Department of Economics & Finance

Department of Economics & Finance

The Economics and Finance department at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus offers various academic programmes and research-focused courses in economics, finance and management, emphasizing a strong conceptual foundation to promote the application of knowledge to real-world issues. Since its inception in 2008, it is committed to adopting the best pedagogical methods to train future leaders and researchers. Our students and research scholars excelled in both academics and industry. We provide opportunities for our research scholars to engage in interdisciplinary projects and acquire industry-relevant skills. Our faculty, recognized in their fields, hail from prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs, IGIDR, ISI, ISEC, UoH and JNU. The department has secured funding from notable national and international bodies such as ICSSR, NHRC, IIBF, SANDEE, Shastri-Indo Canadian Institute, ERIA and ADB. Faculty expertise spans Development Economics, International Economics, Behavioral Economics, Regional Economics, Money and Banking, Financial Economics and Management, among other areas.

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Our Vision
and Mission

Vision: The department is committed to providing exceptional training in economics, finance, and management, focusing on strong conceptual foundations and real-world application, while preparing students for success in various sectors and promoting a research-driven environment for faculty, scholars and students.

Mission: 1. The department is committed to employing the best pedagogical methods to train future leaders and researchers in economics, finance and management.
2. We strive to inspire innovative thinking among our students, equipping them to contribute effectively to addressing the pressing issues and challenges facing both the nation and the world.

Programmes Offered

Research

High-quality research with numerous funded projects and a repertoire of highly talented and motivated research scholars (Ph.D students/project staff) provides the department with a vibrant research environment. The faculty have high-quality publications and patents to their credit. The Department of Biological Sciences is a recipient of the FIST (Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure) grant from the Department of Science and Technology, Govt of India, for the development of research and teaching infrastructure.

Scholars

Mou Jana

Ph.D. Supervisor - Prof. Swati Alok,

Co. Supervisor - Ph.D. Status - Ongoing

Venkata Sai Bhanu Sachin Amirapu

Ph.D. Supervisor - Prof. Nivedita Sinha, Prof. Aruna Malapati

Co. Supervisor - Ph.D. Status - Ongoing

G Srineha

Ph.D. Topic - Investment Banking Research in Understanding Market Volatility

Ph.D. Supervisor - Prof. Thota Nagaraju

Co. Supervisor - Ph.D. Status - Ongoing

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Campus
Hyderabad
Division/Department
Hyderabad-Economics and Finance
Departments
Economics

Ph.D. in Economics & Finance

Ph.D.

Economics & Finance


Offered at: Pilani, Hyderabad, Goa

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Building Global Experts in Research and Policy


The Ph.D. programme in Economics & Finance at BITS Pilani is at the cutting edge of academic excellence in preparing students for conducting advanced research in areas such as macroeconomics, financial markets, development economics and quantitative finance. In addition to a robust curriculum and exposure to world-class educators, participants embrace exposure to empirical tools and competencies for inquiry and analysis. Participants conduct individual research projects collaboratively with interdisciplinary faculty to address real-world problems, from sustainable investing to policy intervention, in a global perspective. A commitment to ethical inquiry, scholarly rigour and industry relevance is deeply embedded in the programme so that graduates are prepared to be economists, financial analysts, policy advisors and academic scholars of distinction in institutions across the globe.


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Students offered an Institute fellowship will receive ₹37,000 per month. The fellowship may be enhanced to ₹40,000 or ₹42,000 after two years, based on performance.

Institute Fellows will also receive a contingency amount of ₹20,000 per year. Students admitted through Sponsored Projects will receive fellowship support in accordance with the funding agency guidelines

Key Research Milestones

Core Research Areas Fueling Innovation in Economics and Finance

The Department offers a full-time Ph.D. programme in the following thrust areas of its research.

Macroeconomic Models and Policy

Microeconomic Analysis

Money and Financial Markets

Financial Engineering, Econometric Studies

Financial Modeling, Mathematical Economics

Environmental Economics

Resource Management Systems

Growth Economics

Banking, Micro Finance

Capital Markets

Macroeconomic Modeling

Applied Finance

Environment and Resource Economics International Trade and Finance

Strategy

Financial Management

Corporate Planning

Entrepreneurship

Project Management

Ph.D. Admission and Support Information

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:


  • M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm./MBA/M.Phil. (or equivalent) with minimum 60% aggregate.
  • M.Sc./B.E./B.Pharm. (or equivalent) with minimum 60% aggregate.
  • M.A. degree holders with minimum 55% aggregate may apply.
  • Minimum one year of relevant work experience is mandatory.

