[Topper’s talk] Ravi Patni, IGNOU M.A. Economics (MEC)- Gold Medal, 72.48%, RC- Lucknow.

IGNOU Topper’s talk – Mr. Ravi Patni, University Gold Medalist, M.A. Economics (MEC)

Mr. Ravi Patni receiving IGNOU University Gold Medal Award & degree from the Regional Director, IGNOU RC-Lucknow on the 32nd foundation day of IGNOU held on November 19, 2017.

Name	Ravi Patni
Email ID	ravipatni2008@gmail.com
Age (while joining IGNOU)	24 years
IGNOU  Enrolment number	136207022
Name of Course with code	M.A. Economics (MEC)
Medium of Study	English
Month and Year of Passing the course	June- 2015
Gold medal awarded in which year/convocation	Received on 19.11.2017 (IGNOU 32nd foundation day in Regional centre-Lucknow). Convocation-29th.
Total percentage of marks obtained	72.48%
Regional Centre	Lucknow
Study centre	National P.G. College, Lucknow (27195)
Previous courses before joining IGNOU	B.Tech, Electrical & Electronics Engineering with honours from VIT University, 2012
Other courses from IGNOU, if any	M.A. Sociology (MSO-159862410), Advanced Certificate in Power Distribution Management (ACPDM- 180881976)
Work experience, if any	Government service since June-2013.
Current organization & job title	Government of Uttar Pradesh, Research Officer (Engineering)
Competitive Exams (after graduation)	Joined as Research Officer (Engineering) after clearing UP Public Service Commission.
Other achievements	NPTEL Gold medals- Project Management, Engineering Economic Analysis, Silver medal (Body Language), IIT Roorkee.
Hobbies	Swimming, Running, Badminton, Chess &  Blogging on http://easylifehacks101.blogspot.com/

IGNOU M.A. Economics (MEC) result and course content review with suggested books:-

S.No.	Course code	Assignment  marks	TEE Marks
1.	MEC 01	57	76
2.	MEC 02	57	61
3.	MEC 03	61	92
4.	MEC 04	66	63
5.	MEC 105	81	74
6.	MEC 06	81	73
7.	MEC 07	82	74
8.	MEC 08	83	75
9.	MEC 09	56	75
10.	MPA 15	74	70
11.	MPA 17	90	68

IGNOU M.A. Economics (MEC) course content review with suggested books:-

S.No.	Course code	Was IGNOU material sufficient (Yes/No)	Name of other reference books that can help student
1.	MEC 01 Micro Economic Analysis	Most difficult MEC course. IGNOU MEC-101 books are below standard.	Principles of Microeconomics by H.L. Ahuja
2.	MEC 02 Macro Economic Analysis	Not as difficult as MEC 101 but IGNOU MEC 2 books won’t suffice.	Macroeconomics by H.L. Ahuja
3.	MEC 03 Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis	Purely mathematical. You will require reference book only if you are from a non-mathematical background.	Quantitative Methods for Economists by R Veerachamy
4.	MEC 04 Economics of Growth Development	Growth model & theories not explained well in IGNOU MEC 4 book.	Economics of Development by A.P. Thirlwall
5.	MEC 105 Indian Economic Policy	IGNOU MEC 105 books will suffice	Not required
6.	MEC 06 Public Economics	IGNOU MEC 6 books will clear IGNOU TEE but won’t give conceptual clarity.	Public Finance by H.L. Bhatia (English | Hindi)
7.	MEC 07 International Trade & Finance	IGNOU MEC 7 books will clear IGNOU TEE but won’t give conceptual clarity.	International Economics: Trade and Finance by Salvatore
8.	MEC 08 Economics of Social Sector & Environment	IGNOU MEC 08 books will suffice	Not required
9.	MEC 09 Research Methods in Economics	IGNOU MEC 09 books will not suffice	Research Methodology by Panneerselvam
10.	MPA 15 Public Policy & Analysis	IGNOU MPA 15 books will suffice	Not required
11.	MPA 17 Electronic Governance	IGNOU MPA 17 books will suffice	Not required

