Program Overview
The University of Calcutta offers a threeyear, eightsemester Honours programme in Economics (BA/BSc) that follows the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). The curriculum blends theoretical foundations of economics with quantitative techniques, policy analysis and interdisciplinary electives, preparing graduates for both academic research and professional roles.
Students earn a total of 120 credits to graduate. The credit distribution is as follows:
- Core (compulsory) courses 72 credits
- Elective (disciplinary & interdisciplinary) courses 30 credits
- Skilloriented courses 12 credits
- Dissertation / Project 6 credits
Choice Based Credit System (CBCS)
Under CBCS each course is assigned a credit value reflecting the total number of workhours required (lectures, tutorials, selfstudy and assessments). One credit corresponds to roughly 3040 hours of student effort. The system provides flexibility:
- Students can choose electives from within the department as well as from other faculties (Humanities, Commerce, Science, etc.).
- Credits earned in any semester are transferable, allowing for a smooth progression or a possible semester break without jeopardising the degree timeline.
- Grading follows a 10point scale (O, A+, A, B+, B, C, D, F) with a corresponding Grade Point Average (GPA) that determines semester results.
Core Courses (72 Credits)
The core component establishes a solid grounding in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and development economics. Below is a typical semesterwise breakdown.
Semester1
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EC101 | Principles of MicroEconomics | 4 |
| EC102 | Principles of MacroEconomics | 4 |
| EC103 | Mathematics for Economists I | 3 |
| EC104 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| EC105 | Economic History of India | 3 |
| EC106 | Academic Writing & Communication | 2 |
Semester2
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EC201 | MicroEconomic Theory I | 4 |
| EC202 | MacroEconomic Theory I | 4 |
| EC203 | Mathematics for Economists II | 3 |
| EC204 | Statistical Methods II | 3 |
| EC205 | Indian Economic Development | 3 |
| EC206 | Environmental Economics | 2 |
The pattern repeats with higherlevel courses (e.g., MicroEconomic Theory II, MacroEconomic Theory II, Econometrics I & II, Public Finance, International Trade) in later semesters, culminating in a compulsory capstone Advanced Topics in Economics worth 6 credits.
Elective Courses (30 Credits)
Students select 56 electives (each 34 credits) from two groups: disciplinary electives (within Economics) and interdisciplinary electives (from other faculties). The choice allows specialization or a broader perspective.
Disciplinary Electives (Example)
- EC301 Development Economics (4credits)
- EC302 Financial Economics (4credits)
- EC303 Labour Economics (3credits)
- EC304 Health Economics (3credits)
- EC305 Behavioral Economics (4credits)
Interdisciplinary Electives (Example)
- HS401 Indian Political Thought (3credits)
- SC401 Quantitative Methods in Data Science (4credits)
- BS401 Business Law (3credits)
- PH401 Philosophy of Science (3credits)
Students must obtain at least 12 credits from disciplinary electives and the remaining from interdisciplinary options, ensuring both depth and breadth.
SkillOriented Courses (12 Credits)
Skill courses are designed to improve employability and research competence. They are compulsory but can be taken in any semester.
- 2Computer Applications for Economists
- 2Statistical Software (R / Stata) Lab
- 2Data Visualization and Presentation
- 3Financial Modelling and Spreadsheet Skills
- 3Research Methodology & Ethics
Dissertation / Project (6 Credits)
In the final semester every student undertakes a dissertation under the guidance of a faculty member. The process involves:
- Selection of a research topic (often aligned with a core or elective subject).
- Submission of a proposal (2,000 words) and a detailed workplan.
- Data collection, analysis and writeup (1520 pages).
- Oral defense before a panel of two examiners.
The dissertation accounts for 6 credits and contributes significantly to the final GPA, encouraging independent research and critical thinking.
Assessment and Grading
Each course is assessed through a combination of internal and external components:
| Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| TermEnd Examination (External) | 5060% |
| MidSemester Tests / Quizzes (Internal) | 1015% |
| Assignments / Projects (Internal) | 1520% |
| Class Participation / Attendance (Internal) | 510% |
Grades are awarded on the following scale:
| Grade | Score Range | Grade Point |
|---|---|---|
| O | 91100 | 10 |
| A+ | 8190 | 9 |
| A | 7180 | 8 |
| B+ | 6170 | 7 |
| B | 5160 | 6 |
| C | 4150 | 5 |
| D | 3340 | 4 |
| F | 032 | 0 |
A Semester Grade Point Average (SGPA) is computed by dividing the sum of (creditsgrade points) by total credits taken in that semester. The Cumulative GPA (CGPA) is the weighted average across all semesters.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the BA/BSc Economics (Honours) program are wellplaced for a variety of roles, thanks to the blend of analytical, quantitative and communication skills cultivated through the CBCS curriculum.
- Banking & Financial Services: Analyst, Credit Officer, Risk Management.
- Public Policy & Administration: Research Officer, Economic Advisor, Planning Officer in ministries and state agencies.
- Consultancy & Market Research: Business Analyst, Market Research Associate, Economic Consultant.
- Academic & Research: Pursuing MA/MPhil/PhD; research assistant positions in thinktanks.
- DataIntensive Roles: Data Analyst, Business Intelligence, Statistical Modelling.
Supplementary certifications (e.g., CFA, NISM, GST, Data Science) and internships are strongly encouraged to boost employability.
