining core economic theories with advanced mathematical, statistical, and computational tools. It aims to develop a deep understanding of economic phenomena, equipping students to analyze complex real-world problems in various Indian and global contexts, setting it apart with a strong IIT-standard scientific foundation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for analytically strong fresh graduates, especially those with a background in science or mathematics, who seek to apply quantitative methods to economic issues. It is also suited for individuals aspiring for careers in data analytics, economic research, policy analysis, and finance within India, preparing them for advanced studies or direct entry into specialized roles.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India, including roles as data scientists, financial analysts, economic consultants, and policy researchers in government, corporate, and research sectors. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, with significant growth potential. The program also serves as an excellent foundation for pursuing higher education (M.S./Ph.D.) in economics globally.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Quantitative Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on core mathematics (Calculus, Linear Algebra), statistics, and introductory programming (Python/R). Utilize online platforms like NPTEL, Coursera, and local coaching classes if needed, to build a robust analytical base crucial for advanced economic modeling and data analysis, preparing for quantitative roles.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, Coursera, Khan Academy, GeeksforGeeks
Career Connection
Essential for all quantitative roles in economics, finance, and data science, boosting eligibility for top placements and graduate studies.
Engage Actively in Economic Discourse- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond classroom lectures, join the Economics Students'''' Association or clubs, participate in debates, and attend department seminars. Read current economic news (e.g., The Economic Times, Mint) and policy discussions. This fosters critical thinking and contextual understanding of Indian economic issues, aiding in case study interviews.
Tools & Resources
Departmental clubs, Economic Times, Livemint, The Hindu Business Line
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking, communication skills, and awareness of contemporary issues, valuable for policy, research, and consulting roles.
Develop Basic Data Handling Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Start exploring statistical software like R or Python early, even with introductory datasets. Work through tutorials for data import, cleaning, and basic visualization. This practical exposure builds a foundational skill sought by analytics firms and prepares for advanced econometrics courses.
Tools & Resources
RStudio, Jupyter Notebook, Kaggle datasets, DataCamp introductory courses
Career Connection
Direct preparation for roles in data analytics, research assistance, and enhances understanding of empirical economics.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Econometric and Statistical Proficiency- (Semester 3-5)
Master advanced statistical techniques and econometric models through dedicated practice. Engage in problem-solving sessions, use real-world datasets for assignments, and consider projects that apply these methods. This specialized skill is highly valued in research and analytics roles.
Tools & Resources
Stata, EViews, advanced R/Python libraries (statsmodels, pandas), NPTEL advanced courses
Career Connection
Crucial for roles in quantitative finance, economic consulting, market research, and data science.
Seek Industry Internships and Live Projects- (Semester 4-5 summer breaks)
Actively pursue summer internships with financial institutions, consulting firms, research organizations, or government bodies (e.g., NITI Aayog). Participate in live industry projects offered by the department or through college placement cells. This provides practical exposure to the Indian economic landscape and builds professional networks.
Tools & Resources
IITK Career Development Centre, LinkedIn, company career pages, faculty networks
Career Connection
Builds practical experience, enhances resume, facilitates networking, and often leads to pre-placement offers.
Participate in Economic Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Engage in inter-college economics quizzes, policy-making competitions, data analytics hackathons, or workshops focused on economic modeling. This sharpens problem-solving skills under pressure and provides opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, useful for consulting roles.
Tools & Resources
College event notices, online competition platforms (e.g., Dare2Compete), departmental newsletters
Career Connection
Develops analytical skills, teamwork, and presentation abilities, making candidates more attractive for consulting, research, and policy roles.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project- (Semester 7-8)
Dedicate significant effort to the B.S. Project (Part I & II). Choose a research topic relevant to current Indian economic challenges or a specialized area of interest. Work closely with faculty mentors to publish preliminary findings or present at student conferences. This showcases research aptitude and deep specialization.
Tools & Resources
IITK faculty, departmental research labs, academic databases (JSTOR, Scopus), LaTeX for professional report writing
Career Connection
Essential for academic careers (Ph.D. applications), high-level research roles, and demonstrating independent analytical capability to employers.
Network Strategically and Prepare for Placements- (Semester 7-8)
Attend career fairs, connect with alumni working in desired fields, and engage with placement cells for resume building and interview preparation. Focus on specific roles (e.g., financial analyst, economic consultant) and tailor your skills and communication accordingly. Practice technical and behavioral interviews.
Tools & Resources
IITK Placement Cell, LinkedIn, alumni network, mock interview platforms
Career Connection
Directly facilitates securing desired full-time employment with leading companies in India and abroad.
Specialize through Advanced Electives and Certifications- (Semester 6-8)
Choose advanced electives that align with your career goals (e.g., advanced econometrics, computational economics, specific policy areas). Consider professional certifications (e.g., NISM for finance, relevant data science certifications) if they enhance your profile for specific industry roles in India.
