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BA-HONOURS in Economics at Seth Soorajmull Jalan Girls' College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Economics at Seth Soorajmull Jalan Girls' College Kolkata?
This Economics (Honours) program at Seth Soorajmull Jalan Girls'''' College focuses on providing a robust foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and Indian economic policy. The curriculum, aligned with the University of Calcutta''''s CBCS framework, emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills relevant to India''''s evolving economic landscape. It delves into microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and development economics, preparing students for diverse roles in the public and private sectors within the Indian economy.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for young women graduates seeking entry into economic research, data analysis, policy advisory roles, or financial services within India. It also suits those aspiring for higher studies in Economics or management. Candidates with a strong aptitude for mathematics, statistics, and a keen interest in understanding societal economic challenges will thrive, laying a strong foundation for future career advancement.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as economic analysts, data scientists, policy researchers, or financial consultants in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential in sectors like banking, consulting, and government. The analytical rigor prepares students for competitive exams, postgraduate studies (MA Economics, MBA), and specialized roles in Indian think tanks and multinational corporations operating in India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Economic & Math Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand core Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Mathematical Methods. Utilize online platforms for problem-solving and concept reinforcement beyond classroom lectures. Form study groups to discuss complex theories and solve tutorial problems collaboratively, strengthening your analytical base.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses for Economics and Mathematics, Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare (Intro Economics), NCERT Economics textbooks (Class XI & XII) for Indian context
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for excelling in advanced subjects and forms the bedrock for quantitative roles in finance, data analysis, and policy research, enhancing your attractiveness to employers and for higher studies.
Develop Data Handling & Software Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Begin familiarizing yourself with basic data analysis tools like Microsoft Excel for statistical calculations and graphical representation. Look for introductory workshops or online tutorials on statistical software like R or Python, even if not explicitly taught in early semesters. This early exposure builds essential practical skills.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Excel tutorials, Coursera/edX for ''''Introduction to R'''' or ''''Python for Data Science'''', DataCamp (free introductory courses)
Career Connection
Proficiency in data handling is a highly sought-after skill in today''''s job market, opening doors to roles in business analytics, market research, and economic consulting, giving you an edge in Indian companies.
Engage with Current Economic Affairs- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read reputable Indian financial newspapers (e.g., The Economic Times, Business Standard) and magazines (e.g., EPW). Follow economic news channels and discussions. This builds contextual knowledge of the Indian economy, connecting theoretical concepts to real-world issues.
Tools & Resources
The Economic Times (e-paper/app), Business Standard (e-paper/app), Economic and Political Weekly (EPW), RBI publications
Career Connection
Understanding current economic affairs is vital for interviews, group discussions, and demonstrating practical application of economic theories, making you a more informed and employable candidate in policy and corporate sectors.
Intermediate Stage
Intensify Quantitative & Econometric Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Focus deeply on Statistical Methods and Introductory Econometrics. Practice extensively with real-world datasets. Participate in college-level data analysis competitions or projects. Consider taking an online certification in a specific statistical software package (e.g., Stata, R, Python with Pandas) to gain expertise.
Tools & Resources
Stata/R/Python (free versions/student licenses), Kaggle (for datasets and competitions), Books on applied econometrics by Gujarati, Wooldridge, Swayam NPTEL courses on Econometrics
Career Connection
Advanced quantitative skills are critical for economist roles, data analyst positions, and research in India. This specialization will make you highly competitive for roles in financial institutions, market research firms, and government agencies.
Seek Internships & Project Opportunities- (Semester 3-4)
Actively search for internships during summer breaks with NGOs working on development issues, local research institutes, or small consulting firms. Engage in department projects that apply economic concepts to local Indian contexts. This provides practical experience and helps clarify career interests.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LetsIntern, LinkedIn for internship postings, College placement cell
Career Connection
Practical experience through internships is invaluable for placements, demonstrating your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a professional setting. It also builds a network and provides insights into different industry verticals in India.
Explore Interdisciplinary Electives- (Semester 3-4)
Strategically choose Generic Elective (GE) papers that complement your Economics specialization, such as those in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Public Administration. This broadens your perspective and skill set, making you a more versatile professional, especially for interdisciplinary roles.
Tools & Resources
College prospectus for GE offerings, Departmental advisors
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary knowledge is highly valued, particularly in emerging fields like data analytics, public policy consulting, and development economics, enhancing your employability across diverse sectors in India.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Discipline Specific Electives- (Semester 5-6)
Carefully select DSE papers (e.g., Environmental Economics, Financial Economics, Applied Econometrics) based on your career aspirations. Dive deep into the chosen specialization through independent research, advanced readings, and potentially a mini-project. This demonstrates expertise in a specific domain.
