PhD Economics

Introduction

As a leading institution, PIDE recognizes the critical need to expand the pool of highly qualified economists in Pakistan. There’s been a long-standing demand for robust academic programs in Economics, a need that has become even more pressing in recent years. Pakistan has experienced a significant decline in the number of qualified economists, a situation exacerbated by a “brain drain” as professionals seek attractive opportunities abroad. This has created a substantial professional vacuum across various sectors, including government and non-government departments, academic institutions, and research organizations. To address these critical challenges, PIDE has specifically developed MPhil and PhD degree programs in Economics. These programs are designed to provide essential training and facilities, nurturing the next generation of economists right here in Pakistan. We offer programs to full-time students and dedicated professionals.

Objectives

Our PhD and MPhil programs in Economics are specifically designed to cultivate a new generation of economists in Pakistan. These programs go beyond foundational knowledge, aiming to instil a comprehensive understanding, critical awareness, and expert proficiency in economics. Our goal is to equip students with the analytical tools crucial for rigorous, policy-oriented research, empowering them to effectively address the nation’s evolving economic challenges.

Admission Eligibility Criteria for PhD Program

• Candidates possessing MPhil/MS degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, Health Economics, Economics and Finance, Econometrics, Development Studies, Business Administration, Demography, Public Policy, Mathematics, Statistics or Computer Science from an HEC recognized university/institution with at least a first division (annual system) or CGPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 (in the semester system or equivalent) shall be eligible to apply for admission.
• Candidates must hold an MPhil/MS degree obtained through research, rather than solely through coursework.
• A minimum of 60% marks in the HEC GRE/HAT Subject test.
• Applicants will be selected based on their performance in the HEC GRE/HAT test, interview, academic record, research publications, research proposal, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose.
• Students without relevant academic backgrounds need to take additional courses (non-credit) to make up for the deficiency.
• The in-service applicants will be required to submit the No Objection Certificate issued by their employers before the beginning of the academic session.

Admission Eligibility Criteria for MPhil Program

• Sixteen years of education, i.e., 4 years bachelor’s degree or its equivalent (M.A/M.Sc degree after a two year Bachelor’s degree) in the relevant discipline from an HEC recognized university or institute.
• Applicants must have at least a CGPA of 2.50 out of 4.00 (in the semester system) or at least a second division (45% marks under the annual system) in their last degree. 
• Candidates who earned a ‘B’ grade (in the semester system) in their last degree will also be accommodated for admission into MPhil/MS programs at PIDE.
• A minimum of 50% marks in the HEC GRE/HAT general test.
• Applicants will be selected based on their performance in the HEC GRE/HAT test, interview, and academic record.
• The in-service applicants will be required to submit the No Objection Certificate issued by their employers before the beginning of the academic session.

Academic Program of PhD Economics

*Pass or Fail (65% / less) basis.

**The comprehensive examination must be taken soon after completion of the required deficiency and core courses of Microeconomic Theory I & II and Macroeconomic Theory I & II in any two of three consecutive scheduled comprehensive examinations.

Fields of Specialization

Students are encouraged to take at least two closely related courses (in a given field) to build an adequate specialization in an area in which he/she intends to undertake research/thesis.

Complete List of Courses

Ph.D Comprehensive Examinations

1. A Student has to pass comprehensive examinations in the two core subjects (Microeconomics and Macroeconomics for Ph.D. in Economics).
2. The comprehensive examinations must be taken after the completion of the core courses on scheduled dates (to be notified in the academic calendar). A student can avail any two attempts to appear out of the three consecutive scheduled exams for each Core subjective core courses. After that no late attempts will be allowed.
3. The exam will be composed of both written and oral in nature.
4. All candidates will appear in a written comprehensive exam followed by the oral exam.
5. The Viva-Voce will be taken after one week of written paper/s.
6. The Viva-Voce exam in addition to passing the written exam will account for Pass/Fail notification in comprehensive exam/s.
7. There will be one Viva-Voce exam conducted by the comprehensive committee; however, the marks distribution will be divided over each comprehensive exam undertaken.
8. The marks wise distribution of the two written exams and Viva-Voce shall be:

Note:If a student fails in any of the comprehensive examinations in the second attempt, he/she shall cease to be a Ph.D. student at PIDE. Similarly, if a student fails to attempt any of the comprehensive exams, he/she shall to be a Ph.D. student at PIDE.

Eligibility Criteria for Ph.D Thesis/Dissertation

1. A student has to pass comprehensive examinations in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics within two attempts.
2. The VC will appoint a Ph.D. comprehensive examination committee to be headed by the HOD and comprising two faculty members. At least one faculty member of the committee must be taken from the permanent PIDE faculty.
3. In normal circumstances the comprehensive examinations must be taken after the completion of the core courses in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics on scheduled dates. Permission for late attempts can be granted by the Ph.D. Comprehensive Examinations Committee under special circumstances.
4. If a student fails in any of the comprehensive examinations in the second attempt, he will cease to remain student of the Ph.D. program.
5. The comprehensive exams will be valid for 5 years and a student has to re-take the comprehensive exams in case his thesis is not completed.
6. In addition to the coursework, a student must write a thesis that demonstrates his/her capacity to pursue original research based upon a good understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline.
7. The maximum time for the completion of the degree shall be 4 years. However, under exceptional circumstances, an extension may be granted for one year.
8. In all other respects, the PIDE-Ph.D rules shall be applicable.