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PH-D in Economic Sciences at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Economic Sciences at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Nagar?
This Economic Sciences Ph.D. program at IIT Kanpur focuses on rigorous training in advanced economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics, preparing scholars for cutting-edge research and academic careers. It emphasizes developing strong analytical and quantitative skills crucial for addressing complex economic challenges relevant to India''''s dynamic economic landscape, fostering deep theoretical understanding coupled with empirical application across diverse fields.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring researchers, academics, and policy analysts seeking to contribute to economic knowledge and policy-making. It attracts individuals with a strong aptitude for mathematics, statistics, and critical thinking, typically holding a Master''''s or Bachelor''''s degree in Economics or related quantitative fields. Working professionals aiming for research roles in central banks, government think tanks, or international organizations in India would find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as professors at leading universities and research institutions, economists in government organizations like RBI, NITI Aayog, or in private sector consultancies. Entry-level salaries for Ph.D. holders in academia can range from INR 8-15 LPA, with significant growth potential. They are equipped to handle complex data, build theoretical models, and contribute to evidence-based policy formulation, driving India''''s economic progress.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Economic Foundations- (Coursework phase (typically Years 1-2))
Dedicate significant time to thoroughly understand the foundational Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics concepts taught in the initial coursework. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex theories and problem-solving techniques. Actively participate in class, seek clarification from professors, and work through all assigned problems to build a robust theoretical base.
Tools & Resources
Core textbooks (e.g., Mas-Colell, Romer, Wooldridge), Past exam papers, Departmental tutorials, Online academic resources like MIT OpenCourseware
Career Connection
A strong theoretical and quantitative foundation is essential for passing comprehensive exams and developing original research ideas, critical for academic and research career progression.
Develop Advanced Quantitative Software Proficiency- (Coursework phase (typically Years 1-2))
Beyond coursework, proactively engage with statistical software and programming languages crucial for empirical economic research. Attend workshops on R, Python, Stata, or MATLAB offered by the institute or external platforms. Practice data analysis with real-world datasets to bridge the gap between theoretical econometrics and practical application, preparing for thesis research.
Tools & Resources
Stata/R/Python documentation, Coursera/edX courses on data analysis, Kaggle for practice datasets, IIT Kanpur''''s computing facilities
Career Connection
Proficiency in econometric software is highly valued in research roles across academia, government, and private sector analytics departments in India.
Engage with Faculty Research and Seminars- (Coursework phase (typically Years 1-2))
Identify faculty members whose research interests align with your own early in the program. Attend departmental seminars and workshops to understand ongoing research. Proactively approach professors for opportunities to assist with their research projects. This exposure provides invaluable insight into the research process and helps in identifying potential thesis supervisors and topics.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research profiles, Seminar schedules, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Early engagement fosters mentorship, helps in selecting a relevant and impactful thesis topic, and builds a professional network crucial for future academic and research positions.
Intermediate Stage
Excel in Comprehensive Examination- (After coursework, typically End of Year 2)
Prepare rigorously for the comprehensive examination, which tests your mastery of core economic fields. Develop a systematic study plan, review all core course materials, and practice solving problems under exam conditions. Seek feedback from professors and senior Ph.D. students on your preparedness and areas for improvement, as this is a critical gatekeeping exam to proceed to the thesis stage.
Tools & Resources
Past comprehensive exam papers, Study guides from the department, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Successfully passing the comprehensive exam is mandatory to proceed to the thesis stage, marking your readiness for independent, advanced research.
Formulate a Novel Research Proposal- (Year 3)
Once coursework and comprehensive exams are cleared, focus intensely on developing a well-defined and innovative research proposal. This involves extensive literature review, identifying significant research gaps, formulating clear research questions, and outlining a robust methodology. Regular meetings with your chosen supervisor are essential to refine the proposal and ensure its feasibility and originality.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, EconLit, Web of Science), Referencing software (Zotero, Mendeley), Supervisor guidance, Proposal writing workshops
Career Connection
A strong, original proposal is the blueprint for a successful thesis, which is the primary output for academic and research placements.