Tools & Resources
Advanced textbooks for DSE topics, Research papers (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Faculty mentors
Career Connection
Specialization makes you a desirable candidate for roles requiring specific expertise (e.g., environmental consultant, financial analyst). It distinguishes you in a competitive job market and provides a clear career trajectory.
Undertake a Research Project or Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Work on a substantial research project or dissertation under faculty guidance, applying econometric tools and economic theories to a relevant Indian economic problem. This showcases your analytical, research, and independent problem-solving capabilities, essential for advanced roles.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, University library resources, Statistical software, Indian government data portals (NSO, RBI, Ministry websites)
Career Connection
A strong research project is a powerful resume booster, especially for roles in research organizations, policy think tanks, or for admission to top postgraduate programs in India and abroad.
Intensive Placement Preparation & Networking- (Semester 5-6)
Engage in intensive interview preparation, including mock interviews, group discussions, and aptitude tests. Network with alumni, industry professionals, and faculty to explore career opportunities. Attend career fairs and workshops focusing on specific job profiles in the Indian economic sector. Tailor your resume and cover letters to specific roles.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell services, LinkedIn, Alumni network, Online aptitude test platforms, Interview preparation guides
Career Connection
This stage directly targets securing placements or admissions to postgraduate programs. Effective preparation and networking significantly increase your chances of landing desired roles in India''''s competitive professional landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Higher Secondary Examination) or equivalent with minimum 45% marks in aggregate and 45% marks in Economics/Mathematics/Statistics/Business Economics/Computer Science (as per college website)
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20% (for theory components), External: 80% (for theory components)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECOA-CC1-1-TH | Microeconomics I | Core | 6 | Basic Economic Problems & PPC, Demand, Supply, Market Equilibrium, Elasticity of Demand & Supply, Consumer Behavior (Utility, Indifference Curves), Producer Behavior (Production, Costs), Market Structures (Perfect Competition) |
| ECOA-CC2-1-TH | Mathematical Methods for Economics I | Core | 6 | Basic Algebra (Set Theory, Functions), Differentiation & Economic Applications, Optimization (Max/Min problems), Matrix Algebra (Basic Operations), Integration (Basic Concepts) |
| ENVS-AECC1-1-TH | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources (Forest, Water, Energy), Ecosystems (Concept, Structure, Function), Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Pollution (Causes, Effects), Social Issues and the Environment |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECOA-CC3-2-TH | Microeconomics II | Core | 6 | Market Structures (Monopoly, Oligopoly), Game Theory (Basic Concepts), Factor Markets (Labor, Capital), Welfare Economics (Pareto Optimality), Asymmetric Information, Externalities and Public Goods |
| ECOA-CC4-2-TH | Mathematical Methods for Economics II | Core | 6 | Calculus of Several Variables, Optimization with Constraints (Lagrangian), Dynamic Analysis (Differential Equations), Linear Programming (Graphical Method), Input-Output Analysis |
| AECC2-2-TH | English/MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Theory of Communication, Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, Writing Skills (Reports, Essays), Reading Comprehension, Listening and Speaking Skills, Grammar and Vocabulary |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECOA-CC5-3-TH | Intermediate Microeconomics I | Core | 6 | Consumer Theory (Choice under Uncertainty), Production Theory (Returns to Scale), Cost Theory (Long Run and Short Run), Perfect Competition (Equilibrium, Welfare), Monopoly (Pricing, Regulation) |
| ECOA-CC6-3-TH | Intermediate Macroeconomics I | Core | 6 | National Income Accounting, Classical and Keynesian Models, Consumption and Investment Theories, Money and Inflation, Fiscal and Monetary Policy, Open Economy Macroeconomics |
| ECOA-CC7-3-TH | Statistical Methods for Economics | Core | 6 | Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Probability Theory & Distributions, Sampling Theory, Hypothesis Testing (Z, T, Chi-Square), Correlation and Regression (Simple Linear) |
| ECOA-SEC-A-3-TH | Data Analysis | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Introduction to Data & Software (Excel, R), Data Collection and Organization, Descriptive Statistics (Computation, Interpretation), Graphical Representation of Data, Basic Econometric Techniques (Regression Output), Report Writing for Data Analysis |
| GE-1-3-TH | Generic Elective I | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Subjects to be chosen from other disciplines/departments offered by the college |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECOA-CC8-4-TH | Intermediate Microeconomics II | Core | 6 | General Equilibrium Theory, Externalities and Public Goods (Advanced), Asymmetric Information (Moral Hazard, Adverse Selection), Market Failures & Government Intervention, Welfare Economics & Social Choice Theory, Theory of Factor Pricing |
