BA Economics Subjects & Syllabus 2024

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Sep 24, 2024 21:17PM IST

BA economics subjects and syllabus cover topics from microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics. According to UGC, there are 14 core courses and 4 discipline-specific electives that students will choose throughout the three-year degree. The subject list begins with introductory microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, etc., as well as Indian Economy, Development Economics, Political Economy, Money and Financial Markets, etc.

BA Economics Subjects and Syllabus Overview

BA economics subjects and syllabus are centred on the foundation course topics like microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and statistics. In addition, the BA in Economics course also includes connected specialised subjects like public economics, finance markets, development and international trade, which can help the students to custom fit according to their career goals and aspirations.

According to UGC, the BA economics subject list contains 14 core subjects, which are compulsory throughout the six semesters. In addition, BA economics honours subjects contain four Discipline-Specific Elective (DSE) courses. The DSE courses become available to students in the fifth and sixth semesters and they must choose 2 of them each semester to graduate.

It is through these core subjects that students develop essential skills of quantitative ability and critical thinking. Students who go through BA economics subjects PDF learn data literacy and critical thinking, which include advanced analytical skills. Such skills put students on the path to well-paid, professionally challenging careers.

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BA Economics Subjects & Syllabus: Highlights

Candidates can check the details related to the BA Economics syllabus and course in the table below:

ParticularsDetails 
Course NameBA Economics 
Full NameBachelor of Arts in Economics
Course Level Undergraduate
Course ModeFull Time, Distance Learning, Online 
Course Eligibility CriteriaClass 12th Board exams with at least 50% aggregate marks
Duration 3 Years
Top Entrance ExamsCUET, BHU UET, Symbiosis Entrance Test, NPAT, PUCET
Course Fee Up to INR 5 lakh 
Average Salary INR 3 to 6 lakh 
Top Recruiting Companies KPMG, The Economist, World Bank, IMF, CRISIL
Top Colleges/Universities for BA Economics Syllabus Delhi University, IPU, BHU, JMI, Aligarh Muslim University, Chitkara University, Chandigarh University, etc.
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Year-Wise BA Economics Subjects & Syllabus

All BA Economics subjects are taught to help undergraduates expand their understanding of economics. The syllabus includes a vast variety of topics ranging from Financial Systems to Foreign Economics Theory. Provided below are the BA Economics subjects that are covered in the course duration of 3 years.

BA Economics Subjects & Syllabus 1st Year 

Check out the BA economics syllabus 1st year, divided into Semesters 1 and 2 syllabus:

Semester ISemester II
Subject Matter of EconomicsIntroduction To Macroeconomics & National Income Accounting
Supply & DemandMoney
The HouseholdsInflation
The Firm and Perfect Market StructureThe Closed Economy In The Short Run
Imperfect Market StructureDifferential Equation
Input MarketsLinear Algebra
PreliminariesFunctions Of Several Real Variables
Functions Of One Real VariableMulti-Variable Optimisation
Single Variable OptimisationAbility Enhancement Compulsory Course - 2
Integration Of FunctionsGeneral Elective Course- 2
Difference Equations
Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course - 1
General Elective Course- 1

BA Economics Subjects & Syllabus 2nd Year

After the BA 1st year economics syllabus, captured below is the 2nd year syllabus and subjects:

Semester IIISemester IV
Consumer TheoryGeneral Equilibrium, Efficiency And Welfare
Production, Costs And Perfect CompetitionMarket Structure And Game Theory
Aggregate Demand And Aggregate Supply CurvesMarket Failure
Inflation, Unemployment, And ExpectationsEconomic Growth
Open Economy ModelsMicroeconomic Foundations
Statistical Methods: Intro And OverviewFiscal And Monetary Policy
Elementary Probability TheorySchools Of Macroeconomic Thoughts
Random Variables And Probability DistributionsNature And Scope Of Econometrics
Random Sampling And Jointly Distributed Random VariablesStatistical Concepts
SamplingSimple Linear Regression Model: Two Variable Case
Point And Interval EstimationMultiple Linear Regression Model
Skill Enhancement Course (SEC)- 1Violations of Classical Assumptions: Consequences, Detection And Remedies
General Elective Course- 3Specification Analysis
Skill Enhancement Course- 2
General Elective Course- 4

BA Economics Subjects & Syllabus 3rd Year 

Check out the BA Economics subjects 3rd year here:

Semester VSemester VI
Economic Development Since IndependenceMacroeconomic Policies & Their Impact
Population And Human DevelopmentPolicies And Performance In Agriculture
Growth And DistributionPolicies And Performance In Industry
International ComparisonsTrends And Performance In Services
Conceptions Of DevelopmentDemography And Development
Growth Models And EmpiricsLand, Labour, And Credit Markets
Poverty And Inequality: Definitions, Measures & MechanismsIndividuals, Communities, And Collective Outcomes
Political Institutions & The Functioning Of The StateEnvironment And Sustainable Development

Discipline-Specific Elective (Group 1) (Choose Any Two)

  • Economics Of Health & Education
  • Applied Econometrics
  • Topics In Microeconomics- I
  • Money & Financial Markets
  • Public Economics
  • Political Economy- I
  • Economic History Of India (1857- 1947)
Globalisation

Discipline-Specific Elective (Group 2) (Choose Any Two)

  • Environmental Economics
  • Topics In Microeconomics- II
  • International Economics
  • Financial Economics
  • Political Economy- II
  • Comparative Economic Development (1850- 1950)
  • Dissertation/ Project
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BA Economics Subjects

BA Economics syllabus comprises both core and elective courses. Here are the various main BA Economics Subjects taught in the programme. Candidates must note that some BA Economics subjects are related to social science while some are related to mathematimiddle-incomecs.

SubjectsDescription of Subjects
MacroeconomicsThe subject largely focuses on the performance of economies such as inflation, changes in economic output, the balance of payments and interest and foreign exchange rates.
MicroeconomicsThe subject briefs about what is expected to happen (tendencies) when an individual makes choices in response to changes in prices, incentives, methods of production, and/ or resources.
Indian EconomyThe Indian Economy is a middle income developing market economy. This subject is a complete study on the nation’s Economy and all aspects of the system which manages the Economic activities of India.
Economics StatisticsClosely related to econometrics and business statistics, Economics Statistics is all about the dissemination, collection, compilation, processing, and analysis of economic data.
EconometricsThe subject uses mathematics, statistical inference and economic theory to quantify economic phenomena. In other words, in this subject candidates learn about how to turn theoretical economic models into useful tools for economic policymaking.
History of EconomicsIt is a compiled study of the philosophies of the several theories and thinkers that later became political economy and economics. It covers the development of the Indian economy from the ancient world to the present day. 
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BA Economics Common Subjects for All Semester

According to the BA economics syllabus 2024, the following common subjects are taught to the students in the prescribed semesters:

  • Principles of Microeconomics: The core concepts, as mentioned earlier, cover introducing students to the concepts of supply and demand, consumer/firm behaviour, and market structures in the 1st year.
  • Principles of Macroeconomics: This branch deals with the broader economy, taking into consideration GDP, unemployment, and inflation. This course is also done in the 1st year.
  • Intermediate Microeconomics: This is a course taken in the 2nd year, covering some more advanced consumer/firm theory and market failures.
  • Intermediate Macroeconomics - 2nd year, covers more advanced macro models, fiscal/ monetary policy.
  • Mathematical Economics - Mathematical models in economics.
  • Econometrics - Introduce statistical methods for analysis of economic data. Often taught in 2nd or 3rd year.
  • Economic Statistics - Economic data sources, analysis, inference.
  • Electives - International economics, public economics, labour economics.

Other common BA economics core subjects 1st year, 2nd, and 3rd years are as follows: 

  • Microeconomic Theory
  • Macroeconomic Theory
  • History of Economic Thought
  • Political Economy
  • Economics Research Methods

While the sequence may differ, these foundational theory and statistical cum mathematics courses are expected to be requirements across semesters for a BA in Economics course.

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BA Economics Subjects & Syllabus For Entrance Exams

There are just two great entrance exams conducted at the national and university level in India that offer entry to BA Economics: CUET UG and IPU CET. However, many institutions conduct their entrance test for admitting candidates into the BA Economics program.

Here are the BA economics subjects for entrance exam 1st year for CUET UG 2024 and IPU CET 2024:

BA Economics CUET Syllabus: 

The CUET UG syllabus for BA economics covers subjects that are given below:

  • Microeconomics
  • Macroeconomics
  • Mathematical economics
  • Statistics
  • Econometrics
  • Development economics
  • Environment economics
  • Public economics
  • Money and banking
  • International economics
  • Growth and Development Economics

Students would be required to have a conceptual understanding of such subject matter and apply economic reasoning to solve problems. The assessment will thus be of logical reasoning; quantitative ability and language comprehension as applicable to the domain of Economics.

