Department of Economics & Finance

Economics and Finance Department – BITS Pilani

Campus

Pilani Campus

Department Contact Details

Contact Name

Dr. Krishna M

Designation

Head of Department of Economics and Finance

Phone

+91-1596-25-5843 | +91-1596-255-271

Fax

krishna@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in

Address

Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani – 333031, Rajasthan, India

Department E-mail

Department Summary

Economics and Finance Department, since its inception, is well-renowned for its emphasis on rigorous scholarship and real-world relevance. Faculty, apart from teaching and pursuing research, also contribute to consultancy and training manpower to industry as well as the Government. The Department has been alert and alive to the changes in the macro-environment, and has been constantly updating the curriculum.

The Department of Economics and Finance at BITS Pilani has earned a unique identity through its strong belief in academic rigor and practical application. Right from its birth, the department has sought to fuse strict theoretical foundations with an applied approach so that students are equipped to face academia as well as professional careers. Its faculty has a variety of areas of expertise and experience that allow the department to provide a well-rounded curriculum encompassing core principles and new trends in economics and finance.

One of the strengths of the department is that it has a dynamic teaching strategy. Courses are continually revamped and refreshed to incorporate modern global and national economic situations, financial innovations, and policy changes. The ability to adapt keeps students aware of recent developments like fintech, digital economies, sustainable finance, and behavioral economics. The incorporation of case studies, simulations, and project learning strengthens classroom teaching by allowing students to think critically and apply their learning to practical scenarios.

Apart from instruction, the instructors in the Economics and Finance Department are also involved in research aimed at solving urgent economic and financial issues. They publish their work in respectable journals and often inform public policy and corporate decision-making processes. The department also serves as a link between academics and industry through consultancy services and executive training programs. Partnerships with banks, the government, and policy institutes add to its influence outside the classroom.

This two-pronged emphasis on scholarship and practical application has turned the department into a dynamic hub of learning and innovation. Student life is enriched by opportunities to engage in internships, research work, and case competitions that hone their analytical and professional capabilities. The holistic philosophy of the department means that its graduates are not only well-endowed with sound theoretical knowledge but also capable of addressing intricate economic and financial issues in today's rapidly changing global environment.

Message from Head of Department (HOD)

Welcome to the BITS Pilani Economics and Finance Department, where theory is complemented with practical relevance. We are committed to teaching students rigorous economic theory and financial practice and instilling in them a culture of analytical thought, intellectual inquiry, and ethical management. Our programs are structured to empower students with the analytical tools to grasp sophisticated economic systems, analyze financial information, and analyze policy choices from theoretical as well as empirical perspectives.

Our curriculum is regularly updated to reflect new economic and financial changes at the international level. We integrate recent advances from fields like behavioral economics, financial technology, public policy, international finance, and sustainable development. Our pedagogic method of teaching focuses on experiential learning from case studies, data-driven projects, simulations, and internships to enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life situations. This blend of theory and practice makes our students industry-ready and suited for leadership positions.

The department prides itself on having a robust research culture, with its faculty publishing in academic journals, contributing to public debates, and informing policy development. Our research is wide-ranging across macroeconomic policy, development economics, corporate finance, environmental economics, and risk management. Student participation is also promoted in our research, encouraging an early exposure to academic research and rigorous analysis. This early exposure heightens students' academic acumen and enhances their long-term professional development.

Apart from research and academics, we have close links with industry and government institutions. These collaborations provide opportunities for us to conduct consultancy work, professional development, and collaborative research that closes the gap between practice and theory. Our alumni have pursued rewarding careers in finance, policy, academia, and international organizations. At the Economics and Finance Department, we work hard to raise future professionals and leaders who are not only ready to comprehend the world—but to transform it.

Department Responsibilities

The Department of Economics and Finance at BITS Pilani is dedicated to imparting quality education with a blend of rigorous academic training and application. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge of economic theory and financial concepts supplemented by analytical techniques and quantitative tools. Through intuitive lectures, workshop sessions, and discussion-based case studies, we facilitate students to build a robust foundation of knowledge that is versatile enough to suit a variety of professional pursuits.

Research is one of the department's fundamental pillars. Scholars and faculty conduct innovative research that seeks to address serious economic and financial issues confronting society, industry, and governments. From the questions of income inequality, fiscal policy, and sustainable finance to risk modeling and fintech innovations, our research seeks to shape policy choices and stimulate innovation. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with students, we create an energetic academic community that connects theory to effective real-world results.

Besides research and education, the department is also engaged in consultancy and professional training. It actively involves itself in collaborative work with industries, financial institutions, and government agencies through faculty members who provide services such as policy analysis, investment appraisal, and economic projections. These activities not only serve national and international development initiatives but also provide enriching learning experiences for students by exposing them to practical applications and interaction with experienced professionals.

To remain contemporary in an increasingly changing world, we put a great focus on continually refining our curriculum. Programs are updated periodically to reflect new trends in global markets, financial technology, and economic policy. In addition to this, we provide rigorous support for students in their educational and professional lives. Internships, research assistantships, and career development programs exist to provide students with experience, networks, and the opportunity to lead successful careers in finance, policy, academia, and beyond. The department continues to be committed to developing thoughtful, able, and accomplished students prepared to make positive contributions to the world.

