Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR)

Established in 1987 by the Reserve Bank of India, IGIDR is an advanced research institution devoted to economic development, public policy, and quantitative analysis. It’s more than just another economics institute — it’s a place where curiosity meets impact.

Unlike traditional colleges that follow rote learning, IGIDR invites students to question, analyze, and reimagine the way economies function. From poverty and inequality to climate change and AI's role in labor markets — nothing is off-limits.

Where Can IGIDR Take You?

Whether you want to be an IAS officer, RBI economist, UN policy advisor, academic scholar, or startup founder, IGIDR prepares you for it all. Its alumni work at:

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

• NITI Aayog

• World Bank

• UNDP

• Google, Microsoft (Research Teams)

• IITs, IIMs, and Ivy League universities

Many graduates also crack the Indian Economic Service (IES) and UPSC with top ranks — because their thinking is already trained in critical analysis and policy impact.

IGIDR Admission 2025

1. Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the M.Sc. Economics program, you must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in any subject with mathematics/economics/statistics as a subject.

• Minimum 55% marks or equivalent GPA.

• Final-year students can also apply.

2. The Entrance Test

This is where most dreams begin. The IGIDR Entrance Test is conducted online, typically in May or June every year.

What’s the test like?

• Duration: ~2 hours

• Sections:

  • Quantitative Aptitude (Math & Stats)

  • Analytical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

  • Economics (basic undergrad-level concepts)

Preparation Tip: If you’re familiar with school-level math, logical reasoning, and basic micro & macroeconomics, you're already off to a good start. Practicing with previous year papers, RBI Assistant and UPSC CSAT materials can help too.

3. Interview Round

If you clear the written test, you're called for a Personal Interview. This usually happens in June or early July.

Interview Format:

• Conducted online or in-person

• Panel includes faculty members

• They test your clarity of thought, academic curiosity, and conceptual understanding

Don’t worry — they aren’t looking for ready-made economists. They’re looking for students who love asking "why?"

 4. Final Selection & Offer Letter

Selections are based on:

• Performance in the entrance exam

• Interview

• Academic track record

If selected, you’ll get a formal admission offer, usually by July-end.

2025 Expected Cut Off (Projected)

Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research isn’t your usual college. It’s an elite research institution backed by the Reserve Bank of India, and it specializes in high-level policy analysis, economic research, and development studies. Every year, thousands of students apply, but only a few secure a seat.

• M.Sc. Economics (General Category)

  • Written Test Shortlist Score (Expected): 42–47 out of 100

  • Final Selection Composite Score (Post Interview): Above 65%

• PhD Development Studies

  • GATE/NET-Based Shortlist: Top 15 percentile in GATE (Economics/Maths/Stats)

  • Interview Score Weightage: High (personality, research aptitude)

2024 Cut Off Overview

• M.Sc. Economics

  • Entrance Test Cut Off (General): Approx. 44/100

  • OBC: ~39/100

  • SC/ST: ~30/100

  • EWS: ~40/100

  • Final List Selection Rate: ~8% of applicants

• PhD in Development Studies

  • GATE/NET Based Entry: Shortlist for candidates with GATE scores above 580 (Economics) or UGC NET ranks within top 200

  • Interview Round Weightage: Strong performance needed in SOP and analytical reasoning.

2023 Cut Off Snapshot

• M.Sc. Economics

  • Written Exam Cut Off (General): ~41/100

  • Final Selection Ratio: 1 in 20 applicants selected

  • Top Scores: Peaked around 53/100

• PhD Program

  • Selection via GATE/UGC-NET: Competitive threshold at 550+ (GATE), Top 300 (NET)

  • Emphasis on Research Proposal & Interview: 60% weightage on interview and academic background.

IGIDR Placements

If you're passionate about solving real-world problems using logic, math, economics, and technology — this is your place.

At IGIDR, the focus isn’t just on learning. It’s on transformation — turning driven students into economists, analysts, consultants, researchers, and change-makers who shape policies, advise governments, and lead financial strategy at billion-dollar firms.

IGIDR has one of the most consistent and elite placement records in the country. While it’s a small institute compared to the IIMs or IITs, the quality of its output punches way above its weight.

Here are the placement trends that stand out:

• 93%+ placement rate consistently over the last 5 years

• Average Package: 17-18 LPA

• Top Recruiters: McKinsey, J.P. Morgan, Axis Bank, IDFC First, Deloitte, Citi, RBI, World Bank, and more

• Roles Offered: Quant Analyst, Research Associate, Data Scientist, Policy Analyst, Risk & Compliance Consultant, etc.

• Alumni in High Places: Many IGIDR grads are currently in key roles at international organizations like the UN, World Bank, and IMF.

This isn’t about mass recruitment. It’s about precision placements, connecting students with employers who truly value what they bring to the table.

IGIDR vs Other Institutions — What’s the Edge?

IGIDR Rankings

Most ranking websites focus on engineering or generic colleges. IGIDR doesn’t even participate in many rankings because it knows where it stands. But among insiders—top economists, researchers, civil service mentors—IGIDR is often ranked in the Top 3 Economics institutions in India.

Rankings That Matter:

More importantly, IGIDR ranks high on what actually matters: quality of education, placement, research exposure, and government/industry interface.