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B-A-HONS in Economics at University of Delhi

University of Delhi is a premier central university in Delhi, established in 1922. Renowned for its academic excellence across diverse programs, including Arts, Sciences, and Commerce, DU fosters a vibrant campus environment. Ranked 6th by NIRF 2024, it educates over 700,000 students.

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Delhi, Delhi

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About the Specialization

What is Economics at University of Delhi Delhi?

This B.A. (Hons.) Economics program at the University of Delhi focuses on rigorous training in economic theory, quantitative methods, and their application to real-world problems. With a strong emphasis on analytical thinking and empirical analysis, the curriculum is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of market dynamics, public policy, and developmental challenges, highly relevant to India''''s evolving economic landscape. The program distinguishes itself with its comprehensive coverage and its ability to foster critical insights into national and international economic issues, meeting the growing demand for skilled economists in the Indian market.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for fresh graduates from Class XII who possess a strong aptitude for mathematics, analytical reasoning, and a keen interest in understanding societal and economic phenomena. It also suits individuals aspiring to careers in policymaking, finance, research, or academia within India. Students looking to pursue advanced degrees in economics, business analytics, or public policy, both domestically and internationally, will find this a robust foundation. A prerequisite background in mathematics at the 10+2 level is essential for success in this challenging program.

Why Choose This Course?

Graduates of this program can expect diverse and rewarding career paths within India. Many secure positions as economic analysts, data scientists, consultants, or researchers in leading financial institutions, consulting firms, and government organizations like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or NITI Aayog. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-8 Lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-25+ Lakhs annually. The program also serves as an excellent stepping stone for competitive exams such as the Indian Economic Service (IES) and UPSC, or for higher studies like M.A. Economics, MBA, or specialized analytics programs.

Student Success Practices

Foundation Stage

Master Economic Fundamentals & Math Skills- (Semester 1-2)

Dedicate significant effort to building a strong foundation in introductory microeconomics, macroeconomics, and mathematical methods. Regularly solve problems from textbooks, attend tutorial classes diligently, and clarify doubts promptly. Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning.

Tools & Resources

NCERT Economics books (for basic concepts), specific textbooks recommended by faculty, Khan Academy for math concepts, university''''s online learning platforms, peer study groups.

Career Connection

A robust foundation ensures clarity for advanced courses and is crucial for entrance exams for higher studies or analytical roles. Strong math skills are non-negotiable for any economics-related career.

Develop Academic & Study Habits- (Semester 1-2)

Cultivate effective time management, note-taking, and active reading habits from the outset. Engage with current economic affairs by regularly reading reputable financial newspapers and magazines. Participate actively in classroom discussions.

Tools & Resources

Financial Express, Livemint, The Economic Times, The Hindu BusinessLine, university library resources, time management apps like Todoist or Google Calendar.

Career Connection

These habits foster analytical thinking and awareness, critical for interviews, competitive exams, and understanding economic trends in professional roles.

Join Economics Societies and Workshops- (Semester 1-2)

Actively participate in the college''''s Economics Society. Attend seminars, workshops, and debates to broaden your understanding beyond the curriculum, network with seniors and faculty, and develop soft skills like public speaking and critical analysis.

Tools & Resources

College Economics Department notices, social media groups for student societies, university event calendars.

Career Connection

Early engagement builds a professional network, provides exposure to diverse economic ideas, and develops leadership and communication skills valued by employers in India.

Intermediate Stage

Enhance Quantitative Skills with Software- (Semester 3-5)

Beyond theoretical econometrics and statistics, gain hands-on experience with statistical software. Start with spreadsheets for basic data analysis and then move to specialized tools. Apply these skills in mini-projects or research assignments.

Tools & Resources

Microsoft Excel, R/Python (through online courses like Coursera, DataCamp, NPTEL), university computer labs, datasets from government sources like MOSPI, RBI, World Bank.

Career Connection

Proficiency in statistical software is a highly sought-after skill for data analyst, research associate, and consulting roles in the Indian job market.

