How to Choose Between IES, RBI Grade B DEPR, and UGC NET Economics

Some choices in life aren’t about what’s best on paper.

They’re about what fits — who you are, what you love, and where you’re headed.

If you’ve studied economics seriously — not just for grades, but because you genuinely care about how systems work, how money moves, how decisions ripple across populations — then you’ve probably looked at these three exams:

• Indian Economic Service (IES)

• RBI Grade B – Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR)

• UGC NET Economics

They’re all elite. They’re all competitive.But they lead to very different careers.

Let’s walk through them — slowly, clearly, and with the kind of honesty you’d want from a senior who’s already walked these roads.

Three Doors. Three Worlds.

If you’re feeling unsure about which exam to prepare for, you’re not alone.

In fact, one of the biggest mistakes students make is jumping into prep without asking the most important question:

“Do I want this job, or do I just want to crack the exam?”

Because here’s the thing — cracking the exam is just the beginning.You’ll live this job, day in and day out, for years.

So let’s explore what each role really means.

1. Indian Economic Service (IES)

What It Feels Like

You’re inside the government. You’re not the one giving speeches, but you’re the one who drafts the policy notes that guide them. You might be sitting in the Ministry of Finance today, and three years later, you’re at Planning or Commerce.

You're surrounded by files, frameworks, and officials. You attend meetings, draft reports, analyse scheme performance, and sometimes—just sometimes—you get to frame the “why” behind major national policies.

It’s not glamorous. But it’s important.

And if you’re someone who likes logic, writing, and stability, it’s fulfilling in a quiet, steady way.

Who Thrives Here?

• People who enjoy theory and application

• Writers and policy thinkers

• Those who value structured careers with steady growth

• Candidates okay with slower systems and deep bureaucracy

The Exam Itself

The IES exam is conducted by UPSC. That should tell you enough.

It has essay-type questions. General studies. Subjective answers.

If you're not someone who enjoys writing long, well-structured answers under time pressure, this might be tough.

But if policy writing and structured logic come naturally to you — this might be your zone.

2. RBI Grade B DEPR

What It Feels Like

Picture this: you’re in an air-conditioned room with a whiteboard, a team of economists, and a fresh set of inflation data. Your task? Figure out what it means for monetary policy.

No admin. No politics. Just clean analysis.

This is what life looks like inside the Department of Economic and Policy Research at the Reserve Bank of India.

If you like equations more than essays, if R and Stata are your friends, and if your idea of fun is solving a forecasting model rather than writing an essay—then this job is your dream.

You work with serious minds. Your research influences real monetary moves. And yes, it’s technical.

Who Thrives Here?

• People who think in numbers

• Candidates comfortable with coding and statistics

• Aspirants who’d rather model than write

• Those who love sharp, clean thinking and hate red tape

The Exam Format

Unlike UPSC, RBI DEPR is not about GS or writing essays.

The papers are structured around economic theory, statistics, quantitative aptitude, and applied econometrics.

Interviews test depth of thought and practical awareness.

No fluff. Just clarity.

Need help preparing? Explore RBI Grade B DEPR Coaching at Arthapoint Plus — a focused platform designed for students just like you.

3. UGC NET Economics

What It Feels Like

You wake up, prepare your lecture, walk into a classroom — and speak. You guide students through supply and demand, explain the logic behind trade policy, or maybe just help them see the world differently.

And when you're not teaching? You’re researching. Reading. Writing papers. Attending seminars. And, if you crack JRF — you’re doing all that while working on your PhD.

This is academia.It’s for thinkers who love freedom and can deal with uncertainty.

It’s not a government job. But it’s a calling.

Who Fits In?

• Teachers at heart

• Students who enjoy books, lectures, and research

• People who are okay with slow career progression in exchange for intellectual freedom

• Aspirants who don’t want a boss — just a university desk and a whiteboard

The Exam Setup

Two papers.Both MCQs.

Paper 1 is general (teaching aptitude, logic, reasoning).Paper 2 is domain-specific (pure economics).

No writing. No interviews. But it’s fast and competitive.

What You’re Really Choosing

Let’s simplify.

You're not just picking an exam.You're choosing:

• The type of problems you want to solve

• The kind of people you want to work with

• The pressure you’re okay with

• The rewards that matter to you

Here’s how they stack up:

Aspect	IES	RBI Grade B DEPR	UGC NET
Work Type	Policy	Policy	Teaching/Research
Workplace	Ministries	RBI HQ	Colleges/Universities
Tools Used	Writing, Reports	Econometrics, Models	Books, Lectures
Skills Needed	GS, Writing	Quant, Stats	Theoretical Clarity
Pace	Moderate	Fast-paced, deadline-driven	Flexible

What About Lifestyle and Growth?

Let’s go even deeper.

IES officers enjoy Grade A central government perks. Transfers happen every few years. Promotions are fixed by seniority. It’s stable, but a bit slow.

RBI DEPR offers better pay and faster promotions. But the work can be isolating and mentally intense. Your brain will be tested daily.

UGC NET, if cleared with JRF, leads to research fellowships and PhDs. Teaching posts open up slowly. It's rewarding intellectually, but requires patience.

So... What Should You Do?

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to build policies or analyse them or teach them?

• Do I enjoy long-form writing or data crunching or presenting ideas?

• Would I rather sit in North Block, Mint Road, or a university classroom?

There are no wrong answers.Only mismatches.

Don’t prepare for a job you wouldn’t enjoy just because it “sounds good.”

Because 10 years later, prestige fades. But purpose sticks.

Your Strategy Should Match Your Choice

If you're heading toward RBI DEPR — your prep needs to be sharp, data-driven, and precise. Random mock tests won't help.

You’ll need:

• A strong grip on statistics and econometrics

• Applied understanding of monetary economics

• Good writing for the interview stage

• Confidence in interpreting data under pressure

That’s where tailored guidance comes in.Arthapoint Plus is built for serious economics aspirants. Not mass-prep. Just focused learning.

Final Thought

It’s easy to get caught up in competition.To chase the exam everyone else is chasing.

But real clarity comes when you pause and think:

“What kind of life do I want to live? What kind of problems do I want to solve?”

Because these exams — they’re not just filters.They’re forks in the road.

Choose wisely. Prepare smartly. And walk your path with conviction.