B.A. Economics Vs B.A. (Hons.) Economics - Fee, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Career Prospect, Salary

Students interested in studying Economics can pursue BA Economics or BA (Hons.) Economics. Both are 3-year undergraduate courses with similar eligibility and admission criteria. While BA Economics offers a foundational understanding, BA (Hons.) Economics provides deeper, analytical knowledge.

Table of Contents

About BA Economics and BA (Hons.) Economics
BA Economics Vs BA (Hons.) Economics - Eligibility
BA (Hons.) Economics Vs BA Economics - Admission Process
BA Economics Vs BA (Hons.) Economics - Syllabus
BA (Hons.) Economics Vs BA Economics - Career Scope
Top Colleges for BA (Hons.) Economics and BA Economics
Faqs

B.A. Economics Vs B.A. (Hons.) Economics: There are various options available for students who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in Economics. Programs such as Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) , B.Com (Hons.) , Bachelor of Arts (BA), BA (Hons.), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) , and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) offer the opportunity to study economics. However, students often face confusion when deciding between BA in Economics and BA (Hons.) Economics.

If you find yourself in a similar dilemma, it's important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing a course. The right choice depends on several factors that align with your interests and preferences.

About BA Economics and BA (Hons.) Economics

Mentioned below are the basic details that will help you differentiate between the courses.

Features	BA Economics	BA (Hons.) Economics
About	The BA Economics programme deals with the key aspects of improving the overall profitability of an organisation with the help of different techniques and approaches.	The BA (Hons.) Economics programme deals with the definitions, limitations, scope, markets, producers, distributors, and consumers of services and goods within an economy.
Duration	3 Years	3 Years
Who Should Study?	This programme is for students who are interested in the quantitative as well as qualitative approaches to Social Science.	The BA (Hons.) The economics programme is designed for candidates who are interested in delving into the nuances of the Indian Economy as well as the economics around the world.

BA Economics Vs BA (Hons.) Economics - Eligibility

You can check the detailed eligibility criteria for BA Economics and BA (Hons.) courses here:

The eligibility criteria for BA Economics and BA (Hons.) Economics is more or less similar.
For both programmes, you will be required to pass Class XII or equivalent examinations from a recognised board.
You must have scored at least 45% marks in the qualifying examination.
The minimum percentage required can vary greatly from institute to institute.
There are no specified subject requirements for the course but for BA (Hons.) Economics, if you studied Economics/ Commerce/ Mathematics in Class 12, you might be given preference over the others.
To study Economics, you must have a decent grasp or understanding of Mathematics.

Also Read: How to Choose the Right Specialization in B.A after Class 12th?

BA (Hons.) Economics Vs BA Economics - Admission Process

As the eligibility criteria, the admission process of the courses is also similar.

Application

You will have to apply for the programme through the official website of the intended college.
As per the provisions, you will either have to download an application form to fill it in offline mode or you will have to complete the application process in online mode.
You will also be required to submit supporting documents during the application.

Entrance Exams

After completing the application process, if the intended college offers admissions through an entrance exam, you will be required to appear in it.
You will be provided with all the relevant information.

Selection Process

In the case of entrance exams, the selection will be done on the basis of candidates’ performance in the exam.
In the case of direct admissions, the selection will be done on the basis of the percentage scored by candidates in the Class 12 examinations.

BA Economics Vs BA (Hons.) Economics - Syllabus

The major difference between BA Economics and BA (Hons.) Economics is the topic covered in the programmes.

Subjects Taught in BA Economics	Subjects Taught in BA (Hons.) Economics
The course teaches the concepts of finance, markets, banking, principles of business, money, etc. The importance of statistics (a crucial part of economics) is deeply ingrained in the programme. The underlying topics include demand, production, supply, the history of the Indian economy, national income, inflow and the outflow of capital, international economics, inflation, operations of loans, deflation of currency, etc.	Where the BA Economics course covers the basics of Economics, the BA (Hons.) Economics gives an in-depth knowledge of the same. In this programme, you will study demand, price, income, consumer equilibrium, production laws, market, economic analysis, the evolution of economics, mechanisation, small-scale industries, major industries, and cottage industries. The course also covers the Indian economy, fiscal deficit, public finance of India and related topics in detail.

Subjects Taught in BA Economics

Subjects Taught in BA (Hons.) Economics

The course teaches the concepts of finance, markets, banking, principles of business, money, etc.
The importance of statistics (a crucial part of economics) is deeply ingrained in the programme.
The underlying topics include demand, production, supply, the history of the Indian economy, national income, inflow and the outflow of capital, international economics, inflation, operations of loans, deflation of currency, etc.