Academic Programs Offered

Ph.D – Economics and Finance

Research & Innovation

Preferred Research Areas

The Department of Economics and Finance at BITS Pilani is highly involved in researching and developing Development Economics, with special emphasis on priority topics like poverty reduction, inequality, sustainable growth, and the effects of policy interventions in developing nations. Faculty and research scholars study how economic policies and institutional change influence long-term development objectives, by employing both theoretical modeling and empirical estimates. This field challenges students to comprehend the economic woes of emerging economies and develop solutions based on evidence and context-relevant insights.

Financial Markets and Institutions is another pillar of the department's teaching and research. Courses and projects here offer in-depth insights into how financial systems operate, from the functioning of banks, stock markets, regulatory institutions, and non-banking financial institutions. Through classroom instructions and hands-on training using real-time financial data and simulations, students learn about market dynamics, risk analysis, portfolio management, and financial products. The aim is to provide students with analytical capabilities to maneuver intricate financial scenarios.

Public Policy and Governance and Macroeconomic Analysis are areas of focus for the department as well. Academics and researchers examine how governments create and execute policies that impact economic welfare, growth, and stability. This includes the study of taxation, budgeting, health and education policy, and government institutions. Along with macroeconomic analysis, students learn to analyze national income accounts, inflationary trends, unemployment patterns, and monetary and fiscal policies. These fields are critical for those who hope to inform or comprehend policy choices in the private and public sectors.

Completing its research focus, the department examines Behavioral Economics and Finance and Corporate Finance and Investment. Behavioral research examines how cognition and psychological biases affect economic choice and refute conventional models of rationality. This discipline has grown steadily more vital to comprehend consumer decision-making, investor choice, and policy efficiency. At the same time, the corporate finance course of study provides the students with the instruments to examine capital structure, investment strategy, and valuation methods. All these topics are at the heart of banking, consulting, investment management, and financial planning careers. Through this comprehensive and multidisciplinary strategy, the department organizes students to address current economic and financial issues with sophistication and accuracy.

Ongoing Research Projects

The Department of Economics and Finance at BITS Pilani is directly involved in economic policy effect studies, investigating how and to what extent government choices make an impact on all major sectors of the economy. Such studies evaluate the relative success of fiscal and monetary policies, labor market reforms, subsidies, trade policies, and welfare measures. By employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, the faculty and research scholars endeavor to analyze the short- and long-term impacts of policy reforms on economic growth, inequality, unemployment, and inflation. This study not only enriches scholarship but also guides policymakers regarding possible improvements and unforeseen effects of current policies.

The department also focuses significantly on financial literacy and inclusion-oriented research. An understanding of how people handle their money and make financial choices is essential in ensuring fair access to financial services. Researchers examine behavioral tendencies, exclusion barriers, and the impact of education programs targeting enhanced financial literacy among various populations. This area of inquiry is especially important in a nation like India, where fintech and digital banking are developing fast, yet significant parts of the population remain unbanked or underserved. The findings produced are generally applied to suggest ways in which the financial access and economic empowerment can be enhanced.

The department also undertakes in-depth analysis of investment habits and stock markets, including investor psychology, asset pricing, and market efficiency. Some of the research undertaken in this field involves analyzing volatility in the markets, trends in retail and institutional investment, and performance of investment instruments. Using techniques like econometric modeling and data analytics, researchers investigate how a range of variables, ranging from economic indicators to media sentiment, impact the outcomes in markets. These reports are not only of great use for research, but also for informing policy in financial regulation and in underpinning investment decisions made with proper information.

A new and increasing focus for the department is sustainable economic growth, with a specific focus on environmental economics, managing resources, and green finance. Academics examine how economic activities can be coordinated with the objectives of environmental sustainability, including carbon pricing, renewable energy investment, and environmentally sustainable business practices. Concurrently, academic research on public finance and taxation examines how governments can mobilize resources efficiently and allocate expenditure in a manner that supports social welfare without compromising fiscal prudence. Areas covered are the design of tax policy, GST effects, subsidy redesign, and budgeting. Collectively, these studies illustrate the department's devotion to scholarly investigation of and responses to intricate economic issues with rigorous and socially engaged research.

Research Scholars

The Economics and Finance Department at BITS Pilani takes pride in its vibrant research culture, which is greatly enriched by the contributions of its enthusiastic research scholars. These scholars work closely under the mentorship of experienced faculty members, exploring a wide array of pressing and contemporary topics. Their research is grounded in both theoretical foundations and empirical analysis, ensuring a rigorous approach to inquiry that is relevant to real-world economic and financial systems. The department fosters a collaborative environment where scholars are encouraged to pursue independent thinking while also benefiting from expert supervision and interdisciplinary dialogues.

One of the prominent areas of research within the department is public finance, where scholars study government revenue generation, expenditure patterns, fiscal federalism, and budgetary policies. Their work often includes evaluating the effectiveness of taxation policies, analyzing fiscal deficits, and understanding the impact of government spending on economic growth and inequality. These insights are crucial for shaping fiscal policies and guiding public decision-making, especially in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. The scholars not only contribute academically but also provide valuable perspectives for policy formulation and evaluation.

