IGNOU Bachelor of Arts Economics (Honours)

IGNOU Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Economics Economics is one of the most important subjects in today’s world. It helps us understand how resources are

IGNOU Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Economics

Economics is one of the most important subjects in today’s world. It helps us understand how resources are used, how markets function, and how policies affect individuals, businesses, and nations. For students who want to pursue a career in economics, finance, banking, government services, or policy-making, a strong academic foundation is essential.

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Economics (BA Economics Hons) program, designed for students who want to develop analytical and problem-solving skills in the field of economics.

This program combines theory, statistics, mathematics, and real-world applications to prepare learners for both higher studies and professional careers.

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About the Program

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Economics

• Program Code: BAECH

• School: School of Social Sciences (SOSS), IGNOU

• Medium of Instruction: English & Hindi

• Mode: Distance & Online Learning

• Minimum Duration: 3 Years

• Maximum Duration: 6 Years

• Eligibility: 10+2 (Senior Secondary) or equivalent

• Fee Structure: Approx. ₹4,200 – ₹5,000 per year (subject to change)

• Admission Cycles: January & July every year

Objectives of BA (Hons) Economics Program

The program aims to:

• Provide a solid foundation in economic theories and principles.

• Train students in quantitative and statistical methods for economic analysis.

• Develop skills in policy evaluation, research, and data interpretation.

• Help students understand Indian and global economic issues.

• Prepare learners for careers in banking, finance, government, teaching, and research.

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📚 Course Structure – BA Economics (Honours)

The IGNOU BA (Hons) Economics follows the CBCS (Choice Based Credit System). Students need to complete 148 credits in total.

The courses are divided into:

• Core Courses (CC)

• Discipline Specific Electives (DSE)

• Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses (AECC)

• Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC)

• Generic Electives (GE)

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📌 Year 1 (Semester 1 & 2)

Core Courses:

1. BECC-101: Introductory Microeconomics

   • Consumer behaviour, demand and supply, market equilibrium.

2. BECC-102: Introductory Macroeconomics

   • National income, inflation, unemployment, fiscal & monetary policy.

3. BECC-103: Mathematical Methods for Economics-I

   • Basic algebra, calculus, and applications in economics.

4. BECC-104: Statistical Methods for Economics

   • Descriptive statistics, probability, sampling, correlation.

AECC (Ability Enhancement):

• BEVAE-181: Environmental Studies

👉 Credits: ~24–26

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📌 Year 2 (Semester 3 & 4)

Core Courses:
5. BECC-105: Intermediate Microeconomics-I

• Theory of production, cost, market structures.

6. BECC-106: Intermediate Macroeconomics-I

   • IS-LM model, money market, business cycles.

7. BECC-107: Mathematical Methods for Economics-II

   • Advanced calculus, optimization, linear algebra.

8. BECC-108: Intermediate Microeconomics-II

   • General equilibrium, welfare economics, uncertainty.

9. BECC-109: Intermediate Macroeconomics-II

   • Open economy macro, balance of payments, exchange rates.

Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC):

• Data Analysis in Economics

• Computer Applications for Economists

Discipline Specific Electives (DSE) – Choose any 2

• Indian Economy-I

• Development Economics-I

• Public Economics-I

👉 Credits: ~48–50

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📌 Year 3 (Semester 5 & 6)

Core Courses:
10. BECC-110: Indian Economy-II
- Structural changes in Indian economy.
- Agriculture, industry, services.

11. BECC-111: Development Economics-II

    • Growth theories, inequality, poverty, sustainable development.

12. BECC-112: International Economics

    • Trade theories, WTO, globalisation, trade policies.

13. BECC-113: Indian Economic Policy

    • Five-Year Plans, LPG reforms, recent economic policies.

14. BECC-114: Research Methodology in Economics

    • Survey methods, data collection, report writing.

Discipline Specific Electives (DSE) – Choose any 2:

• Environmental Economics

• Financial Economics

• Econometrics

• Political Economy

Generic Electives (GE):

• Sociology, Political Science, or History (optional, choice-based).

👉 Credits: ~70+

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🔑 Highlights of the Course

• Credits Required: 148

• Number of Core Papers: ~14 (Micro, Macro, Indian Economy, Development Economics)

• Electives (DSE): 4 (choice-based)

• Skill-Based Courses: 2 (practical economics & research)

• Generic Electives: 2 (interdisciplinary)

• Evaluation: Assignments (30%) + Exams (70%)

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Evaluation System

• Assignments (30%) – Compulsory for each course, submitted before term exams.

• Term-End Exams (70%) – Held in June & December.

• Must pass both assignments & exams to complete a course.

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Admission Process

1. Go to IGNOU’s admission portal: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

2. Register as a new applicant using mobile/email.

3. Fill in personal and educational details.

4. Upload documents:

   • Passport-size photo

   • Signature

   • 10+2 certificate

   • Age proof

5. Pay the fee online (Debit/Credit/Net Banking/UPI).

6. Submit and print the application confirmation.

👉 Admissions are conducted twice a year – January & July sessions.

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Career Opportunities After BA (Hons) Economics

This degree opens doors in both government and private sectors.

• Government Jobs

  • Indian Economic Service (IES)

  • RBI, SEBI, NABARD exams

  • Civil Services (UPSC, State PSCs)

  • Statistical and planning departments

• Private Sector

  • Banks & Financial Institutions

  • Corporate Finance & Data Analytics

  • Market Research Firms

  • Business Consulting

• Academia & Research

  • Teaching (after MA + NET/PhD)

  • Research in economic policy, development, trade

• International Careers

  • NGOs & UN agencies

  • Policy think tanks

  • International financial institutions (World Bank, IMF)

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Why Choose IGNOU for BA Economics?

1. Flexibility – Study at your own pace (3–6 years).

2. Affordability – Low fee compared to regular universities.

3. Recognition – Degree approved by UGC, valid for jobs & higher studies.

4. Practical Focus – Courses in statistics, maths, and econometrics.

5. Digital Access – eGyankosh, SWAYAM, IGNOU mobile app for e-learning.

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Final Thoughts

The IGNOU BA (Honours) Economics program is one of the most career-focused undergraduate programs in the social sciences. It provides a solid grounding in both theoretical and applied economics, making it useful for students aiming for government jobs, corporate careers, research, or higher studies (MA, MBA, M.Phil, PhD).

If you’re interested in understanding how economies work, how policies shape lives, and how data can be used to solve real problems, this program is for you.