Where the BA Economics course covers the basics of Economics, the BA (Hons.) Economics gives an in-depth knowledge of the same.
In this programme, you will study demand, price, income, consumer equilibrium, production laws, market, economic analysis, the evolution of economics, mechanisation, small-scale industries, major industries, and cottage industries.
The course also covers the Indian economy, fiscal deficit, public finance of India and related topics in detail.

BA (Hons.) Economics Vs BA Economics - Career Scope

If you have studied BA (Hons.) Economics, you may have an upper hand in the related job market due to the in-depth knowledge of the field given through this programme. Although, the employment areas and job profiles in both courses are more or less similar. If depends on your calibre and skills whether you an average salary package after the course or a handsome one. You can explore some of the options given in the table below.

Employment Areas	Banking Sector Indian Economic Services (IES) UPSC SSC Analysis and Forecasting Firms Manufacturing Firms Stock Exchanges Financial Information Firms Agricultural Companies International Trade Companies Multi-National Companies
Job Profiles	Sales Analyst Economist Economics Researcher Investment Administrator Investment Analyst Profit Analyst
Salary Package	The initial salary package can range from INR 4 LPA to INR 12 LPA. The salary increases with experience.

Also Read: Government Jobs After BA Economics - Vacancies, Examinations, Job Profiles, Salary

Top Colleges for BA (Hons.) Economics and BA Economics

Some of the top colleges for both courses are given below. One should select the college on the basis of several determinants such as faculty, placement history, curriculum, location, fees, ranking etc.

Jadavpur University Kolkata	Presidency College Chennai
Guru Kashi University (GKU), Bathinda	SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat
Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), Delhi	Loyola College, Chennai
Miranda House University College for Women, New Delhi	Madras Christian College - MCC, Chennai
St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai	KJ Somaya College of Arts & Commerce, Mumbai
University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram	Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai
Stella Marris College, Chennai	Banasthali University, Vanasthali
University of Calcutta, Kolkata	University of Madras, Chennai
Hindu College, Delhi University	Hansraj College, Delhi - University of Delhi
Fergusson College, Pune	Jesus and Mary College (JMC), New Delhi

Listed above are the top economics colleges in India. You can get admission to these colleges by filling the Common Application Form (CAF) at CollegeDekho. Our experts will assist you throughout the admission process. You can also avail FREE instant counselling by dialling our toll-free number 1800-572-9877.

Similar Courses

Here is a list of similar courses that may interest you.

Bachelor in Business Economics	BBA in Business Economics
B.Com Economics	B.Com Applied Economics
B.Com Business Economics

Hope the comparison drawn above helped you. If you still have any queries, leave us your question on CollegeDekho QnA Zone .

Good Luck!

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FAQs

What are the career opportunities after completing BA Economics or BA (Hons.) Economics?

Graduates can pursue roles such as economist, data analyst, financial consultant, or researcher in sectors like banking, finance, policy, and government services.

What are the eligibility criteria for admission to BA Economics and BA (Hons.) Economics?

Candidates must pass Class 12 with at least 45% marks. Preference is often given to students with Economics, Mathematics, or Commerce backgrounds for BA (Hons.) Economics.

Which course is better for higher studies in Economics, BA Economics or BA (Hons.) Economics?

BA (Hons.) Economics is ideal for those planning to pursue master’s or research programs, as it includes advanced theoretical and quantitative topics.

What is the main difference between BA Economics and BA (Hons.) Economics courses?

BA Economics provides a general overview of economic principles, while BA (Hons.) Economics offers a deeper, analytical study of national and global economic systems.

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I gave my XIIth exam from NIOS, which I, unfortunately, could not clear. I have applied for revaluation. In that scenario, can I still apply for B.A admission at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara?

-Manpreet KaurUpdated on December 21, 2025 12:37 AM

34 Answers

vridhi, Student / Alumni

Yes, you can apply for provisional admission to LPU for the B.A. program while your NIOS revaluation result is pending. The university accepts applications from students who are awaiting their final results. You will be required to submit your revised mark sheet once it is available to complete the admission process and finalize your enrollment.

Are the LPUNEST PYQs available?

-naveenUpdated on December 25, 2025 02:25 PM

67 Answers

vridhi, Student / Alumni

Yes, LPU PYQ are available for practical and students can easily access sample papers and previous year papers through LPU official site and student support. these papers help in understanding exam pattern and preparing better, LPU always supports students with proper guidance and resources. in addition the official website also provides sample papers to help students with their preparation.

Can I do BA Psychology with Physical Education and Political Science

-ashmeen kaurUpdated on December 23, 2025 05:07 PM

1 Answer

Apoorva Bali, Content Team

Yes, you can pursue a BA in Psychology at Chitkara University, Patiala, but the specific combination of Physical Education and Political Science as elective or ancillary subjects may depend on the university's course structure and available electives for that year.