Top 15 Careers in Economics You Must Know in 2025
Updated on Sep 11, 2025 | 9 min read | 35.12K+ views
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Updated on Sep 11, 2025 | 9 min read | 35.12K+ views
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Did You Know? India is the 4th largest economy in the world and is the fastest growing economy in the world, with a GDP growth rate of 7.8%. |
Economics is an important component and subject of study in the development of any country. The growing demand of the market, the rise in new sectors, and emerging trends, all lead to the need for economics professionals in India who can offer their expertise and skills across various roles and industries.
So, which are the top careers in economics? The top careers in economics include roles such as actuary, economist, personal financial advisor, economics teacher, data scientist, trader, actuary, quantitative analyst and more.
In this blog, we will list 15 of the best careers in economics as well as top skills and future trends in the field. So, read along as we explore the vast range of career options in economics in India!
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With an economics degree, you can go for a wide range of career opportunities and in various sectors. You can find roles in the government sector, finance, analysis, consulting, market research as well as education.
The following are the 15 highest-paying careers in economics in India:
Job Profile |
Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
Economist |
16 Lakhs |
11.3 Lakhs |
|
Credit analyst |
4.9 lakhs |
6.7 Lakhs |
|
Market Research Analyst |
4.4 Lakhs |
3 Lakhs |
|
Financial Analyst |
6.3 Lakhs |
Economic Consultant |
11 Lakhs |
Accountant |
11 Lakhs |
Statistician |
6.1 Lakhs |
Economics Teacher |
5.4 Lakhs |
Economics Professor |
12 Lakhs |
Lawyer |
5 Lakhs |
Stockbroker |
3 Lakhs |
Risk Analyst |
8 Lakhs |
9.8 Lakhs |
|
Trader |
7.4 Lakhs |
Source: Ambition Box
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Economics graduates are eligible for a range of government and public sector jobs in India.
Here are the most popular careers in economics in the government sector:
Government Job Role | Average Annual Basic Pay (in INR) |
Indian Economic Officer (IES) | 7.76 lakhs |
RBI Grade B Officer | 6.62 lakhs |
Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) | 5.71 lakhs |
Income Tax Inspector (via SSC CGL) | 5.38 lakhs |
SEBI Grade A Assistant Manager | 5.34 lakhs |
Note: These numbers are the basic pay and exclude other additional allowances like DA, TA, HRA
Get to know the Scope of MA Economics and 20+ Job Opportunities in 2025
India’s GDP is expected to grow at a rate of 7 percent for FY25, hence paving the way for a flourishing economic impact. In fact, India’s GDP has witnessed phenomenal growth in the past decade, landing India a place among the top GDP countries.
India is set to become a major force in the world economy and shall face a growing need for economics experts to lead the way towards economic as well as socio-economic development. More and more countries are considering India as a potential future market and making calculative investments due to its proven track record in economic growth.
Here are some predicted trends in Indian economics:
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Integration of Data Science and Analytics in Economics: More and more industries are now prioritizing data for decision-making. Herein, economists with expertise in statistical analysis and data science will be in demand, particularly in finance, tech, and government sectors for predictive modeling and data insights.
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Fintech and Digital Finance careers: The impact of digital finance has been revolutionizing in India, with its unique approach to accessibility and affordability. The growth of fintech and digital finance shall create opportunities for economists skilled in financial technologies, blockchain, and digital currencies to work on market regulation, economic forecasting, and financial innovations.
Careers in behavioral economics: With the current market demand for an advanced understanding of consumer behavior, behavioral economics careers are projected to be in demand. There will focus on market research, consumer psychology, and decision-making techniques to improve marketing and business tactics.
Rise of health economics: There will be a greater need for health economics specialists as India's healthcare industry grows. There will be a demand for economic professionals to assess policies, finance healthcare, and enhance access to medical services within public health programs.
We explored how economics offers diverse and dynamic career opportunities in India, ranging from finance to policy-making. With the growing need for data-driven insights, professionals can thrive in sectors like banking, consulting, and government.
The increasing importance of sustainability, digital finance, and health economics further broadens the scope of economics in India. There are now ample avenues for growth. By combining analytical skills with real-world applications, graduates explore a range of careers in economics.
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After your BA in Economics, you can take UPSC for civil services, RBI Grade B, Indian Economic Service, SSC, or banking exams. If you’re thinking about higher studies, CAT, GMAT, or GRE are good options for MBA or global programs.