Tools & Resources
Departmental course catalog, NISM, Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, edX/Coursera
Career Connection
Deepens expertise in a chosen sub-field, making candidates highly competitive for niche roles and demonstrating commitment to continuous learning.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Successful completion of 10+2 examination with required subjects and a valid JEE Advanced rank, followed by JoSAA counseling.
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 168 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESC101 | Introduction to Economics | Core | 3 | Scarcity and Choice, Demand-Supply Analysis, Market Equilibrium, National Income Accounting, Inflation and Unemployment, Role of Government |
| MTH101A | Calculus I | Core | 4 | Functions, Limits, and Continuity, Differentiation Techniques and Applications, Integration Techniques and Applications, Sequences and Series, Multivariable Calculus Introduction |
| PHY101A | Physics I | Core | 4 | Newtonian Mechanics, Oscillations and Waves, Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory, Special Relativity Introduction, Electromagnetism Fundamentals |
| CHM101A | Chemistry I | Core | 4 | Atomic Structure and Bonding, Organic Chemistry Fundamentals, Chemical Kinetics, Thermodynamics Principles, Electrochemistry Basics |
| TA101 | Engineering Graphics | Core | 2 | Orthographic Projections, Isometric Views, Sectional Views, Conventional Representation, CAD Software Fundamentals, Dimensioning and Tolerancing |
| LIF101 | Introduction to Life Sciences | Core | 3 | Cell Biology, Genetics and Heredity, Evolutionary Principles, Human Physiology, Biodiversity and Ecosystems, Ecological Principles |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESC201 | Microeconomics I | Core | 3 | Consumer Theory, Producer Theory and Costs, Perfect Competition, Monopoly and Monopolistic Competition, General Equilibrium, Welfare Economics |
| MTH201A | Linear Algebra & Differential Equations | Core | 4 | Vector Spaces, Matrices and Determinants, Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors, First Order Ordinary Differential Equations, Higher Order Ordinary Differential Equations, Systems of Differential Equations |
| CSN101 | Introduction to Computer Programming | Core | 3 | Programming Paradigms, Variables and Data Types, Control Structures (loops, conditionals), Functions and Modularity, Arrays and Basic Data Structures, Introduction to Algorithms |
| HSS-E1 | HSS Elective I (e.g., Introduction to Philosophy) | Elective | 3 | Epistemology (Theory of Knowledge), Metaphysics (Nature of Reality), Ethics and Moral Philosophy, Logic and Critical Thinking, Political Philosophy, Aesthetics (Philosophy of Art) |
| ESC298 | Introduction to Economic Data Analysis | Lab | 2 | Data Sources and Types, Descriptive Statistics, Data Visualization Techniques, Introduction to R/Python for Economics, Data Cleaning and Preparation, Basic Statistical Inference |
| OE1 | Open Elective I | Elective | 5 | Topics vary based on student choice and department offerings. |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESC301 | Macroeconomics I | Core | 3 | National Income Accounting, Classical and Keynesian Models, IS-LM Model, Aggregate Demand and Supply, Inflation and Unemployment, Business Cycles |
| ESC302 | Probability and Statistics for Economics | Core | 4 | Probability Theory, Random Variables and Distributions, Sampling Distributions, Point and Interval Estimation, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression Basics |
| ESC303 | Mathematical Methods for Economics | Core | 4 | Static Optimization Theory, Constrained Optimization, Dynamic Optimization, Difference Equations, Differential Equations, Introduction to Linear Programming |
| HSS-E2 | HSS Elective II (e.g., Social Psychology) | Elective | 3 | Social Cognition, Attitudes and Persuasion, Group Dynamics, Prejudice and Discrimination, Aggression and Conflict, Prosocial Behavior |
| ESC-E1 | ESC Elective I (e.g., Industrial Organization) | Elective | 4 | Market Structures, Monopoly and Oligopoly Models, Price Discrimination, Strategic Interaction, Regulation and Antitrust Policy, Mergers and Acquisitions |
| OE2 | Open Elective II | Elective | 3 | Topics vary based on student choice and department offerings. |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESC401 | Econometrics I | Core | 4 | Classical Linear Regression Model (CLRM), Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Estimation, Properties of OLS Estimators, Hypothesis Testing in Regression, Multiple Regression Analysis, Specification Issues and Dummy Variables |
| ESC402 | Microeconomics II | Core | 4 | General Equilibrium Theory, Welfare Economics and Efficiency, Externalities and Public Goods, Asymmetric Information, Introduction to Game Theory, Mechanism Design Basics |