Seek Early Internships & Projects- (Semester 3-5)

Actively look for short-term internships, even unpaid, with NGOs, startups, local businesses, or faculty members on research projects. Focus on gaining practical exposure to data collection, analysis, or policy implementation. This builds your resume and clarifies career interests.

Tools & Resources

LinkedIn, Internshala, college placement cell, faculty networks, university notice boards for research assistant opportunities.

Career Connection

Practical experience is vital for understanding real-world economic challenges in India and makes you a more competitive candidate for final placements and higher education.

Engage in Case Competitions & Debates- (Semester 3-5)

Participate in inter-college case study competitions, economic model building challenges, and policy debates. This helps apply theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems, develops teamwork, and improves presentation skills.

Tools & Resources

Student clubs, university competition announcements, business magazines for case studies, online forums dedicated to economic debates.

Career Connection

These activities sharpen problem-solving and communication skills, which are highly valued in consulting, finance, and public policy roles in India.

Advanced Stage

Strategize for Competitive Exams & Higher Studies- (Semester 6-8)

If aspiring for civil services (UPSC, IES), RBI Grade B, or an MBA/MA Economics, begin dedicated preparation. Identify specific exams, understand their syllabi, and start mock tests. For higher studies abroad, prepare for GRE/GMAT and build a strong application portfolio.

Tools & Resources

Coaching institutes, online test series, previous year''''s question papers, university career counselors, websites like Shiksha and IDP for international study guidance.

Career Connection

Targeted preparation enhances your chances of securing prestigious government positions or admission to top-tier national/international universities, leading to high-impact careers.

Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project- (Semester 7-8)

Leverage the Major Research Project component to delve deeply into a topic of interest, ideally with a real-world policy implication or data-driven analysis relevant to the Indian context. Work closely with a faculty mentor to produce high-quality research.

Tools & Resources

University research guidelines, academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly, Indian Economic Review), statistical software (Stata, EViews), data repositories.

Career Connection

A strong research project can lead to publications, provide a competitive edge for graduate admissions, and demonstrate advanced analytical capabilities to potential employers in research and think tank roles.

Focus on Specialization and Placement Readiness- (Semester 6-8)

Choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) that align with your career aspirations (e.g., Financial Economics for finance, Environmental Economics for sustainability). Actively engage with the placement cell, attend workshops on resume building, interview skills, and mock interviews. Network intensely with alumni and industry professionals.

Tools & Resources

University placement cell, LinkedIn, professional networking events, alumni meetups, job portals like Naukri.com, Indeed.

Career Connection

Strategic specialization makes you a targeted candidate for specific industry roles, and rigorous placement preparation significantly increases your chances of securing a desired job or internship immediately after graduation in the Indian corporate sector.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Eligibility:

  • Passed Class XII examination from any recognized Board with Mathematics as a compulsory subject and secured a minimum of 45% marks in aggregate.

Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)

Credits: 160 Credits

Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%

Semester-wise Curriculum Table

Semester 1

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
BAHE101Introductory MicroeconomicsCore4Introduction to Economics and Microeconomics, Consumer Theory, Theory of Production and Cost, Market Structures, Welfare Economics
BAHE102Introductory MacroeconomicsCore4Introduction to Macroeconomics, National Income Accounting, Determination of Output and Employment, Money, Banking and Financial Markets, Inflation and Open Economy
Generic Elective 1Elective (Generic)4Varies based on student choice and college offerings
Ability Enhancement Course 1Compulsory (Ability Enhancement)4Varies based on university offerings (e.g., Environmental Studies, English Language)
Value Added Course 1Compulsory (Value Added)2Varies based on university offerings (e.g., Financial Literacy, Digital Fluency)
Internship/Apprenticeship/Project 1Project/Internship2Practical application of economic concepts, Work experience, Report writing

Semester 2

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
BAHE203Mathematical Methods for Economics ICore4Functions of one real variable, Limits, Continuity and Differentiation, Single-variable Optimization, Integration, Difference Equations
BAHE204Intermediate Microeconomics ICore4Consumer Theory (Advanced), Production Theory, Cost Functions, Perfect Competition, Monopoly
Generic Elective 2Elective (Generic)4Varies based on student choice and college offerings
Ability Enhancement Course 2Compulsory (Ability Enhancement)4Varies based on university offerings (e.g., Communication Skills, Indian Constitution)
Value Added Course 2Compulsory (Value Added)2Varies based on university offerings (e.g., Ethics, Swachh Bharat)