BA Economics IPU CET Syllabus:

The broad BA Economics subjects and syllabus for IPU CET shall include Micro and Macro Economics, Statistical and Mathematical Economics. These major topics include the theory of consumer behaviour and demand, production, cost analysis, market structures and price determination, national income accounting, determination of income and employment, money and banking, the balance of payments, economic growth and development, and statistical tools such as measures of central tendency, correlation, and regression. The principles of the subject, the ability to analyse any situation of the real world from an economic point of view, and the application of mathematical and statistical tools are tested in the examination.

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BA Economics Optional/Elective Subjects

UGC has specified BA economics Discipline-Specific Electives, which are a must in semesters 5 and 6 or the third year of the degree. There are two groups, out of which students must choose at least 2 in each semester. In total, a candidate studies 4 Discipline-Specific Electives. 

Semester 5Semester 6

Discipline-Specific Elective (Group 1) (Choose Any Two)

  • Economics Of Health & Education
  • Applied Econometrics
  • Topics In Microeconomics- I
  • Money & Financial Markets
  • Public Economics
  • Political Economy- I
  • Economic History Of India (1857- 1947)

Discipline-Specific Elective (Group 2) (Choose Any Two)

  • Environmental Economics
  • Topics In Microeconomics- II
  • International Economics
  • Financial Economics
  • Political Economy- II
  • Comparative Economic Development (1850- 1950)
  • Dissertation/ Project
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BA Economics Subjects & Syllabus for Distance Course

BA Economics is offered through regular mode as well as Distance mode. In distance mode, candidates not only have the flexibility of time but also are taught BA Economics course subjects through online mode. The course fees for BA Economics Distance Courses are also less when compared to the traditional courses. The BA Economics Syllabus for distance courses is very similar to the regular BA Economics syllabus. The semester-wise topics and subjects that are often included in the course curriculum of a distance learning programme are as follows:

Semester ISemester II
Evolution and Definition of EconomicsEconomies of Scale
Methods of Economics AnalysisConcept of Revenue
Inductive & Deductive Logic, Merit and DemeritsMarginal & Average Costs & their relationship
Nature & Scope of EconomicsDifferent Concepts of Costs Explicit & Implicit
Administered and Non- Non-Administered PricesAccounting, Opportunity, Total Fixed and Variable Costs
Value and PricePerfect Competition Characteristics
Commodities and their typesBreak Even Point
Cardinal (Marshal) and Ordinal UtilityTotal, Marginal & Average Revenue
Utility Demand, SupplyCharacteristics and Price- Output Determination
MarketConcept and Classification
Approaches to DemandMarket Equilibrium
Demand- Supply EquilibriumPrice and Output Determination for Firm and Industry
Indifference Curve: Consumer equilibrium (Hichs & Slutsky)Monopolistic Competition
Price, Income and Substitution effectsTheory of Marginal Productivity of Distribution
Price, Income and Cross ElasticityPrice Discrimination
Derivation of Demand CurveCharacteristics Price- Output Determination
Consumer Surplus and its measurementTheories of Wages and Rent: Classical and Modern
Elasticity of DemandFactor Pricing
Laws of ProductionInterest: Concept, Classical and Keynesian Theories of Interest
Returns to Factor and Return to ScaleConcept of Adding up Theorem
Factors of Production and Their CharacteristicsProfit: Net and Gross
Semester IIISemester IV
Structure of Indian Economy – Primary, Secondary & Tertiary SectorsInfrastructure of Indian Economy
Population, Size, Sex, Rural-Urban ClassificationHuman Infrastructure of the Indian Economy
Population DistributionBanking and Insurance
Natural Resources, Land, Water, ForestSources of Credit in Agriculture, Irrigation
Mineral ResourcesIrrigation, Power, Transport, Communication
Agriculture: Nature and ImportancePlanning in India- Objectives, Types, Strategy
Major Industries in India: Iron and Steel, Textile, Sugar, Cement, AutomobilesAgricultural Situation in the Economy
Demographic FeaturesEconomy- Land, land Utilization Pattern
Cropping PatternHousing and Sanitation.
Land Reforms: Green RevolutionHealth, Nutrition, Education, Knowledge and Skills
Land Use PatternDemographic Features of M.P.
Trends in Agriculture Production and ProductivityAnalysis of the Current Five-Year Plan
Recent National Population PolicyAgro-Climatic Zones
MechanisationProduction and Productivity of Main Crops
Rural CreditNatural Resources- Forest, Water & Mineral
Agricultural MarketingCropping Pattern
Semester VSemester VI
Macro Variables- Stock and FlowPublic Finance and Public Economics
Concept of National Income- GDP, GNPPublic, Private and Merits Goods
National Income and Economic WelfareSources of Revenue- Taxes, Loans, Grants and Aids
Measurement of National Income and Social Accounting in IndiaMarket and State- Role and Functions
Circular Flow of incomePrinciples of Public Debt and Methods of Redaction
Consumption FunctionPrinciple of Maximum Social Advantage
Keynesian Theory of EmploymentPublic Finance in India Banking and Insurance
Classical Theory of EmploymentCanons of Taxation
Effective DemandPrinciples of Public Expenditure
Factors Affecting ConsumptionWagener’s Law- Increasing Activities
Factors Affecting Capital FormationFiscal Deficit
Simple InvestmentLatest Budget
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BA Economics Important Books