| ESC403 | Financial Economics | Core | 4 | Time Value of Money, Portfolio Theory and Diversification, Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), Derivatives (Options, Futures), Risk Management in Finance, Market Efficiency and Behavioral Finance |
| ESC-E2 | ESC Elective II (e.g., Development Economics) | Elective | 3 | Theories of Economic Growth, Poverty and Inequality, Human Capital and Education, Agriculture and Rural Development, International Aid and Debt, Globalization and Development |
| OE3 | Open Elective III | Elective | 3 | Topics vary based on student choice and department offerings. |
| HSS-E3 | HSS Elective III (e.g., Sociology of India) | Elective | 3 | Indian Social Structure, Caste System in Modern India, Family and Kinship in India, Religion and Society, Social Movements in India, Urbanization and Social Change |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESC501 | Macroeconomics II | Core | 4 | Dynamic Models of Economic Growth, Real Business Cycle Theory, New Keynesian Economics, Monetary Policy and Central Banking, Fiscal Policy and Debt Management, Open Economy Macroeconomics |
| ESC502 | Econometrics II | Core | 4 | Time Series Econometrics, Panel Data Analysis, Instrumental Variables (IV) Regression, Causal Inference Methods, Limited Dependent Variable Models, Non-linear Regression Models |
| ESC503 | International Economics | Core | 4 | Theories of International Trade, Trade Policy and Protectionism, Balance of Payments, Exchange Rate Regimes, International Finance, Economic Integration |
| ESC-E3 | ESC Elective III (e.g., Public Economics) | Elective | 3 | Public Goods and Externalities, Taxation Principles and Incidence, Optimal Taxation Theory, Social Choice Theory, Fiscal Federalism, Government Spending and Debt |
| OE4 | Open Elective IV | Elective | 3 | Topics vary based on student choice and department offerings. |
| HSS-E4 | HSS Elective IV (e.g., Environmental Ethics) | Elective | 3 | Value of Nature, Anthropocentrism vs. Ecocentrism, Sustainable Development Ethics, Climate Change Ethics, Environmental Justice, Animal Rights |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESC601 | Game Theory | Core | 4 | Strategic Form Games, Extensive Form Games, Nash Equilibrium, Subgame Perfect Equilibrium, Bayesian Games, Mechanism Design |
| ESC602 | Behavioral Economics | Core | 4 | Cognitive Biases and Heuristics, Prospect Theory, Intertemporal Choice, Social Preferences, Nudging and Policy Implications, Experimental Economics |
| ESC-E4 | ESC Elective IV (e.g., Environmental Economics) | Elective | 4 | Environmental Externalities, Pollution Control Policies, Resource Scarcity and Management, Climate Change Economics, Valuation of Environmental Goods, Sustainable Development |
| ESC-E5 | ESC Elective V (e.g., Health Economics) | Elective | 3 | Demand for Health and Healthcare, Health Insurance Markets, Healthcare Provider Behavior, Public Health Interventions, Economic Evaluation of Health Programs, Health Policy and Regulation |
| OE5 | Open Elective V | Elective | 3 | Topics vary based on student choice and department offerings. |
| ESC699 | Mini Project / Seminar | Project | 2 | Literature Review, Problem Identification, Methodology Development, Data Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation Skills |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESC799 | B.S. Project Part I | Project | 8 | Research Problem Formulation, Extensive Literature Review, Methodology Design and Justification, Data Collection Strategy, Preliminary Data Analysis, Research Ethics and Guidelines |
| ESC-E6 | ESC Elective VI (e.g., Labour Economics) | Elective | 4 | Labour Supply and Demand, Wage Determination Theories, Human Capital Investment, Discrimination in Labour Markets, Unemployment and Policy, Labour Market Policies |
| ESC-E7 | ESC Elective VII (e.g., Economics of Education) | Elective | 4 | Human Capital Theory, Returns to Education, Education Production Function, Funding of Education, Education Policy Analysis, Education and Economic Development |
| OE6 | Open Elective VI | Elective | 4 | Topics vary based on student choice and department offerings. |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESC899 | B.S. Project Part II | Project | 12 | Advanced Data Analysis and Interpretation, Model Building and Empirical Validation, Policy Implications and Recommendations, Comprehensive Thesis Writing, Oral Presentation and Defense, Future Research Directions |
| ESC-E8 | ESC Elective VIII (e.g., Urban Economics) | Elective | 4 | Urban Growth Models, Land Use Patterns, Housing Markets, Urban Transportation, Local Public Finance, Urban Policy Challenges |
| ESC-E9 | ESC Elective IX (e.g., Agricultural Economics) | Elective | 4 | Agricultural Production Economics, Food Security and Nutrition, Rural Markets and Institutions, Price Stabilization Policies, Water Resource Management, Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture |
| OE7 | Open Elective VII | Elective | 5 | Topics vary based on student choice and department offerings. |