Semester 3

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
BAHE305Intermediate Microeconomics IICore4Oligopoly and Monopolistic Competition, General Equilibrium, Welfare Economics, Externalities and Public Goods, Asymmetric Information
BAHE306Intermediate Macroeconomics ICore4Aggregate Demand and Supply, IS-LM Model, Open Economy Macroeconomics, Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy
BAHE307Statistical Methods for EconomicsCore4Probability Theory, Random Variables and Probability Distributions, Sampling and Estimation, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression Analysis
Skill Enhancement Course 1Compulsory (Skill Enhancement)4Varies based on university offerings (e.g., Data Analysis using Spreadsheets, Research Methodology)
Generic Elective 3Elective (Generic)4Varies based on student choice and college offerings

Semester 4

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
BAHE408Intermediate Macroeconomics IICore4Economic Growth (Solow model), Business Cycles, Expectations and Rational Expectations, Microfoundations of Macroeconomics, Labour Market
BAHE409EconometricsCore4Simple Linear Regression Model, Multiple Linear Regression Model, Violations of Classical Assumptions (Heteroscedasticity, Autocorrelation), Dummy Variables, Time Series Analysis (basics)
BAHE410Development Economics ICore4Economic Development (Concepts and Measurement), Theories of Economic Growth, Poverty and Inequality, Population and Human Capital, Agriculture and Rural Development
Skill Enhancement Course 2Compulsory (Skill Enhancement)4Varies based on university offerings (e.g., Introduction to R/Python for Data Analysis, Academic Writing)
Generic Elective 4Elective (Generic)4Varies based on student choice and college offerings

Semester 5

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
BAHE511Indian Economy ICore4Economic History of India, Sectoral Trends (Agriculture, Industry, Services), Economic Reforms and Policy, Fiscal Policy in India, Monetary Policy in India
BAHE512Public EconomicsCore4Public Goods and Externalities, Public Revenue (Taxation), Public Expenditure, Fiscal Federalism, Public Debt
Discipline Specific Elective 1Elective (Discipline Specific)4Varies based on university offerings (e.g., Financial Economics, Environmental Economics, Law and Economics)
Discipline Specific Elective 2Elective (Discipline Specific)4Varies based on university offerings (e.g., Advanced Microeconomics, Game Theory, Computational Economics)

Semester 6

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
BAHE613Indian Economy IICore4Social Sector Development (Health, Education), Trade and Investment in India, Infrastructure Development, Financial Sector Reforms, Employment and Unemployment
BAHE614International EconomicsCore4Theories of International Trade, Trade Policy, Balance of Payments, Exchange Rate Systems, International Monetary System
Discipline Specific Elective 3Elective (Discipline Specific)4Varies based on university offerings (e.g., Advanced Macroeconomics, Economics of Health and Education, Agricultural Economics)
Discipline Specific Elective 4Elective (Discipline Specific)4Varies based on university offerings (e.g., Industrial Economics, History of Economic Thought, Demography)

Semester 7

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
Discipline Specific Elective 5Elective (Discipline Specific)4Varies based on university offerings and student specialization interests
Discipline Specific Elective 6Elective (Discipline Specific)4Varies based on university offerings and student specialization interests
MRP701Major Research Project I / Dissertation IProject8Research question formulation, Literature review, Data collection and analysis, Methodology design, Academic writing and presentation

Semester 8

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
Discipline Specific Elective 7Elective (Discipline Specific)4Varies based on university offerings and student specialization interests
Discipline Specific Elective 8Elective (Discipline Specific)4Varies based on university offerings and student specialization interests
MRP801Major Research Project II / Dissertation IIProject8Advanced data analysis, Interpretation of results, Critical discussion and conclusion, Thesis writing, Final defense/presentation
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