Here are some of the most helpful and important BA economics subjects books 1st year and subsequent years for your reference:

CategoryBook TitleAuthor(s)
Introductory MicroeconomicsPrinciples of MicroeconomicsN. Gregory Mankiw
Principles of MicroeconomicsKarl E. Case and Ray C.
EconomicsJoseph E. Stiglitz and Carl E. Walsh
Introductory MacroeconomicsMacroeconomicsN. Gregory Mankiw

Macroeconomics

Dornbusch, Fischer and Startz

Macroeconomics

Olivier Blanchard

Macroeconomics

Richard T. Froyen

Macroeconomics

Andrew B. Abel and Ben S. Bernanke

Macroeconomics

Errol D‘Souza

International Macroeconomics

Paul R. Krugman, Maurice Obstfeld and Marc Melitz
Intermediate MicroeconomicsIntermediate Microeconomics, a Modern ApproachHal R. Varian
Fundamentals of MicroeconomicsC. Snyder and W. Nicholson
MicroeconomicsB. Douglas Bernheim and Michael D. Whinston
Intermediate Macroeconomics- IMacroeconomicsOlivier Blanchard
MacroeconomicsDornbusch, Fischer and Startz
MacroeconomicsN. Gregory Mankiw
MacroeconomicsAndrew B. Abel and Ben S. Bernanke
MacroeconomicsErrol D‘Souza
Rational ExpectationsSteven M. Sheffrin

International Macroeconomics

Paul R. Krugman, Maurice Obstfeld and Marc Melitz
Intermediate Macroeconomics- IIMacroeconomicsOlivier Blanchard
MacroeconomicsDornbusch, Fischer and Startz
MacroeconomicsN. Gregory Mankiw
MacroeconomicsAndrew B. Abel and Ben S. Bernanke
MacroeconomicsErrol D‘Souza
Introduction To Economic GrowthCharles I. Jones
MacroeconomicsRobert J. Gordon
Introductory EconometricsIntroductory Econometrics: A Modern ApproachJeffrey Wooldridge
Probability and Statistics for EngineersJay L. Devore
Mathematical StatisticsJohn E. Freund
An Introduction to Mathematical Statistics and its ApplicationsRichard J. Larsen and Morris L. Marx
Essentials of EconometricsD. N. Gujarati and D.C. Porter
Elements of EconometricsJan Kmenta
Introduction to EconometricsChristopher Dougherty
Indian EconomyIndian EconomyRamesh Singh
Indian EconomyIndian EconomyUma Kapila (series)
Economic DevelopmentDevelopment EconomicsDebraj Ray
Mathematical Methods in Economics- IMathematics for Economic AnalysisK. Sydsaeter and P. Hammond
Mathematical Methods in Economics- IIMathematics for Economic AnalysisK. Sydsaeter and P. Hammond
Statistical Methods for EconomicsProbability and Statistics for EngineersJay L. Devore
Mathematical StatisticsJohn E. Freund
An Introduction to Mathematical Statistics and its ApplicationsRichard J. Larsen and Morris L. Marx
Sampling TechniquesWilliam G. Cochran
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BA Economics Course Structure

