Established with the College in 1966; elevated to postgraduate status in 2011 — a Panjab-University-recognised Doctoral Research Centre and a faculty of five engaged in teaching, mentoring and research.
An introduction to our history, our teaching philosophy, and the scholarly tradition we work within.
The Department of Economics, established in 1966 alongside the College’s inception, has grown steadily in both scope and academic excellence. Initially offering undergraduate programmes, the Department was elevated to the postgraduate level in 2011, marking a significant milestone in its academic journey. The Department now hosts an approved Doctoral Research Centre recognised by Panjab University under the Faculty of Arts for undertaking research leading to the award of the Ph.D. in Economics.
Led by Dr Meenu Soni, the Department is supported by a highly dedicated and qualified faculty, each with diverse specialisations and a strong commitment to teaching, research and academic engagement. Faculty actively contribute to the academic community through participation in national and international seminars, conferences, public lectures and research initiatives.
The Department places strong emphasis on student support and development through a structured mentor-mentee programme, remedial classes for academic reinforcement, and specialised UGC NET training. It is supported by the approved Doctoral Research Centre and a dedicated Book Bank for students in need. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation for nurturing successful professionals — entrepreneurs, educators, bankers and administrators — and remains committed to adapting to the evolving needs of the discipline through seminars, conferences, extension lectures, educational tours and field visits.
Educators and researchers who shape the academic life of the department.
A faculty of five with specialisations spanning macroeconomics, public finance, development economics, knowledge economy and quantitative methods. Click any card to view a full profile.
Undergraduate, postgraduate and add-on courses offered by the department.
The Postgraduate Department of Economics hosts an approved Doctoral Research Centre, recognised by Panjab University under the Faculty of Arts, for undertaking research work leading to the award of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Economics. The Centre serves as a designated unit for doctoral research and operates in accordance with the academic standards and regulations prescribed by the University. Dr Meenu Soni is the Coordinator of the Research Centre.
Two-year postgraduate programme covering theoretical and applied economics. Postgraduate study was introduced at the Department in 2011 and has built a sustained record of student outcomes since.
NEP-aligned undergraduate programmes in Economics — three-year B.A., three-year B.A. (Honours) and four-year B.A. (Honours with Research) with a research-methodology and dissertation component at the senior level.
Economics offered as an interdisciplinary subject within B.Com. and BBA programmes.
Economics offered as an interdisciplinary subject within the M.Com. programme.
Lectures, seminars, workshops, field trips and student-led work that extend learning beyond the classroom.
A landmark public lecture on “Economics and Policy Innovation in India” at the MGSIPA Auditorium, Sector 26, Chandigarh, delivered by Prof. Michael Kremer, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences (2019) and Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago, USA. Organised by CRRID and the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation in collaboration with MGSIPA. 30 students and 5 faculty of the PG Department of Economics attended. The session analysed Kremer’s seminal contributions to development economics — particularly human capital and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) — and explored policy innovations relevant to India in education, healthcare and poverty alleviation, with emphasis on the growing role of AI-based research in evidence-based policymaking.
A one-day industrial visit to Aura Spinning Mills, a unit of Vardhman Textiles, in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, with 45 students and faculty participating. The visit provided practical exposure to textile manufacturing — raw material processing, spinning, quality control and packaging — alongside industrial management, labour relations, production efficiency and supply chain mechanisms. The trip strengthened student understanding of industrial economics, sharpened analytical and observational skills and reinforced the value of industry-academia linkage in economic education.
A structured mentor-mentee programme provides every student with academic and personal guidance throughout the year, supporting progression at both UG and PG levels.
Remedial classes provide academic reinforcement for students who need additional support, alongside specialised training for students preparing for the UGC NET examination.
Seminars, conferences and extension lectures on contemporary economic issues — bringing academics, policy-makers and practitioners onto campus.
Educational tours and field visits that link classroom theory with practical insight from industry, government and the wider economic landscape.
Photographs from departmental lectures, workshops and student competitions.
Awards, recognitions, funded projects and milestones earned by faculty and students.
The Department hosts an approved Doctoral Research Centre, recognised by Panjab University under the Faculty of Arts, for research leading to the Ph.D. in Economics. Dr Meenu Soni serves as Coordinator of the Centre.
Harman Singh Tajpuri, a student of the PG Department of Economics (M.A. Economics, batch 2024–25), has authored a book titled “Quickshot Economics” — presenting key economic concepts in a concise and accessible manner for students. This achievement highlights the scholarly contributions emerging from the Department.
Students and faculty engaged with Prof. Michael Kremer, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences (2019), at his public lecture at MGSIPA Auditorium, Chandigarh on Feb 27, 2026 — an unusual opportunity for direct exposure to the frontier of development economics, RCTs and policy innovation.
Faculty have collectively contributed 91 publications and 10 authored books, with 50+ oral or poster presentations and over 95 conference, seminar and workshop attendances. Most prolific contributors include Dr Meenu Soni (25 papers, 4 books), Dr Deepakshi Gupta (24 papers, 2 books), Dr Gaganpreet Kaur Kaushal (23 papers) and Dr Ashima Mangla (12 papers, 4 books).
A dedicated Departmental Book Bank supports students in need, ensuring access to core textbooks and reference material throughout their studies.
Alumni have built careers as entrepreneurs, educators, bankers and administrators across the public and private sectors.
Faculty actively supervising doctoral and pre-doctoral research scholars.
Coordinates the approved Doctoral Research Centre at the Department, recognised by Panjab University under the Faculty of Arts for research work leading to the award of the Ph.D. degree in Economics. The Centre operates in accordance with the academic standards and regulations prescribed by the University for the Ph.D. programme.
Laboratories, classrooms, libraries and learning resources that support our academic work.
Approved Research Centre recognised by Panjab University under the Faculty of Arts, supporting doctoral research, student dissertations and faculty research output.
A dedicated collection of textbooks made available to students in need, supporting inclusive access to study material.
Reference collection of textbooks, journals and policy publications supporting UG, PG and research-level study.
Audio-visual enabled rooms for seminars, lectures and presentations — supporting interactive teaching across all programmes.
Papers, books, chapters and research projects authored by faculty. Click any entry to open the full PDF.
Office, email, phone, and Head-of-Department details.
