Can I Do MA Economics Without Having a BA in Economics?

Thinking about pursuing an MA in Economics… but your undergraduate degree says something else?

Maybe you studied Political Science. Or perhaps you graduated in English Literature. Or maybe you're an engineering student who fell in love with graphs, GDP, and fiscal policy.

Now, you're standing at the crossroads wondering—Can I actually do an MA in Economics without having a BA in it?

Short answer? Yes, you can.

But the long answer is far more interesting. Let’s dive in.

Why This Question Even Arises

Economics is a highly analytical and interdisciplinary subject. It touches everything—from policies and banking to social justice and global trade.

Naturally, it attracts students from varied backgrounds. But academic gatekeeping can make aspirants hesitate. The fear is real. Will universities accept you? Can you keep up with the syllabus? Do you even qualify?

All valid questions. Let’s address them, one by one.

What Do Most Universities Say?

The eligibility criteria for an MA in Economics differ from college to college.

Some elite institutions like the Delhi School of Economics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and ISI Kolkata prefer candidates with a background in Economics, Mathematics, or related fields.

Others? They’re more flexible. Many central and state universities allow students from non-economics backgrounds to apply—provided they meet basic eligibility and clear the entrance test.

And that’s where CUET PG comes in.

CUET PG: A Golden Gateway

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) PG is now the standardized gateway to postgraduate admissions in central universities across India.

No matter what you studied in your undergraduate degree, CUET PG allows you to apply for MA Economics—if you can crack the entrance.

And how do you crack it? It starts with knowing the CUET PG Economics Syllabus.

So, What’s in the CUET PG Economics Syllabus?

The CUET PG for Economics isn’t just about Economics.

Wait, what?

Yes, you read that right. The syllabus includes Mathematics, Statistics, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International Economics, Development Economics, and Public EconomicsFinance.

It even includes a bit of Indian Economy and logical reasoning.

In other words—it doesn’t care if you’ve studied Economics before.It only cares if you can understand the concepts now.

That’s empowering.

But What If I’ve Never Studied Economics Before?

You’re not alone. Plenty of students enter MA Economics from diverse academic backgrounds.

Here’s the secret: Economics, at its core, is about understanding how choices are made. If you have a logical mind, enjoy problem-solving, and aren’t afraid of data—you already have what it takes.

What you need now is:

• A strong grasp of BASICbasic mathematics

• Exposure to fundamental economics theories

• A focused preparation plan for CUET PG

Does that sound overwhelming? It’s not. Let’s break it down further.

Skillsets That Matter More Than Your Degree

You don’t need a BA in Economics to succeed in MA. What you need is:

1. Quantitative Ability: Comfort with algebra, calculus, and statistics.

2. Analytical Thinking: Can you understand trends, connect dots, and question data?

3. Reading Habit: Can you read economic journals, news articles, or policy papers without zoning out?

4. Curiosity: Do you wonder why inflation happens? Or what GDP doesn’t measure?

These traits matter more than your undergraduate major.

Who’s Already Doing It?

Let’s look at real-world examples.

• A commerce graduate cracked CUET and now studies MA Economics at DSE, IGIDR, JNU, GIPE, HCU, BHU etc.

• An engineering student from Mumbai is currently pursuing MA Economics at DSE, IGIDR, JNU, GIPE, HCU, BHU, Hyderabad Central University etc. Hyderabad Central University.

• A literature graduate self-studied the syllabus and got into DSE, IGIDR, JNU, GIPE, HCU, BHU, Pondicherry University etc.

What’s their common thread?

They believed their degree didn’t define their destiny.

What If You’re Still in Undergrad?

Great! You’ve got time.

Start taking online courses in Micro and Macro Economics.Practice basic mathematics daily.Read newspapers—The Hindu’s Economy section is gold.Solve past CUET PG papers.Join discussion forums. Follow ArthaPoint for updates.

The earlier you start, the easier it gets.

How to Prepare Without Prior Background?

Let’s get practical. If you’re starting from scratch, here’s a 5-step plan.

Step 1: Understand the CUET PG Economics Syllabus

This is your bible. Your roadmap. Your everything.Check the official syllabus and focus on core areas like:

• Microeconomics: Demand, supply, market equilibrium

• Macroeconomics: GDP, inflation, unemployment

• Mathematics: Derivatives, matrices, functions

• Statistics: Mean, variance, probability

• Indian Economy: Five-Year Plans, reforms, budget

Get the full breakdown here.

Step 2: Start With NCERTs

Yes, good old NCERT.

Class 11 and 12 Economics books are written in a student-friendly way. They build your base. Don’t skip them.

For math, use Class 11-12 NCERTs or RD Sharma.

Step 3: Pick the Right Books

Some tried-and-tested books include:

• H.L. Ahuja for Microeconomics and Macroeconomics

• S.P. Gupta for Statistics

• M.L. Jhingan for Indian Economy

• Sundaram & Vaish for Public Finance

Choose one book per subject. Don't hoard.

Step 4: Take Mock Tests

Start early. Even if you feel underprepared.

Mock tests show you where you stand. They build speed. And confidence.

You can find them online or on CUET prep platforms.

Step 5: Revise Smartly

Don’t just reread. Solve MCQs. Revisit weak topics. Keep a summary notebook.

Stick to the syllabus. Don’t drift.

Which Universities Accept Non-Eco Graduates?

Many central universities do. Some examples:

• Delhi School of Economics

• IGIDR

• Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

• University of Hyderabad

• Pondicherry University

• Central University of Tamil Nadu

• Jawaharlal Nehru University (under specific conditions)

Always check individual university eligibility. But CUET PG levels the field for many.

Will It Be Harder for You?

Let’s be honest.

If you’re coming from a non-economics background, the initial climb is steeper. You'll have to put in extra effort—especially in mathematical concepts and economic reasoning.

But you also bring unique perspectives. A sociology student may approach development economics differently. A commerce grad might understand market structures quicker. An engineer may excel in quantitative analysis.

The challenge? Yes.Impossible? Not at all.

Career Scope After MA Economics

You might wonder, will not having a BA in Economics affect job prospects?

Not really.

Once you have an MA in Economics, that's your last academic badge. Most employers care about your master's degree, not your undergrad.

You can apply for:

• Government exams (RBI, SEBI, Indian Economic Services)

• Data Analyst roles

• Research organizations

• Policy think tanks

• MNCs in finance, consulting, and analytics

What matters is your knowledge, skill set, and how you apply your learning.

Bonus: What Recruiters and Professors Look For

They want thinkers. People who question assumptions. Who don’t just quote Keynes or Amartya Sen—but understand why they said what they said.

They love students who bring diverse ideas to the table.Being from a different background isn’t a bug. It’s a feature—if you know how to use it.

Final Verdict: So, Can You Do It?

Absolutely.

Your BA isn’t a barrier. It’s just a background.What matters now is your intent, your effort, and your preparation.

If you’re committed to cracking the CUET PG, if you’re willing to invest your time and brainpower—then yes, you can do MA Economics.

No BA in Economics? No problem.

Because the economy needs more curious minds. And maybe—just maybe—yours is one of them.

Ready to Begin?

Start with the basics. Know the CUET PG Economics Syllabus.Make a plan. Get the right books. And most importantly—believe that you belong.

The journey may not be conventional.But that’s often where the most extraordinary stories begin.