The Department of Economics at Bannerghatta Road Campus houses faculty who are experts in all core areas of economics and related interdisciplinary research. 

We have expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research covering a wide range of issues from International Economics, Development Studies, Monetary and Fiscal Policy, Behavioural Economics, Informal Economy among others. With faculty having doctorates from internationally acclaimed universities, as well as renowned central and national universities, we follow a rigorous research curriculum for our undergraduate students as well. All our honours and triple major students are expected to submit a dissertation for completion of their degree. We also have PhD scholars and research associates at the department working on various ongoing projects. 

The Department is also home to CLARE, which is one of its kind industry-academia collaboration between CHRIST (Deemed to be University) and LabourNet to produce knowledge about the informal economy and the labour markets in India. CLARE aims at advancing practice-oriented research directed towards LabourNet’s vision of training 10 lakh informal workers by 2022. It operates beyond the scope of disciplinary boundaries of business, economics or sociology, thus finding a perfect place to fit in our interdisciplinary campus.

The Department has secured research grants from reputed institutions, including the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), supporting research across diverse areas of economics and public policy. The Department also undertakes funded research and evaluation projects in collaboration with government institutions, including projects commissioned by the Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority (KMEA). These projects focus on assessing the effectiveness and impact of government schemes and interventions, generating empirical evidence, and providing actionable insights for policy improvement.

Through its research expertise, funded projects, and engagement with government and public institutions, the Department contributes to evidence-based policy formulation and decision-making. Its research activities strengthen the link between academic scholarship, monitoring and evaluation, public policy, and societal impact, positioning the Department as a contributor to informed and effective governance.