The BA economics course structure in India according to UGC has 14 core subjects spread across 14 semesters- 4 in the first year, 6 in the second, and 4 in the third year. Additionally, 4 DSE courses (Discipline-Specific electives) have to be chosen by the candidates in the third year (2 from group 1 in semester 5 and 2 from group 2 in semester 6). Here is the tabular representation of the BA economics course structure:

Semester 1Semester 2
Introductory MicroeconomicsIntroductory Macroeconomics
Mathematical Methods for Economics-IMathematical Methods for Economics-II
Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC)-IAbility Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC)-II
Generic Elective (GE) Course-IGeneric Elective (GE) Course-II
Semester 3Semester 4
Intermediate Microeconomics-IIntermediate Microeconomics-II
Intermediate Macroeconomics-IIntermediate Macroeconomics-II
Statistical Methods for EconomicsIntroductory Econometrics
Skill Enhancement Course (SEC)-ISkill Enhancement Course (SEC)-II
Generic Elective (GE) Course-IIIGeneric Elective (GE) Course-IV
Semester 5Semester 6
Indian Economy-IIndian Economy-II
Development Economics-IDevelopment Economics-II
Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Course-I (From List of Group-I)Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Course-III (From List of Group-II)
Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Course-II (From List of Group-I)Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Course-IV (From List of Group-II)
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FAQs about B.A. Economics Syllabus

Can I go for higher education after BA Economics?

After BA Economics, candidates can go for master’s degree courses like MA Economics, MSc Economics, MBA etc

How is the BA Economics syllabus different from the BSc Economics syllabus?

This is just a simple comparison of the BA Economics and BSc Economics syllabi:

BA in Economics: This course shall deal with the theoretical concepts and principles of Economics, concentrating on the understanding of economic theories applied to real-life issues.

-BSc Economics: It has a more significant weight in the quantitative and mathematical side of the course, using rigorous mathematical and statistical tools in the analysis of economic issues.

In simple terms, the BA Economics syllabus has a focus on its theoretical foundations and the BSc Economics focuses on the quantitative and mathematical dimensions of economics.

What is the BA Economics distance mode syllabus?

The distance mode syllabus for BA Economics is very similar to the traditional syllabus. It has subjects like Evolution and definition of Economics, Inductive & Deductive Logic, Merit and Demerits, Nature & Scope of Economics, Methods of Economics Analysis, Value and Price, Utility Demand, Supply etc.

Is BA Economics syllabus difficult?

The BA Economics syllabus may pose challenges, particularly for those less familiar with mathematical and economic concepts. Nevertheless, success is entirely attainable with dedication and diligence. Staying organized, attending classes consistently, and reaching out to professors or tutors for assistance when necessary are essential strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What entrance exams are popular for BA Economics admission?

Some popular entrance exams for BA Economics admission are CUET, IPU CET, TISS BAT etc.

What are some BA Economics subjects that are common for all semesters?

Indian Economy, History of Economics, Economics of the Society, Basic Financial Accounting , Insurance & Banking, Econometrics, Evolution of EconomicsEconomic Theories etc. are some BA Economics subjects that are common for all semesters.

Is BA Economics offered in distance mode?

Certainly, BA Economics is available in the distance learning format at certain universities and institutions in India. Distance education programs offer flexibility and accessibility, catering to students who cannot participate in traditional classroom settings. The curriculum and syllabus for distance BA Economics programs usually mirror those of regular programs, with assessments conducted through a mix of assignments, examinations, and projects.

Which reference books can I study in BA Economics?

Some reference books that can be studied in BA Economics are Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis by Prof Knut Sydsaeter and Prof Peter Hammond, Principles of Economics by N. Gregory Mankiw, Fundamental Methods of Mathematical EconomicsBy Wainwright Chiang, People's History of India by Irfan Habib etc.

What is the course duration of BA Economics?

The course duration of BA Economics typically ranges from 3 to 4 years, depending on the specific program and whether it is pursued full-time or part-time. This translates to a total duration of approximately 36 to 48 months.

What electives are offered in BA Economics?

Electives offered in BA Economics can vary depending on the university, but some common options include:

- Behavioral Economics

- Game Theory

- Industrial Economics

- Agricultural Economics

- Health Economics

- Public Economics II

- Labor Economics

- International Finance

- Development Economics II

- Econometrics for Development Economics

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