| ECOA-CC9-4-TH | Intermediate Macroeconomics II | Core | 6 | IS-LM Model (Closed and Open Economy), AD-AS Model, Phillips Curve (Short run, Long run), New Classical and New Keynesian Economics, Rational Expectations, Monetary and Fiscal Policy Debates |
| ECOA-CC10-4-TH | Introductory Econometrics | Core | 6 | Simple Linear Regression Model (OLS), Multiple Linear Regression Model, Violation of Classical Assumptions, Dummy Variables, Time Series Econometrics (Basic), Introduction to Panel Data (Basic) |
| ECOA-SEC-B-4-TH | Indian Economy I | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Basic Characteristics of Indian Economy, Economic Growth and Development in India, Agriculture Sector in India (Policies, Issues), Industry Sector in India (Policies, Liberalization), Services Sector in India, Poverty, Inequality, Unemployment in India |
| GE-2-4-TH | Generic Elective II | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Subjects to be chosen from other disciplines/departments offered by the college |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECOA-CC11-5-TH | Indian Economy I | Core | 6 | Structure and Features of Indian Economy, Human Development and Demographic Transition, Poverty, Inequality, and Employment, Agricultural Sector Performance and Policies, Industrial Sector Performance and Policies, External Sector and Trade Policies |
| ECOA-CC12-5-TH | Development Economics I | Core | 6 | Conceptions of Development, Dual Economy Models (Lewis, Harris-Todaro), Poverty, Inequality, and Vulnerability, Human Capital (Education, Health), Population Growth and Economic Development, Role of Institutions in Development |
| ECOA-DSE-A-1-5-TH | Economics of Health and Education | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option A | 6 | Role of Health and Education in Development, Demand and Supply of Health and Education, Financing of Health and Education, Market Failure in Health and Education, Health and Education Policy in India |
| ECOA-DSE-B-1-5-TH | Applied Econometrics | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option B | 6 | Review of Classical Linear Regression Model, Time Series Analysis (ARIMA, Unit Roots), Panel Data Models (Fixed, Random Effects), Limited Dependent Variable Models (Logit, Probit), Simultaneous Equation Models, Forecasting Techniques |
| ECOA-DSE-A-2-5-TH | Money and Financial Markets | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option A | 6 | Role and Functions of Money, Demand for and Supply of Money, Monetary Policy (Tools, Objectives), Financial Markets (Money, Capital), Financial Instruments, Financial Sector Reforms in India |
| ECOA-DSE-B-2-5-TH | International Economics | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option B | 6 | Theories of International Trade, Terms of Trade, Trade Policy (Tariffs, Quotas), Balance of Payments (Components), Exchange Rate Regimes, International Financial Markets |
| GE-3-5-TH | Generic Elective III | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Subjects to be chosen from other disciplines/departments offered by the college |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECOA-CC13-6-TH | Indian Economy II | Core | 6 | Fiscal Policy and Public Finance in India, Monetary Policy and RBI in India, Financial Sector Reforms, Inflation and Price Stabilisation Policies, External Sector Reforms and WTO, Globalisation and India |
| ECOA-CC14-6-TH | Development Economics II | Core | 6 | Growth Models (Harrod-Domar, Solow), Endogenous Growth Theory, Poverty Traps and Microfinance, Corruption and Development, Environment and Sustainable Development, International Aid and Development |
| ECOA-DSE-A-3-6-TH | Environmental Economics | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option A | 6 | Market Failure and Environmental Externalities, Valuation of Environmental Goods, Environmental Policy Instruments, Sustainable Development (Indicators, Policies), Climate Change Economics, Environmental Regulation in India |
| ECOA-DSE-B-3-6-TH | Public Economics | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option B | 6 | Role of Government in the Economy, Public Goods and Externalities, Public Revenue (Taxation Principles, Indian Tax System), Public Expenditure (Theories, Indian Context), Public Debt, Fiscal Federalism in India |
| ECOA-DSE-A-4-6-TH | Comparative Economic Development | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option A | 6 | Approaches to Comparative Economic Systems, Capitalist and Socialist Systems, Economic Reforms in China, India, Russia, Role of State in Economic Development, Comparative Study of Development Strategies, Challenges of Transition Economies |
| ECOA-DSE-B-4-6-TH | Financial Economics | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option B | 6 | Time Value of Money, Risk and Return (Portfolio Theory, CAPM), Efficient Market Hypothesis, Derivatives (Options, Futures), Bond Pricing and Yields, Financial Innovation and Regulation |
| GE-4-6-TH | Generic Elective IV | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Subjects to be chosen from other disciplines/departments offered by the college |
