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M-A in Economics at Sree Siddeshwara Jagadguru College
Ballari, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Economics at Sree Siddeshwara Jagadguru College Ballari?
This M.A. Economics program at Sree Siddeshwara Jagadguru College, affiliated with VSKU Ballari, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of economic theories, quantitative methods, and their application to real-world policy issues. The curriculum is designed to equip students with analytical skills necessary to interpret economic phenomena, understand market dynamics, and contribute to informed decision-making in various sectors. The program holds significant relevance in the evolving Indian economy, which demands skilled economists to address complex challenges and drive growth.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor''''s degree holders, particularly those with a background in Economics, seeking advanced knowledge and research skills in the field. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for roles in economic analysis, research, and policy formulation. Working professionals in government, NGOs, or private sectors looking to deepen their understanding of economic principles for career advancement or to transition into economic research and policy roles will also find this program beneficial, enhancing their analytical capabilities for India''''s dynamic economic landscape.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India, including roles as economic analysts, researchers, consultants, data scientists, and policy advisors in government organizations like RBI, NITI Aayog, or state planning boards. Opportunities also exist in financial institutions, think tanks, and corporate strategy departments. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth trajectories for experienced professionals reaching INR 8-15 lakhs or more, especially with specialized skills in econometrics or data analytics. The program lays a strong foundation for higher studies like M.Phil or Ph.D.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Economic Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on mastering Microeconomics and Macroeconomics principles (EC 401, EC 402, EC 451, EC 452). Develop a strong conceptual understanding of theories and models. Engage in regular problem-solving sessions and group discussions to clarify doubts and build analytical rigor.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL lectures, Standard textbooks like Hal Varian for Micro and Mankiw/Dornbusch for Macro, Online forums like Economics Stack Exchange
Career Connection
A solid theoretical base is essential for all advanced economic roles and competitive exams (UGC-NET, UPSC, RBI Grade B), ensuring strong performance in interviews and analytical tasks.
Develop Quantitative and Research Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis (EC 403, EC 453) from day one. Practice applying mathematical and statistical tools to economic problems using software like Excel or R. Start exploring basic research methodologies and academic writing.
Tools & Resources
Online tutorials for R/Python, Basic econometrics textbooks, NPTEL courses on statistics for economists, Data visualization tools
Career Connection
These skills are highly sought after in research, data analysis, and financial roles, making graduates competitive for analytical positions in various Indian industries and government agencies.
Engage with Current Indian Economic Issues- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond textbooks, regularly read economic newspapers (e.g., The Economic Times, Business Standard, Livemint), journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly), and government reports (e.g., Economic Survey of India, RBI Bulletins). Relate classroom concepts to real-time Indian economic scenarios and policy debates.
Tools & Resources
Newspaper subscriptions, RBI website, NITI Aayog website, Ministry of Finance reports, Reputable economic news portals
Career Connection
This practice builds contextual awareness, critical for policy analysis roles and interviews, demonstrating a pragmatic understanding of India''''s economic challenges and opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Subjects- (Semester 3-4 (throughout))
Carefully choose elective subjects (EC 505 A/B/C, EC 555 A/B/C) based on career interests (e.g., Industrial Economics for corporate roles, Financial Economics for banking). Dive deep into core subjects like Public Economics and International Economics, linking them to India''''s fiscal and trade policies.
Tools & Resources
Specialized textbooks for chosen electives, Industry reports relevant to the chosen specialization, Case studies on Indian economic sectors
Career Connection
Specialization makes you a desirable candidate for targeted roles. For example, expertise in Agricultural Economics opens doors in agro-industry and rural development, providing a competitive edge in the Indian job market.
Master Economic Research and Data Analysis- (Semester 3-4)
Leverage the Research Methodology (EC 503) course to design and conduct mini-research projects. Practice using statistical software (Stata, SPSS, EViews, R, Python) for data analysis. Develop proficiency in interpreting and presenting economic data effectively.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on econometrics, Online datasets (World Bank, NSSO, CMIE), Statistical software licenses/free alternatives
Career Connection
Strong research and data analysis capabilities are crucial for roles in economic research firms, government think tanks, academia, and any position requiring evidence-based decision-making in India.
Build Professional Networks and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 3-4)
Attend departmental seminars, workshops, and guest lectures to interact with faculty, guest speakers, and senior researchers. Connect with alumni on platforms like LinkedIn to understand career paths and seek guidance. Participate in inter-college economic events within Karnataka or broader India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni network, Professional economic associations in India (e.g., Indian Economic Association), Industry events
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship and job opportunities, provides insights into industry trends, and helps secure mentors who can guide career development in the Indian context.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project Work and Internship- (Semester 4)
Treat the mandatory Project Work/Dissertation (EC 553) and Internship/Field Work (EC 554) as real-world professional experiences. Choose relevant topics for the project and secure a meaningful internship in a government body, research institute, or relevant industry in India.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals, Government reports, Industry contacts, Guidance from faculty advisors
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates research prowess, while a successful internship often leads to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations, significantly boosting employability in the Indian market.
