Economics is the study of how individuals, institutions, and societies make decisions under conditions of scarcity. It is a discipline that combines theoretical rigour with empirical analysis, and draws on technical fields such as mathematics and statistics, as well as other disciplines such as history, philosophy, and the social sciences to illuminate the forces that shape human welfare and public policy. From the allocation of resources and the functioning of markets to the dynamics of growth, inequality, and globalisation, economics provides the conceptual tools to understand and engage with the most pressing challenges of our time.

The discipline is evolving rapidly. Advances in data science and econometric methods have transformed the capacity to measure economic phenomena and test causal hypotheses. Behavioural economics has enriched the standard model of rational choice by incorporating insights from psychology and cognitive science. The growing urgency of climate change, rising inequality, and digital disruption has expanded the frontier of applied economic research and policy analysis. It is against this rich and dynamic intellectual backdrop that the BA Honours in Economics is offered.

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Major in Economics will introduce students to microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, econometrics, history of economic thought and a study of the Indian economy. In addition, students may choose from a wide range of electives and learn more about specific areas of Economics such as development, environment, finance and labour economics. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the undergraduate programme at Ahmedabad University, students will also take classes in other subject areas and thus have an opportunity to learn alternative theories and pedagogies. The programme will provide an early opportunity for students to learn to collaborate with peers. This is because during the Foundation Programme, and subsequently throughout the curriculum, there will be a strong emphasis on project-based learning.

On completion, the student will be able to:

• Apply the core principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics to analyse individual, firm, and market behaviour, as well as aggregate economic outcomes
• Engage with interdisciplinary perspectives, integrating insights from ethics, history, and the social sciences into economic inquiry
• Use mathematical and statistical tools, including calculus, linear algebra, and probability, to formulate and solve economic models
• Conduct empirical research using econometric methods, interpret regression results, and critically evaluate evidence from economic studies
• Incorporate digital tools, data science techniques, and AI-driven analytical methods to enhance economic research and applied analysis
• Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of advanced microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, including general equilibrium, welfare analysis, game theory, and dynamic macroeconomic models
• Analyse the Indian economy in its historical and contemporary dimensions, including its structural features, policy challenges, and integration into the global economy
• Situate current economic ideas within the broader history of economic thought, demonstrating awareness of how theoretical frameworks have evolved over time
• Apply economic reasoning to issues of public policy, sustainability, and social welfare, drawing on both positive and normative analysis
• Design and execute an independent research project that demonstrates command of economic theory, empirical methods, and scholarly communication

The programme provides strong theoretical and quantitative training across the full scope of economics. It is structured to build progressively: students begin with the foundations of micro and macroeconomic theory, develop their mathematical and statistical toolkit, and advance to intermediate theory, econometrics, and empirical research methods. The curriculum integrates perspectives on the Indian economy, the history of economic thought, and the global economic environment, ensuring that graduates can situate their analytical skills within broader intellectual and policy contexts. The basket of economics electives gives students a range of advanced topics to choose from and specialise in.

Graduates of the BA (Honours) in Economics are well-prepared for careers in public policy, economic research, financial services, international development, consulting, and data analytics. The programme’s emphasis on quantitative reasoning and empirical methods also provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in economics, public policy, and related fields at reputed institutions worldwide.

The programme additionally prepares students for advanced study leading to professional qualifications, such as MBAs, and supports pathways into civil services, economic journalism, and research roles in international organisations.

To learn more about the Economics programme at Ahmedabad University, you may send an email to [email protected].

To know more about admission procedures, including lateral admission and about fees and financial aid​​​​​​, please visit our undergraduate admissions page or contact [email protected]​​​​​​.