Preparing for your BA (Hons.) Economics exams at Delhi University? This page brings together semester-wise previous year question papers for the Economics Honours programme — useful for both the numerical/problem-solving papers (Mathematical Methods, Statistics, Econometrics) and the theory-heavy papers (Micro, Macro, Development Economics).
Each semester section below is filterable by academic year. Note: these collections are added as we’re able to source them — so not every paper, course, or year will necessarily be available for every semester. We keep adding papers as we find them.
Why Economics PYQs Are Especially Important
Economics papers at DU combine numerical problem sets with theory-based long answers, and examiners frequently reuse the same problem structures (even when the numbers change) across years. Reviewing PYQs helps you:
- Identify the recurring problem types in Mathematical Methods, Statistics, and Econometrics papers
- Recognise which diagrams and derivations (indifference curves, IS-LM, production functions) are asked most often in Micro/Macro papers
- Practise time management for numerical papers, where speed and accuracy both matter
- Build a bank of worked examples for theory papers like Development Economics and International Trade
How to Revise Economics Using These Papers
- Finish a unit from your DU Economics syllabus notes first, then attempt that unit’s PYQs immediately — numerical topics especially benefit from immediate practice.
- For quantitative papers, redo each PYQ problem from scratch rather than just reading the worked solution.
- For theory papers, note recurring diagram-based questions and practise drawing them under time pressure.
- Cross-check the paper name/code against your own DSC/DSE/GE combination, since Economics offers a very large elective pool from Semester 3 onward.
Semester 1
Semester 1’s DSC papers are Introductory Microeconomics, Introductory Mathematical Methods for Economics, and Introductory Statistics for Economics. Question papers below are listed as we’ve been able to source them, so availability may vary. As the foundational semester, expect a mix of definitional questions and basic numerical problems.
Semester 2
Semester 2 covers Introductory Macroeconomics, Intermediate Mathematical Methods for Economics, and Intermediate Statistics for Economics. Compare available papers here with Semester 1’s to see how numerical complexity increases.
Semester 3
Semester 3’s core papers are Intermediate Microeconomics I: Behavioural Foundations of Market Interactions, Intermediate Macroeconomics I: Foundations of Aggregate Income Determination, and Advanced Mathematical Methods for Economics, alongside a wide DSE pool including Economic History of India and Fiscal Policy and Public Finance in India. Whichever papers are available below, prioritise the ones matching your own elective choice.
Semester 4
Semester 4 covers Intermediate Microeconomics II: Market, Government and Welfare, Intermediate Macroeconomics II: Policy Issues, and Introductory Econometrics, with DSE options like Financial Economics and Money and Financial Markets. Use whichever PYQs are available below to prioritise recurring welfare-analysis and policy-application questions.
Semester 5
Semester 5’s DSC papers are Game Theory and Strategic Interactions, Economic Growth and Business Cycles, and Introductory Development Economics, alongside a large DSE pool including Advanced Econometrics and Environmental Economics. Check the paper name/code on each PDF below against your own DSC/DSE combination before relying on it.
Semester 6
Semester 6, your final core semester, has International Trade, Development Theory and Experience, and Indian Growth and Development, alongside DSE options like Behavioural Economics and Labour Economics. These are your most recent-pattern PYQs, so prioritise the last 2-3 years’ papers here, subject to availability.
Semester-Wise DSC Paper Reference
| Semester | DSC Papers |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Introductory Microeconomics · Introductory Mathematical Methods for Economics · Introductory Statistics for Economics |
| Semester 2 | Introductory Macroeconomics · Intermediate Mathematical Methods for Economics · Intermediate Statistics for Economics |
| Semester 3 | Intermediate Microeconomics I · Intermediate Macroeconomics I · Advanced Mathematical Methods for Economics |
| Semester 4 | Intermediate Microeconomics II · Intermediate Macroeconomics II · Introductory Econometrics |
| Semester 5 | Game Theory and Strategic Interactions · Economic Growth and Business Cycles · Introductory Development Economics |
| Semester 6 | International Trade · Development Theory and Experience · Indian Growth and Development |
Source: University of Delhi, Office of Academic Affairs – Department of Economics programme structure. DSE (elective) papers run alongside DSC — Economics has one of the largest DSE pools of any DU discipline (30+ options). This table covers core DSC papers only. Double-check against your current year’s notification before publishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are DU Economics PYQs enough to clear the exam?
PYQs are a strong revision tool but work best alongside complete unit-wise notes, especially for numerical papers where you need worked practice, not just pattern recognition.
Do question patterns change between CBCS and NEP Economics papers?
Course names and sequencing have changed somewhat under NEP/UGCF (e.g. Mathematical Methods and Statistics are now split into more granular Intermediate/Advanced papers), but core concepts and typical problem types remain broadly consistent.
How many years of PYQs should I revise, and does that differ for numerical vs. theory papers?
For numerical papers (Maths, Stats, Econometrics), 4-5 years of problems is worth working through since problem structures repeat heavily. For theory papers, the last 3 years is usually enough to spot current examiner patterns.
Why is a particular paper or year missing from a semester?
We add question papers as we’re able to source them from students, college archives, and libraries — so coverage isn’t guaranteed to be complete for every course or every academic year. If you have a paper we’re missing, you’re welcome to share it with us.
Where can I find the official DU Economics syllabus?
You can cross-check the official syllabus on the University of Delhi’s website or through your college’s academic handbook.