How to become an Economist in India
अर्थशास्त्री
Study how money, jobs, prices and policies work, and advise governments, banks and companies.
- Streams
- Commerce, Arts / Humanities, Science (PCM)
- Time it takes
- 5 years for a master’s; research roles often need a PhD
- Key exams
- CUET, CUET, ISI Admission Test
What you actually do
- Analyse data on growth, inflation, trade and employment
- Build economic models and forecasts
- Write policy papers and reports explaining what the data means
A day in the life
Downloading the latest inflation and GDP releases, running a regression, discussing a policy question with colleagues, and drafting a section of a report.
The path, step by step
- Class 9–10: maths and social science interestabout 2 yr
- Class 11–12: Economics with Mathematics (Commerce, Arts or Science)about 2 yr
- B.A./B.Sc Economics (Hons) (3–4 years) via CUET (UG)about 3 yr
- M.A./M.Sc Economics (2 years); prepare for UPSC IES or a PhDabout 2 yr
- First job: Indian Economic Service officer, research analyst at a bank, think tank or consultancyabout 1 yr
Entrance and recruitment exams
| Exam | Conducted by | How often |
|---|---|---|
| CUET (UG) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Once a year (usually May–June) |
| CUET (PG) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Once a year |
| ISI Admission Test | Indian Statistical Institute | Once a year |
| Indian Economic Service / Indian Statistical Service Examination | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | Once a year |
| UGC NET | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Twice a year (June and December cycles) |
Exam dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle. Always read the latest notice on the official website before you apply.
Cost and pay
Government / public route
Central and state universities: low tuition
Private route
Private universities: roughly ₹1–4 lakh per year
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Salary
Indian Economic Service officers are paid on the 7th CPC pay matrix (entry Group A); private and research pay varies widely. See the UPSC notice and the official pay matrix.
Skills that matter
Is this for me?
Good fit if…
- You wonder why prices and jobs change
- You like both maths and social questions
- You enjoy writing arguments backed by data
Maybe not, if…
- You dislike statistics
- You want quick, hands-on practical work
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Common questions
How do I become an Economist in India?
1. Class 9–10: maths and social science interest 2. Class 11–12: Economics with Mathematics (Commerce, Arts or Science) 3. B.A./B.Sc Economics (Hons) (3–4 years) via CUET (UG) 4. M.A./M.Sc Economics (2 years); prepare for UPSC IES or a PhD 5. First job: Indian Economic Service officer, research analyst at a bank, think tank or consultancy
Which entrance exams lead to a career as an Economist?
CUET (UG) (National Testing Agency (NTA)); CUET (PG) (National Testing Agency (NTA)); ISI Admission Test (Indian Statistical Institute); Indian Economic Service / Indian Statistical Service Examination (Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)); UGC NET (National Testing Agency (NTA)). Check each official website for current dates and eligibility.
Which stream should I choose after Class 10 to become an Economist?
Commerce, Arts / Humanities, Science (PCM).
How long does it take to become an Economist?
5 years for a master’s; research roles often need a PhD
How much does it cost to become an Economist?
Government route: Central and state universities: low tuition. Private route: Private universities: roughly ₹1–4 lakh per year. Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
What is the salary of an Economist in India?
Indian Economic Service officers are paid on the 7th CPC pay matrix (entry Group A); private and research pay varies widely. See the UPSC notice and the official pay matrix.
Sources and last check
We list every rate, limit and date this page relies on, where it comes from and when we last checked it. Rules change: please confirm on the official website before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
- Economist: path, eligibility and costsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
UPSC (IES/ISS Examination) · Department of Expenditure — 7th CPC pay matrix · University Grants Commission
- Entrance and recruitment examsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Frequency shown is typical; dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle.
CUET (UG) — National Testing Agency (NTA) · CUET (PG) — National Testing Agency (NTA) · ISI Admission Test — Indian Statistical Institute · Indian Economic Service / Indian Statistical Service Examination — Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) · UGC NET — National Testing Agency (NTA)
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