Present Research at Departmental Forums- (Year 3-4)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, colloquia, and student research forums, not just as an attendee but as a presenter. Present your research ideas, literature reviews, or preliminary findings to faculty and peers. This helps in receiving constructive feedback, improving presentation skills, and gaining confidence in articulating complex economic arguments.
Tools & Resources
PowerPoint/Google Slides, Presentation skills workshops, Feedback from peers and faculty
Career Connection
Regular presentations enhance communication skills, provide early exposure within the academic community, and refine your research for wider dissemination.
Advanced Stage
Publish in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Year 4-6)
Target publishing your research findings in reputable national and international peer-reviewed journals. Work closely with your supervisor to refine manuscripts, address reviewer comments, and navigate the submission and revision process. Early publications significantly boost your academic profile and job market competitiveness, especially in India''''s competitive academic landscape.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission platforms, Academic writing support services, Co-authorship opportunities with faculty
Career Connection
Journal publications are a primary metric for faculty appointments and research positions, directly impacting your career trajectory and scholarly recognition.
Network and Attend Major Conferences- (Year 4-7)
Actively seek opportunities to present your research at leading economic conferences in India (e.g., Indian Econometric Society, Delhi School of Economics annual conference) and internationally. Network extensively with senior researchers, potential collaborators, and recruiters. These interactions are crucial for disseminating your work, staying updated on research fronts, and exploring job opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites and calls for papers, Travel grants from IIT Kanpur or external bodies, Professional organizations like the Royal Economic Society or American Economic Association
Career Connection
Conferences provide a platform for high-level visibility, networking with key figures, and direct interaction with potential employers or collaborators in academia and research.
Strategic Academic Job Market Preparation- (Year 5-7 (Leading up to and post-thesis defense))
As you approach thesis submission, meticulously prepare your comprehensive job market package, including a compelling CV, detailed research statements, effective teaching statements, and a polished job market paper. Practice job talks and chalk talks extensively. Seek guidance from your department''''s placement committee or faculty mentors on navigating the Indian and global academic job market, including mock interviews and application strategies.
Tools & Resources
Departmental career services, Faculty mentors, Online resources for academic job market preparation, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Thorough and strategic preparation for the academic job market maximizes your chances of securing desirable academic or research positions upon graduation, aligning with your long-term career aspirations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in any discipline with minimum 55% marks or 6.0 CPI (on a 10 point scale), OR Bachelor''''s degree (B.Tech/BE/M.Sc/MA) with minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CPI (on a 10 point scale). Additionally, a valid GATE/NET/other national level fellowship score may be required as per institute norms.
Duration: Minimum 5 years, Maximum 7 years (for thesis submission)
Credits: Minimum 60 credits for Bachelor''''s degree holders, Minimum 36 credits for Master''''s degree holders (for coursework component) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester component
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES601 | Microeconomics I | Core | 9 | Consumer theory and duality, Producer theory and cost functions, General equilibrium theory, Welfare economics and efficiency, Market structures and externalities |
| ES602 | Macroeconomics I | Core | 9 | National income accounting and growth facts, Keynesian and Neo-classical models, IS-LM and AD-AS frameworks, Business cycles and economic fluctuations, Monetary and fiscal policy analysis |
| ES603 | Econometrics I | Core | 9 | Classical Linear Regression Model (CLRM), Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimation and inference, Hypothesis testing and confidence intervals, Violations of CLRM assumptions (heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, multicollinearity), Introduction to dummy variables and panel data models |
| ES604 | Microeconomics II | Core | 9 | Game theory (static and dynamic games), Information economics (moral hazard, adverse selection, signaling), Mechanism design and incentives, Social choice theory and aggregation, Behavioral economics foundations |
| ES605 | Macroeconomics II | Core | 9 | Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models, Rational expectations and intertemporal optimization, Overlapping Generations (OLG) models, Real Business Cycle (RBC) theory and empirical evidence, Endogenous growth models and human capital |
| ES606 | Econometrics II | Core | 9 | Time series econometrics (stationarity, ARIMA models, GARCH), Vector Autoregressive (VAR) models and cointegration analysis, Limited dependent variable models (logit, probit, tobit, count data), Panel data methods (fixed effects, random effects, dynamic panel data), Causal inference and program evaluation techniques (IV, DiD, Regression Discontinuity) |
