PhD in economics is a 3 to 5 year completed doctoral program. A prerequisite for this course is a graduate course in economics. Candidates must also have a Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Technology in Economics from an recognized university.
Economics is the social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It is concerned with how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions about how to allocate resources to achieve their goals.
There are two main branches of economics: microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics focuses on the behavior of individuals and firms in the market, while macroeconomics examines the behavior of the economy as a whole.
In microeconomics, the key concepts include supply and demand, market equilibrium, elasticity, costs of production, and market structures such as perfect competition, monopolies, and oligopolies. Microeconomics also looks at how consumers make decisions about what goods and services to purchase and how firms make decisions about how much to produce and at what price.
In macroeconomics, the key concepts include gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, unemployment, fiscal policy, monetary policy, international trade, and economic growth. Macroeconomics looks at the overall performance of the economy and how government policies can affect it.
The study of supply and demand: One of the most fundamental concepts in economics is supply and demand, which explains how prices are set in markets.
Market structures: Economics examines different market structures, such as perfect competition, monopolies, and oligopolies, to understand how firms operate and how they affect consumer welfare.
Economic growth and development: Economists study how economies grow and develop over time, and how policies can promote or hinder growth and development.
International trade: Economics is concerned with how countries trade goods and services, and how policies such as tariffs and trade agreements affect trade flows.
Macroeconomic policies: Economics examines the role of government in managing the economy through fiscal and monetary policies, such as taxation, government spending, and interest rate policies.
Behavioral economics: This emerging field of economics explores how psychological factors and biases influence economic decision-making.
Environmental economics: This field of economics is concerned with how human activities impact the environment and how policies can promote sustainable development.
Economic history: Studying economic history helps us understand how economies have evolved over time and how past economic events have shaped the present.
Course Name | Economics | |
Course Level | Graduation, Postgraduation, Doctorate | |
Course Duration | 3 years to 5 years | |
Top Entrance Exams | UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, etc. | |
Top Recruiting Companies | KPMG, The Economist, World Bank, IMF, CRISIL | |
Job Positions | Analyst, Research Assistant, Assistant Professor, Post Graduate Teacher, Economist |
There are several entrance exams for studying economics at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Some of the most popular ones are:
Most institutions have similar admission requirements for Ph.D. Economics students who have completed a Master's degree in Economics are eligible to receive a PhD in Economics. Applicants will be assessed in the areas of statistics and mathematics in the first part. The second half evaluates candidates' knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics.
The duration of economics courses varies depending on the level of education. An undergraduate degree typically takes three years to complete, while a postgraduate degree can take one to two years to complete.
The selection criteria for economics courses depend on the institution and the level of education. It typically includes academic performance, performance in entrance exams, group discussion, and personal interview.
To apply for economics courses, you need to follow these steps:
The application form for economics courses can usually be found on the institution's website or obtained from the admissions office. It typically requires personal and academic information, along with supporting documents such as mark sheets, certificates, and photographs.
The application process for economics courses typically involves filling out the application form, submitting supporting documents, paying the application fee, and appearing for entrance exams, group discussions, and personal interviews, if required. The exact process may vary depending on the institution and the level of education.
Applicants can apply directly to the university for admission to the PhD in Economics by filling out the admission form, submitting the required documents and submitting the application.
candidates can also apply by visiting the university's website, filling out the Doctor of Economics application online and uploading all required certificates.
Depending on your specialization, you can also directly apply for exams like UGC NET and CSIR UGC NET to achieve minimum marks.
Students are advised to pay the course fees and submit the necessary documents as required by the institution after passing the exam for the selection of the institution.
The application fee for economics courses varies depending on the institution and the level of education. It can range from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees.
The syllabus for economics courses includes topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, international economics, development economics, and financial economics. The exact syllabus may vary depending on the level of education and the institution.
Economics graduates can find employment in a wide range of industries, including finance, banking, consulting, research, and government. The starting salary for economics graduates varies depending on the industry and the level of education. On average, fresh economics graduates can expect to earn between 3-5 lakh per annum, with the potential to earn significantly more with experience and advanced degrees.
Lecturer/Professor | The NET is conducted to determine the eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship Award or Assistant Professor. A lecturer’s job provides a stable salary and gives you a chance to constantly increase your knowledge. |
Economists | An economist researches and interprets trends related to goods, services, and resources. They provide advice on economics to businesses and individuals. |
Econometricians | Reaching agreements about research projects with internal or external clients Monitoring and evaluating the data collection process. Using statistical software to organize and analyze the information gathered |
Public Relations Officer | Public relations (PR) is about managing reputation. To provide support and understanding to the clients as well as to try to influence them by your opinions and behavior. All means of media and communication should be used to manage the reputation of the customers. |
Industrial organization economists | Industrial economists analyze savings, investments, and risk. Industrial economists study the supply of workers and the demand for labor by employers. |
Economics graduates have a wide range of career opportunities, including roles such as economist, financial analyst, investment banker, policy analyst, data analyst, research analyst, and consultant. They can work in a variety of industries, including finance, banking, consulting, research, and government. Some economics graduates also pursue further education, such as a PhD in economics, to pursue careers in academia or research.
Some of the top colleges for studying economics in India include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.