How Does BA Economics Differ from a BSc Economics Degree

Apoorva Bali

Updated On: August 06, 2025 04:31 PM

Confused between BA and BSc Economics after Class 12? Discover the key differences, career prospects, and which course aligns better with your goals in economics, data, policy, or research.
How Does BA Economics Differ from a BSc Economics Degree

If you’re in Class 12 or have just completed your board exams and are planning to build a career in Economics, exploring areas like market trends, policies, and value systems, you might be hitting a common roadblock: Choosing between a BA Economics and a BSc Economics degree.

Both these courses seem to lead in the same direction, that is, an Economics degree. However, the focus, structure, skill development, and career outcomes can always differ between the courses. This article will break down the difference between BA Economics and BSc Economics to help you and many other students understand what both these courses are all about and then make an informed decision.

What is BA Economics?

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics is an undergraduate program that studies economics through social sciences and liberal arts . Its main emphasis is to make students understand economic theory, public policy, historical context, and political analysis . You will also study subjects like development economics, international relations, sociology, and political economy.

The main focus of this course is to build a strong theoretical and qualitative understanding of economic concepts. It will suit students who enjoy and want to pursue their career in the fields of writing, critical thinking , and at the same time, exploring the human and social aspects of economic decisions.

Career paths mostly include civil services (like UPSC ), public policy think tanks, NGOs, academic research, and teaching.

Check Best Career Options after BA Economics Degree

What is BSc Economics?

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Economics degree focuses mainly on mathematics, statistics, and quantitative methods and their applications . This course is structured for students who enjoy numbers, logical reasoning, and analytical problem-solving. The subjects included in the course are: econometrics, game theory, mathematical modeling, and statistical methods.

BSc Economics is a science stream in economics degree that prepares its students for roles that include a lot of data and numbers. The domains that you will be able to explore after the completion of this course are: finance, consulting, analytics, research , and international organizations . Students enrolling in this course also get the opportunity to learn Coding, data tools like R and Python, and advanced mathematics.

BA vs BSc Economics: Key Differences

There are some major differences between BA Economics and BSc Economics, which you must understand. Knowing these differences will help you to make a very informed decision.

Feature

BSc Economics

BA Economics

Stream

Science

Arts

Common Subjects

Econometrics, Calculus, Game Theory

History, Sociology, Political Science

Skill development

Logical Reasoning, Data Analytics

Critical thinking, writing

Career scope

Consulting, Analysis, Finance

Civil Services, Teaching

Focus Area

Maths, Statistics, Modeling

Theory, qualitative, Policy

Eligibility

12th Standard (Maths is required)

12th Standard (Arts/Commerce)

Which Degree Should You Choose?

Based on the following points, you can choose which degree is best for you:

Choose BA Economics if:

  • You are interested in subjects like History, and you want to learn political science or Sociology
  • You are determined to pursue your career in the fields of Civil services, government jobs, public policy maker, or research

Choose BSc Economics if:

  • You enjoy mathematics and you are more leaned towards Statistics and analytical thinking.
  • You want to pursue your career in the fields of finance, consulting, banking, and more data-driven roles.
  • You are also planning to pursue an MSc degree or want to work in a global financial firm.

Eligibility & Admission Process

The eligibility criteria for both courses vary. The following differentiations will help you understand:

BA Economics :

  • Open to students pursuing the Arts or Commerce stream
  • Maths is optional in many universities.
  • Universities like Delhi University require entrance exams such as CUET .
BSc Economics :
  • Typically, for students who belong to the Science stream with Mathematics is one compulsory subject.
  • Select universities may require entrance exams like the Ashoka Aptitude Test , ISI Admission Test , or IIT-HSEE .

Career Scope & Higher Studies

Both degrees open up strong career scope pathways for you in the future, though the nature of roles varies in many ways:

If you pursue a BA Economics, then career scopes for you include :
  • Civil services , teaching , academic research, or policy analysis .
  • NGOs, government departments, and media also hire BA grads.
If you BSc in Economics, then career scopes for you include:
  • Finance , investment banking , consulting , data science , or international trade sectors.
  • Higher education options mostly include MA, MSc, MBA, M.Phil., or Ph.D. in economics, public policy, business, or analytics.

Top Colleges Offering BA Economics and BSc Economics Courses

The table below mentions the top institutions in India offering BA Economics and BSc Economics degrees:

BSc Economics

BA Economics

Indian Statistical Institutes

JNU

Ashoka University

Delhi University

Shiv Nadar University

Lady Shri Ram University

IIT Kharagpur

Presidency University, Kolkata

Deciding between a BA and a BSc in Economics isn’t always easy, but understanding your own interests and strengths can make the choice much clearer. If you're drawn to understanding how economics interacts with society, politics, or public policy, a BA might be the right fit. But if you're more inclined towards numbers, data, and analytical problem-solving, a BSc could open the door to more technical and finance-focused roles.

Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?

Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a bright future!

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FAQs

Which economics degree is better for UPSC?

BA Economics is better suited for UPSC as it covers social sciences, public policy, and current affairs, aligning closely with the civil services syllabus.

What is the salary after BA vs BSc Economics?

BA Economics grads typically earn ₹3–6 LPA in public policy, teaching, or civil services. BSc grads earn ₹5–10 LPA in finance, analytics, and private firms.

Can I switch from BA to BSc Economics later?

Switching from BA Economics to BSc Economics is difficult due to different course structures and subjects like advanced Maths in BSc. You may need to restart or take bridge courses if allowed.

Is BA Economics better than BSc Economics?

It depends mostly on your interests: BA Economics is better for theory and governance roles, while BSc Economics is ideal and it's main focus is on analytical and finance-driven careers. Neither is universally better.

What is the salary difference between BA and BSc Economics?

BSc graduates often start with higher salaries due to technical skills, averaging Rs5–10 LPA; BA grads earn Rs3–6 LPA depending on role, sector, and experience.

Which has better career options: BA or BSc Economics?

Both the courses offer good career options; BA suits civil services and policy roles, while BSc offers stronger opportunities in finance, consulting, and data analytics.

Can I do BA Economics without Maths?

Yes, many universities allow Arts or Commerce students to pursue BA Economics without Mathematics as one of their main subjects in 12th, as the program emphasizes theory, policy, and qualitative analysis over numbers.

Is Maths compulsory for BSc Economics?

Yes, most universities require Mathematics as a compulsory subject in the 12th for BSc Economics due to the course’s quantitative and analytical subjects.

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