Additional Notes

  • Meeting minimum eligibility does not guarantee admission.
  • Departments may set additional shortlisting criteria—candidates must check departmental webpages for details.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a written test and/or interview, as recommended by the Department Research Committee (DRC).
  • Coursework requirements:
    • First Degree holders (M.Sc., B.E., B.Pharm., etc.): Minimum 6 courses / 24 units in the first two semesters.
    • Higher Degree holders (M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm./MBA/M.Phil., etc.): Minimum 2 courses / 6 units in the first semester.
  • Admission is provisional and confirmed after clearing the qualifying exam and/or approval of the PhD proposal by the DRC.

  • All full-time PhD students admitted to the PhD program will receive a fellowship for up to a maximum of five years.
  • The fellowship could be from the Institute or the Sponsored Projects. PhD students may also be eligible for their own fellowship if qualified through the UGC/CSIR NET.
  • Students offered an Institute fellowship will receive ₹37,000 per month. The fellowship may be enhanced to ₹40,000/- or ₹42,000/- after two years, based on performance. Institute Fellows will also receive a contingency amount of ₹20,000/- per year.
  • Students offered admission through Sponsored Projects would receive the fellowship in accordance with the funding agency guidelines.
  • BITS Pilani provides International Travel Support of up to ₹1.5 lakh to full-time PhD students to present their work in an international conference

Application Process

  1. The online admission portal opens on 26 September 2025.
  2. Eligible candidates must apply through the official application form available at the provided admission website. No hard copy needs to be sent.
  3. Applicants must register online using a valid mobile number and email ID to generate login credentials.
  4. Candidates must select their preferred BITS Pilani campus(es) while filling the form.
    1. Preferences must be chosen carefully.
    2. They cannot be changed after submission.
  5. The completed application form and the prescribed application fee must be submitted online before the deadline.
  1. Last date to submit the application form: 17 November 2025, 5:00 PM.
  2. A non-refundable application fee of ₹2600 is payable at submission.
  3. Only one application is allowed.
    1. An edit option will be available until the deadline for correcting any mistakes.
  4. The final admission decision will be made by the Institute’s Admission Committee, and the decision will be binding on all applicants.

To learn more about the Ph.D admissions process at BITS Pilani, please visit the website https://www.bitsadmission.com

Faculty Cultivating Breakthrough Thinkers in Chemical Engineering

Aditya Sharma


Assistant Professor,
Department of Economics and Finance, BITS Pilani,
Pilani Campus

Aprajita Pandey


Assistant Professor,
Department of Economics and Finance, BITS Pilani,
Pilani Campus

Arfat Ahmad Sofi


Assistant Professor

You Asked.
We Answered.

At BITS Pilani, the PhD in Economics & Finance focuses on macro, micro, econometrics and financial markets. You’ll build models, analyse real datasets, present papers and work closely with your advisor.

The programme begins with Department‑prescribed coursework (typically one year), then moves to qualifier exams, research proposal and guided doctoral research culminating in thesis submission.

Applicants need 60% / 6.0 CGPA or above in Master’s (MA/MSc/ MCom / MBA Finance / equivalent). Engineering or management graduates with relevant background may also apply.

Shortlisted candidates are typically evaluated via a written test (research aptitude, economics/finance) and then through an interview assessing domain knowledge and research potential.

Yes. BITS Pilani allows part‑time PhD admission (subject to departmental consent). Such candidates must meet eligibility and may not receive institute fellowships.

Coursework is mandatory in the initial phase (often two semesters) as prescribed by the Department Research Committee, after which candidates move fully into research.

The Ph.D in Economics & Finance is offered across Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad campuses under the institute’s central PhD admissions.

Yes. Full-time Ph.D. scholars at BITS Pilani can receive fellowships. Institute Fellows get ₹37,000 per month, rising to ₹40,000–₹42,000 after two years, plus ₹20,000 per year as contingency. Sponsored project scholars are funded as per agency guidelines.

Applications are submitted online via BITSAdmission’s PhD portal. The call, deadlines and campus preferences are published on the official BITS Pilani admission site.

BITS Pilani facilitates exposure to academia, research institutions, policy roles, industry and consultancy. The Institute’s placement infrastructure and network bolster visibility and career growth.

Campus
Pilani
Goa
Hyderabad
Program Type
PhD
Content Type
Courses
Degree
Doctoral Degree
Departments
Economics