economics was my passion. It was a subject which i cherished to my heart.
But after reaching masters level, I have come to feel that I am in a cul-de-sac!
who is to blame for having me dragged into a dead end?

1) This subject has been termed "a dismal science"

2) This subject has been the lowest scoring subject in most competitive exams, especially in CSS.

3) The essence of this Social Discipline (Economics) has been completely marred by the inclusion of other irrelevant subjects i.e. the positive sciences.

4) Having degree only in Economics is not considered sufficient, you have got to have some MBA subjects along.

5) A person with MBA or M.com has greater importance than the one with a simple Masters in Economics. It is due to the fact that economics is already taught widely in the former disciplines.

6) Most famous "50 economists together will have 51 decisions!"

7) classicals, neo-classicals, Keynesians, Monetarists, Austrians, new Keynesians, supply siders, demand siders, these are enough to bamboozle and perplex the one who has opted this discipline.

sorry economics, your funeral has been the result of your intricacies which you have developed yourself.

soryy for those who, in their forgetfulness, opt for economics.

that makes the two of us :S

Dear I don't know why you are in such a black-out condition regarding Economics as a subject. But the points you have raised can be countered.
1- This subject was termed as Dismal Science in sixteenth century and its 21st century.
2- I scored 150 in CE-2012 in this very subject.
3- The subjects like positive sciences are a part to make it analytical and near to conclusion. Without these there is no concept of welfare or development economics. These subjects are the beauty of Economics.
4- By doing MBA what you can get is a good job. My dear in my opinion education is not merely meant for getting job.
5- By importance what do you specifically mean?
6- Yes this is so because Economics is the science of uncertainty dear.
7- Thats the real beauty of Economics dear you have great opportunity to present your own school of thought apart from these.
Note:-
Did we ever note why we lack behind India in economy? Thats because they give Economics as a field of research and study; its due place. in a country like Pakistan where economy is our biggest issue, Economics should be encouraged.

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Everyone Dies But Not Everyone Lives!

I can refute the points you have raised in favor of this subject. But this would imply that this subject has weigh. You have got sensible insight in this subject. I won't throw cold water over your stance. But beware lest you might get stung by the lethal effects of this subject. KEEP IT UP

Well, I'm sure people with Economics background have an edge in the following:

1. Screening Test.
2. Essay (almost every single essay has economic aspects)
3. Interview
4. Current Affairs
5. Many optional subjects (Geography II, Business Ad, Economics itself)

the leverage, however , will remain with him even if he replace it with some other subject. Because of the fact that he must have equipped himself with the required level of expertise needed to be a step ahead in the disciplines quoted by you.

replace it with philosophy, Persian, or arabic, all are the safest bet!
Regards Bilal Tariq

I wonder, then, that why people having masters in Economics replace it with other subjects. It explicitly reveals the fact that having Masters degree in Economics is nothing but a waste of time, energy and resources. Why, then, are we flogging the dead horse? One must go for a subject which clears path for the future.

I have a four years Bachelors degree in Economics and I'm very much proud of my decision. People ask me for budget analysis, economic aspects like they don't even know what GDP is and a lot more. Secondly, comrades are required to study economics in CTP which is compulsory to become a CSP. Even in DMG STP, one is required to study Economics in length. Why would the civil service academies focus so much on a dead subject?

Regarding job avenues other than CSS, there are a lot of options which I was introduced to without being an MBA. Not forgetting the fact that only an insignificant number if people finally make it to allocation. If one doesn't get allocated even after three attempts, one with majors in Economics can always take GAT, GRE and a whole new world of opportunities is opened for them.

If you talk at Bachelors level, lets compare the future or status of other degree holders like BSc Chemistry, BA Philosophy, IR etc. Which special job opportunities are opened for them except for teaching? Even after Masters in subjects like English Literature, one ends up being a teacher, coordinator etc. Take the case of doctors now. Firstly, the miseries of doctors are reflected through the hue and cry of YDA. Secondly, if its that good of a field why do doctors go for CSS? The same goes for engineers. What do they achieve with their positive sciences background? It's only hard-work, preservation, determination and strength of character which enables you to achieve your goals.

Economics has a future, this is the reason it is the most taken up subject by students in under-grad unis of the USA and UK. The prevalence of different schools of thought in Economics shows the amount of research put in the subject. Moreover, there are many schools of thought in Psychology, Sociology as well and I'm sure you do know that these subjects are super popular as optionals among CSS aspirants.

So yeah I believe in Economics with full optimism and zest.

well, you are analysing this subject according to common perception of people regarding the importance of the subject in css. I would not deny that usually this subject is considered cold, bore and difficult but if you do not opt for the subject, the degree in economics will be handy in essay, current affairs, pak affairs, essay, interview etc. the imporatance and application of a subject can't be decided mere on the basis of its scope as a subject in css. Aspirants including me avoid economics in css just because of paper II i.e economy of pakistan. there is a lot of cramming in economy of pakistan(u may differ in opinion) as it is basically related with facts and figures and the toughest schedule of appearing in hall for papers would not allow us to go for such a subject in which there is a lot of digits to be crammed. Otherwise this subject is not futile as your whole economy is based on professionals of economics.

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One who imagines himself to be all knowing will surely suffer on account of his ignorance.(Hazrat Imam Ali a.s)

I thank you for supporting my argument regarding the choice of this subject in competitive exm.