Economist
Studies people's economic choices and how the economy works, advising businesses and governments on financial decisions.
Overview
Economists study people and their choices to understand why they make certain decisions. They have a thorough understanding of how the economy works. The role of an economist includes giving economical and financial advice to businesses, companies, brands or even the government. They are also responsible for evaluating the company's business stance and giving strategy suggestions keeping in mind the economic outlook. They guide governments and organisations in making financial decisions in order to improve the country's economy.
Where they work
- Government and private banks
- Finance companies
- Global firms
- Government and private colleges/universities
- NGOs
- Government and private companies
Work environment
You will typically work independently in an office. You are likely to collaborate with other economists and statisticians, sometimes working with teams. You may be required to travel as part of the job.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are comfortable in handling numbers and data
- You have strong communication skills
- You pay attention to details
- You have interest in mathematics and economics
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream (preferably Commerce) with Mathematics as a subject.
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree in Arts (B.A.) in Economics, followed by a Master's degree in Economics, and then complete a PhD in the same or a related discipline.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree in Management Studies (BMS)/Business Administration (BBA) in Economics, followed by a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) in Business Economics.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Economics. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Miranda House, University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Shri Ram College of Commerce, New Delhi
- Hindu College, New Delhi
- Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- New College Institute of Management, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Delhi School of Economics, New Delhi
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Fergusson College, Pune, Maharashtra
- Loyola College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- St. Andrew's College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Rani Birla Girls' College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- St. Joseph's College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Jyoti Nivas College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Assistant Economist
- 2Economist
- 3Chief Economist or Teacher/Professor
Expected income
₹83,600 – ₹1,25,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Statistician
Gathers, analyses and interprets numerical data, helping companies make sense of it to spot trends and make predictions.
Actuary
Expert in assessing the financial impact of uncertain events, projecting future risk using data and models.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Commerce, Maths, Arts.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to analysing.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Gita Gopinath — One of the best-known women economists worldwide. She served as chief economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2019 to 2022 and then as its First Deputy Managing Director from January 2022. She completed her bachelor's degree at Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, and a master's at the Delhi School of Economics.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 813 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://shorturl.at/pgDVh
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 813; the contents list gives 815. The card describes Gita Gopinath as 'the first Economist to be serving as managing director' of the IMF since January 2022; her post from January 2022 was First Deputy Managing Director, corrected here — check the IMF website for current office-holders. The card gives two growth routes, ending as Chief Economist or as Teacher/Professor; they are combined in the last step.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.