Prepare Rigorously for Placements and Higher Studies- (Semester 4)
Begin preparing for competitive exams (UGC-NET, IAS, RBI Grade B, IES) or university entrance exams for M.Phil/Ph.D. alongside regular studies. Refine your resume, practice group discussions, and ace mock interviews, focusing on current affairs and economic concepts relevant to India.
Tools & Resources
Coaching materials for competitive exams, Online aptitude tests, Career counseling services, Mock interview platforms
Career Connection
Proactive preparation is key to securing desired jobs in the public and private sectors or gaining admission to prestigious higher education programs in India or abroad.
Develop Presentation and Communication Skills- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in presentations for seminars, project defense, and class discussions. Focus on clearly articulating complex economic ideas, using visual aids effectively, and engaging with an audience. Good communication is paramount for an economist in any professional setting.
Tools & Resources
Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Public speaking workshops, Peer feedback sessions, Toastmasters clubs (if available)
Career Connection
Effective communication is vital for conveying research findings, presenting policy recommendations, and excelling in client-facing or public sector roles, crucial for impact in the Indian economy.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC 401 | Micro Economics – I | Core | 4 | Consumer Behaviour, Production and Costs, Perfect Competition, Monopoly, Welfare Economics |
| EC 402 | Macro Economics – I | Core | 4 | National Income Accounting, Classical and Keynesian Theories, Consumption and Investment, Money Supply and Demand, IS-LM Model |
| EC 403 | Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis – I | Core | 4 | Basic Mathematics, Differential Calculus, Matrix Algebra, Linear Programming, Input-Output Analysis |
| EC 404 | Economics of Growth and Development – I | Core | 4 | Concepts of Development, Theories of Growth, Poverty and Inequality, Population Growth, Human Capital |
| EC 405 | Indian Economic Policy | Open Elective | 4 | Features of Indian Economy, Economic Planning, Agricultural Policy, Industrial Policy, Foreign Trade Policy |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC 451 | Micro Economics – II | Core | 4 | Monopolistic Competition, Oligopoly, Factor Pricing, General Equilibrium, Market Failures |
| EC 452 | Macro Economics – II | Core | 4 | Rational Expectations, Supply Side Economics, Business Cycles, Inflation and Unemployment, Open Economy Macroeconomics |
| EC 453 | Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis – II | Core | 4 | Probability Theory, Sampling Methods, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression, Time Series Analysis |
| EC 454 | Economics of Growth and Development – II | Core | 4 | Models of Development, Foreign Capital, Human Development Index, Sustainable Development, Regional Imbalances |
| EC 455 | Economics of Environment and Social Sector | Open Elective | 4 | Environmental Issues, Market Failure and Environment, Sustainable Development, Health Economics, Education Economics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC 501 | Public Economics – I | Core | 4 | Public Goods, Externalities, Public Revenue, Taxation, Public Expenditure |
| EC 502 | Indian Economy and its Problems – I | Core | 4 | Structure of Indian Economy, Agricultural Sector, Industrial Sector, Service Sector, Economic Reforms |
| EC 503 | Research Methodology for Economics | Core | 4 | Research Design, Data Collection, Sampling, Hypothesis Formulation, Report Writing |
| EC 504 | International Economics – I | Core | 4 | Theories of International Trade, Terms of Trade, Trade Barriers, Free Trade vs. Protection, Balance of Payments |
| EC 505 (A) | Industrial Economics | Elective | 4 | Industrial Structure, Market Conduct, Industrial Location, Industrial Policy in India, Small Scale Industries |
| EC 505 (B) | Mathematical Economics | Elective | 4 | Optimization, Production Functions, Game Theory, Input-Output Model, Econometric Models |
| EC 505 (C) | Financial Economics | Elective | 4 | Financial Markets, Risk and Return, Portfolio Theory, Derivatives, Capital Market |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC 551 | Public Economics – II | Core | 4 | Fiscal Policy, Budgeting, Public Debt, Fiscal Federalism, Local Finance |
| EC 552 | Indian Economy and its Problems – II | Core | 4 | Poverty and Unemployment, Regional Disparities, Social Sector Development, Foreign Trade in India, Financial Sector Reforms |
| EC 553 | Project Work/Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Problem, Literature Review, Methodology, Data Analysis, Report Submission |
| EC 554 | Internship/Field Work | Internship | 4 | Industry Exposure, Practical Application, Report Writing, Presentation, Skill Development |
| EC 555 (A) | Agricultural Economics | Elective | 4 | Agricultural Development, Land Reforms, Agricultural Finance, Food Security, Agricultural Marketing |
| EC 555 (B) | Environmental Economics | Elective | 4 | Environmental Valuation, Pollution Control, Climate Change, Green Accounting, Environmental Policy |
| EC 555 (C) | Labour Economics | Elective | 4 | Labour Market, Wage Theories, Trade Unions, Labour Welfare, Unemployment |
