Why you should study MA Economics Program from Ahmedabad University

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, the faculty and experts at Ahmedabad University talk about one of the most coveted MA Economics Program offered by the University. They share all important information related to curriculum design, admission process, eligibility criteria, fee, and placements and internship. The experts also talk about what gives the University an edge over other universities across the country.

Here is an edited excerpt of the conversation:

Q: What is the admission process for MA in Economics programme offered by Ahmedabad University?

A: Applicants aspiring for admission in two-year MA Economics programme must fulfil the below-mentioned eligibility criteria:

• A bachelor degree or equivalent in any field such as BCom, Engineering, BBA and BSc Economics
• Training in a quantitative subject in Class 12 or at bachelor’s level is preferred

Eligible candidates will undergo an online test of 75 minutes that includes General Quantitative questions and Economics Awareness questions followed by a Skype interview.

The university provides sample question papers to students for preparation of online exam after they have filled the application form.

Q: When is the online test and interview scheduled?

A: Candidates planning to register for the course can do so uptil May 15. However, the University will begin conducting the online entrance exam starting April 1. The entrance exam, followed by an interview, will be conducted in various slots. The applicants will be informed prior to their set date of test through email.

Q: What are the various career opportunities available to students after this programme?

A: The students can easily explore job opportunities in sectors such as financial institutions, consulting companies, economic journalism (both print and virtual media), research institutions with an economic focus and funding agencies. Students willing to study further can also opt for the Doctoral programme.

Q: What is the total cost of two year MA Economics programme?

A: The total cost of two-year MA Economics programme is Rs 4 lakh. Students willing to opt for accommodation on campus will have to pay an additional cost on the basis of the room occupancy they prefer. We also offer financial support to students on merit and need basis.

Q: Can you share some information on curriculum design?

A: At present, the University is offering MA Economics in two specialisations, namely Financial Economics and Development Economics. The MA Economics Program provides core subjects, advanced courses and classes in economic data analysis in an ideal way.

The array of the coursework consists of the following components:

• The required core courses include advanced level microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, economic growth and development, Indian economy, public finance and policy, and basic mathematics and statistics.
• The specialisation electives, to be taken in semesters three and four, comprise courses in financial economics, financial derivatives and risk management, development economics, behavioural finance, game theory, the economics of information, gender economics, natural resource economics, cultural economics, and new institutional economics
• Courses in quantitative analysis include probability and statistical inference, time series econometrics, panel data econometrics, financial econometrics, model building and simulations, big data analysis, high-frequency data analysis and business analytics.

The curriculum also includes a mandatory internship programme and dissertation in the area of their specialisation.

Q: Can you share some placements and internship trends?

A: We started the programme in 2019 and our first batch is not out yet. So, it’s difficult to comment on placements. However, our students undergo a mandatory internship programme. Some of the companies where our students have interned include Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), EY, Deloitte, PWC, IBM DC, NBFCs and Zinnov Foundations.

Q: Why should a student choose MA Economics from Ahmedabad University?

A: Below are the few reasons that give us an edge over other universities offering the same programme:

• Theoretical and academic rigour
• Interdisciplinary education
• Exposure to real world
• World-class faculty with doctoral degrees from institutes such as MIT, Wharton, Stanford, Purdue, Yale and IIMs
• Focus on developing analytical and data skills
• Besides all the subjects, we emphasise on  development of analytical skills by providing learning opportunities in Strata, R, Python, research dissertation, practical exposure and internship
• Research/teaching assistantship

Also, we offer fellowship opportunity to deserving students every year.