                                               Final Percentage in IGNOU MEC = 72.48%     

IGNOU Assignments M.A. Economics (MEC)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

(PS- I am including these simple questions as freshers do have all these doubts)

1.	Did you strictly follow the word limit for the assignment? (Yes/Not exactly)	Not exactly. But my answers were never less than the word limit.
2.	Did you make the assignments only from the IGNOU course material? (Yes/No/Partially). Please mention the other sources which you used.	Partially. I used internet and above mentioned reference books.
3.	Did you use plain white A4 sheets for assignment writing? (Yes/No). If No, please give details.	Plain A4 sheets.
4.	Did you draw side margins in the assignment? (Yes/No)	Yes. Drew 4 cm. margin on the left side.
5.	You wrote the IGNOU assignment answers in blue pen or black dot/pilot pen or both?	Both. Blue and Black pilot pen.
6.	Did you write assignments on single side of the paper or double side? (Single Side/Double side)	Single side.
7.	On average, how many pages per answer did you write? (3, 4, 5…)	5-6 pages.
8.	After completing the assignment, did you use spiral binding, plastic file, stapler or others? Please specify.	Spiral Binding
9.	Did you keep a photocopy of your assignments (Yes/No)	Yes
10.	Did you visit the study centre to submit the assignments or sent them through post? (Visited Study centre/Post)	Visited study centre

Please provide your special tips due to which you secured high marks in IGNOU MEC assignments :-

Answer: As I am from an engineering background, I solved the questions just like I used to do in Class-XI & XII and then in engineering. After seeing my 1^st year evaluated assignments, I realized that my marks were deducted even in purely mathematical questions (like in MEC-03) even when my answer was correct. I then realized it is important to write and explain as much as possible. Presentation matters a lot in IGNOU. 

Note: I have explained everything about the assignments in this article- http://easylifehacks101.blogspot.com/2017/08/important-instructions-for-ignou.html

IGNOU M.A. Economics (MEC) Term End Examination (TEE)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1.	Did you strictly follow the word limit in the TEE? (Yes/Not exactly)	Not exactly. But my answers were never less than the word limit.
2.	On average, how many pages per answer did you write? (3,4, 5…)	3-4 as TEE answer sheets have big rule pages.
3.	You wrote the TEE answers in blue pen or black dot/pilot pen or both?	Both Black and Blue Gel pens.
4.	Is it easy to complete all the TEE answers in prescribed time-limit? (Yes/No).	It is not easy if you are writing more than 4 pages / answer.
5.	Did you draw any diagrams, mindmaps, etc. in any paper? (Yes/No).	Yes, I drew block diagrams, mindmaps to improve presentation.
6.	For how many hours/days did you study for the TEE?	1-2 full days per subject before TEE.
7.	How did you prepare for TEE? Did you make comprehensive subject-wise notes? Please give details.	I prepared assignment questions and last 06 TEE question papers. Even in previous year’s questions, I focused on most repeated questions.
8.	Is the format of asking questions in TEE needs a relook? Is TEE able to test the subject knowledge and analytical skills well? Suggest enriching ideas.	Definitely. TEE is currently focused on testing theoretical knowledge but lacks in the application part of the concepts.
9.	Did you apply for obtaining photo-copy of answer scripts? (Yes/No)	Yes.
10.	Did you apply for re-revaluation in any subject? (Yes/No). If Yes, please mention the subject to the best of your memory.	Yes. I applied for re-evaluation in MEC-01 as marks given in one question were not added to the final marks.
11.	Did your marks increase after the re-evaluation? (Yes/No)	Yes.
12.	Any other reforms in TEE which you think are pertinent? Please give details.	TEE should focus more on case studies and practical aspects instead of relying totally on theoretical parts.
13.	Did you take help from IGNOU guide books? (Yes/No) If yes, please mention the books.	No. I didn’t know about them at that time.