It really depends on your interest and mindset. Economics involves logic, real-world thinking, and data interpretation. It’s not heavy on complex math, but it does require focus and curiosity. If you enjoy understanding how things work, it becomes easier over time.
Starting salaries for BA Economics graduates are usually ₹3 to ₹5 lakh per year. This depends on the role and sector you choose. Finance, research, and consulting often pay more, and you can earn more with experience or a master’s degree.
fter a BA in economics, you can pursue professional courses like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst, CS (Company Secretary), Data Analytics, FRM (Financial Risk Management) and even Actuarial Science. With these courses, you can work across domains such as finance, business and policy.
Top economists working in central banks, global firms, or international organizations can earn ₹30 to ₹50 LPA in India. In international roles or senior policy positions, salaries can cross ₹1 crore depending on experience, education, and area of specialization.
No doing a BA economics doesn't always require you to have math in 12th. Some colleges allow students from any stream, while others prefer students who had math in 12th. Having basic math skills helps, but the subject focuses more on concepts and analysis than complex calculations.
CEO roles usually have the highest pay, especially in private companies. Other high-paying jobs include investment banking, management consulting, and top legal or medical positions. Salaries vary a lot based on your field, company, and years of experience.
You can become a research analyst, policy advisor, financial analyst, or work in consulting. Many go into civil services or pursue an MBA. Economics gives you a flexible base to work in government, private companies, or even non-profits and think tanks.
There are various careers in economics that do not need math. Your top choices are in policy research, economic journalism, development studies, or consulting. These jobs rely more on writing, research, and big-picture thinking than technical math or complex equations.
Absolutely, there’s plenty of scope. Economics graduates work in finance, policy, consulting, research, data, and more. As the world becomes more data-driven and policy-focused, people who understand economic systems are needed in both public and private sectors.
After 12th, you can go for a BA or BSc in Economics. These degrees lead to jobs in banking, analytics, public policy, and more. With the right skills and internships, you can get into finance, data science, research, or even civil services.
BA Economics is more theory-focused and often includes humanities subjects. BSc Economics is usually more technical and math heavy. If you're into policy, research, or social impact, BA might suit you more. For data or research, BSc is better.
Yes, you can do an MBA after BA Economics. You can choose any specialization to go in your desired space. With an economics undergraduate background, you bring in strong analytical and reasoning skills, which are useful in MBA entrance exams.
The top fields for economics jobs in India are finance, banking, analytics, public policy, consulting, and government. There's growing demand in sustainability, tech, and international trade too. Economics fits many industries because it builds skills in decision-making, analysis, and understanding how markets and people behave.
An economist studies economic systems, trends, and public policy, often in research or government roles. On the other hand, a financial analyst focuses on companies, markets, and investments. Both work with data, but economists look at big-picture trends, while analysts deal with business performance.
It really depends on your personal preferences when choosing between economics and commerce. Commerce is more concerned with business, accounting, and trade, while economics studies how economies and markets work. So based on what interests you more, you can have your pick.
Yes, you can work in banking jobs after your graduation in economics. You can get roles in both the public and private sectors. You can also prepare for banking exams like IBPS or SBI to enter public sector banks.
Economic consultants provide businesses or governments with economic strategy advice, economic consultants examine data and trends. By applying economic theory and data analysis, they assist in resolving issues such as pricing, regulation, or market competition.
Yes, internships provide real-world experience and improve job prospects. They assist you in putting your education into practice, expand your professional network and grow your professional network, and improving your resume for post-graduation job applications.
You can go for programs in public policy, finance, data analytics, international relations, or an MA or MBA in economics. A lot of students get ready for the civil service or pursue master's degrees in development studies.
References:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id=155121&NoteId=155121&ModuleId
https://www.worldeconomics.com/Countries-With-Highest-Growth/India.aspx
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/economist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/financial-advisor-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/economics-teacher-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/economics-professor-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/economic-consultant-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/consultant-economist-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/actuary-salary-SRCH_KO0,7.htm
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https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/market-research-analyst-salary
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https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/chartered-accountant-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/lawyer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/business-analyst-salary
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https://ecoholics.in/indian-economic-service-syllabus-eligibility-and-exam-pattern/
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Nitin Gurmukhani is a seasoned professional specializing in Digital Marketing Professional with experience in Performance Marketing (Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Linkedin Ads, Youtube Ads), SEO (Search E...
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