In the domain of development policy, research scholars investigate strategies aimed at promoting inclusive growth, poverty alleviation, and equitable access to resources. This includes examining rural development programs, microfinance initiatives, education and health economics, and gender-responsive policy frameworks. Scholars use a mix of qualitative fieldwork and data-driven econometric analysis to assess the outcomes of these policies. Their findings are often presented at national and international conferences, reflecting the department’s commitment to addressing the challenges of sustainable and people-centric development.

Additionally, research in capital markets and behavioral economics is gaining momentum, with scholars examining how financial systems operate and how human behavior influences economic decision-making. Topics range from investor psychology and risk perception to stock market dynamics and financial innovation. These scholars regularly publish in reputed journals, present their findings in seminars and workshops, and engage in meaningful policy discussions. Their active involvement in academic and applied research highlights the department's dedication to producing thought leaders capable of making impactful contributions to academia, industry, and governance alike.

Patents & Innovations

Though the Economics and Finance Department of BITS Pilani focuses mainly on research and policy innovation, it differs in its contribution to conceptual frameworks and analytical tool development rather than product patent development. The department excels in delivering strict theoretical research and data-driven findings that resolve modern economic and financial problems. Instead of pursuing conventional intellectual property in the form of patents, the researchers and teaching faculty stress knowledge development that can be used in policy-making, market study, and financial planning formulation. Such a focus strengthens the department's efforts in academic research with application.

A large part of the department's output is concerned with the development of economic models and predictive frameworks. Such models play a key role in judging macroeconomic trends, forecasting movement in financial markets, and determining government policy implications. Undergraduate and graduate students regularly create tailored models for public and private sector clients as part of consultancy work. The tools are not mere theoretical models but are specifically designed for implementation in real-world contexts, e.g., budgeting, investment, and impact analysis. The accuracy and flexibility of these models render them useful resources for business and governmental decision-makers.

The department also develops financial instruments and tools that are employed widely in training activities for practitioners in industry, students, and public administrators. These include portfolio management simulations, financial risk assessment models, and cost-benefit analysis templates. Faculty members introduce such tools to a wider range through executive education and workshops, facilitating the application of theoretical concepts into practice. These efforts highlight the department's capacity for making intricate economic theory more mainstream instruments that aid in financial literacy, operational effectiveness, and policy responsiveness.

Overall, though product patents are not the signature of the Economics and Finance Department, its work is also influential in thought leadership, strategic planning, and building capacity. The department's efforts enable public institutions to design policies, assist industries in conforming to market realities, and equip students with real skills to lead in the future. By integrating research, consultancy, and education, the department continually innovates to improve economic development and financial stability at both national and international levels.

Publications & Journals

The researchers and faculty of the Economics and Finance Department of BITS Pilani have a consistent and high level of publication record in reputed national and international journals. The works of these researchers cover an extensive range of themes, such as economic theory, financial systems, market behavior, and development policy. Their works are supported by sound analytical techniques and frequently augmented by empirical information and case studies. This pursuit of scholarly excellence not only raises the reputation of the department but also makes the output of research meaningful to scholars and professionals across the globe.

Faculty members make substantial contributions to developing academic thought and discussion in finance and economics through their publications. By addressing contemporary issues—such as macroeconomic stability, financial market volatility, sustainable development, and public policy challenges—their research stimulates critical debate and further inquiry within the academic community. Articles published in top-tier peer-reviewed journals are often cited widely, influencing the direction of ongoing research and fostering collaborations with scholars from leading institutions globally. Their contributions also serve as important teaching resources, helping to integrate the latest findings into classroom instruction.

Outside the academic realm, research work undertaken by faculty and scholars plays an important role in influencing business practices as well as decision-making in industries. Research work on issues in corporate finance, behavioral economics, investment policies, and regulatory policies is of great use to financial institutions, consulting companies, and corporate managers. Faculty scholars are also invited regularly to present their work at industry conference sessions, seminars, and workshops, thus facilitating the bridging of the gap between theory and practice. Their evidence-based suggestions have guided investment choices, risk management practices, and organizational policies in the corporate sector.

The impact of the department's research reaches even deeper into the field of public policy and governance. Conclusions from research on taxation, financial inclusion, fiscal policy, and social welfare schemes are being used more and more to shape government policies at the state and national levels. Faculty members are frequently found serving in policy advisory capacities or assisting working groups and think tanks. Their efforts assist policymaking driven by data, focusing on long-term effects and sustainable economic development. Through such multicameral involvement—academic, industrial, and governmental—the department acts as a key driver in developing economics and finance as useful tools for societal progress.

Department of Economics & Finance

Department Summary

Message from Head of Department (HOD)

Department Responsibilities

Academic Programs Offered

Research & Innovation

Preferred Research Areas

Ongoing Research Projects

Research Scholars

Patents & Innovations

Publications & Journals

Infrastructure and Facilities

News And Events

Downloads

General Info

Additional Info

Contact info