Please provide your special tips due to which you secured high marks in IGNOU MEC Term End Examinations (TEE):-

Answer:

Write everything related to the asked question. Presentation matters a lot in IGNOU so do use diagrams, flowcharts, mindmaps, block diagrams, etc. and then explain them. Your concepts should be clear before attempting the questions. You are not required & expected to write bookish language. Also, try to give examples from the current economic situation (both domestic and international) along with some recent economic data.

Other Frequently asked questions (FAQ):-

1.   Did your course have practical/Internship/project component? If yes, please provide complete details as students have a lot of questions and issues in this section.

Answer: I didn’t opt for the project component.

2.    Apart from IGNOU text books, which book would you recommend for the students to get crystal clear concepts & maximum marks in this course?

Answer: There is a thin book called The Indian Economy by Sanjiv Verma. I feel this book can be beginner’s guide to develop interest in Economics. Everything about Indian Economy is explained in a very lucid manner. The concepts explained in this book will help in the entire course.

3.      What was your motivation for joining this particular IGNOU course?

Answer: I studied 'Economics for engineers' and 'Corporate economics' as two optional courses in my B.Tech. I loved them and secured good marks as well. Also, PG in economics is the most sought out degree for various government jobs both in private and public sector. It is always interesting to know how to the overall economics of the nation & world moves and its effect on us.

4.    Which was the most challenging/toughest subject in your IGNOU degree/diploma course? Please mention course code and explain what extra efforts you put in that subject.

Answer: MEC-01 (Micro Economic Analysis) the most challenging course in M.A. Economics. Apart from going through last year term end question papers, I used Principles of Microeconomics by H.L. Ahuja as a reference book for this subject.

5.      Did you solve previous year question papers of IGNOU Term End Examinations? If yes, please mention question papers of how far back did you solve.

Answer: I did solve many previous year term end question papers of M.A. Economics (MEC). You will find many questions from these as most of the questions are repeated. I solved last six TEE MEC papers.

6.      Does this course helps in any competitive exams?

Answer: This course can help you in various competitive exams like UPSC Civil services, Indian Economic Services, State PCS, NET/JRF, Assistant Professor, and many more. Among all the arts subject, economics is one of the most sought out branch.

7.    Does this course helps in higher education? Are you pursuing higher education on the basis of your IGNOU degree? If Yes, Please give details.

Answer: I am not pursuing higher education in economics as on date.

8.      Did this course help you in your job or getting a job? Please explain how.

Answer: It will help me in switching the job as now I have a PG degree.

9.      What are your suggestions for the freshers who are joining this course?

Answer: Try to enjoy the subject. You won’t understand it otherwise. It is one of the best ways to redeem youself as only a few of us study seriously in graduation ;)

10.  Does this course helps in any competitive exams held at national and international level? Did you appear in any such exam? Were you able to apply the knowledge so gained in this course in that exam?

Answer: As I was already in the job while pursuing the course, I didn’t give any other competitive exams.

11.  How this course is relevant to the current professional & academic needs of youth and nation?

Answer: The course is relevant academically as its degree is recognized everywhere and it also makes one eligible to apply for certain jobs, exams, companies which required economics degree. In this age of academic inflation, it is must to have a PG degree certificate in your document folder. Professionally, the course structure can be improved by introducing practical aspects, stock exchange, investment banking, etc. in detail along with case studies.

12.  What is the academic and professional value of a degree obtained from IGNOU? Can share your personal life experience as well.

Answer: This degree has made me eligible to apply for various jobs/posts in which not eligible to apply with my B.Tech degree. It has opened many avenues which can be explored as per time and need.

13.  Did you ever face any advantage/disadvantage of completing this distance education course from IGNOU over the people who completed the same course full time from some other university? Please give details.

Answer: No disadvantages as on date. The advantage is that I am eligible to apply for all the jobs which require a Post Graduation degree in Economics. 

Topper's talk on MARD, MEG, BCA & PGDOM are also available. Comment below with your course  name and stay tuned for topper's talk on your course.

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Note- I have also created a Facebook group that provides a single platform to All India Gold medalists in different courses, IGNOU achievers in various fields & pass out students so that you can learn from their experience. You are welcome to join.