Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) is all set to introduce a four-year undergraduate degree program in Economics. This is the first time that IIT-B is starting a full time course in a social sciences subject. The course will be introduced in 2017. Students will have to clear the IIT-JEE to get admission. Currently, Economics is offered as an elective to the undergraduate engineering students. Students can also pursue a Ph.D/M.Phil. in economics at IIT-B.

Prof. Devang Khakhar, Director, IIT-B said, “We have the adequate number of faculty to offer a full time course in social sciences. The detailed curriculum is under discussion. It will take time for the course to be introduced as it would require approval of the academic senate.”

Other IITs like Kharagpur and Kanpur offer a five-year integrated M.Sc. in Economics. Since 2006, IIT Madras started a five-year integrated M.A. program in Development Studies and English Studies.

Humanities and social sciences are fast catching up as subjects of importance. During junior college admissions in Mumbai earlier this year, a survey conducted by an English daily, reported huge increase in the number of students applying for humanities compared to previous years.