Young Scholars Programme: Economics, Finance & Markets ADVANCED

Young Scholars Programme: Economics, Finance & Markets Advanced

Mastering the Complex Interplay of Finance, Policy, and Global Markets

Step into an intensive 10-day journey with the Young Scholars Programme: Economics, Finance & Markets Advanced (EFM Advanced) — a certified residential programme for high school students entering grades 9–12, combining YSP EFM Essentials (Week 1) with a second week of advanced EFM learning.

Designed for ambitious learners ready to push beyond fundamentals and see how conceptual frameworks come alive in real-world contexts, YSP EFM Advanced dives deep. This advanced track dives deep into the dynamics of money, markets, and decision-making at the highest levels. Led by world-class faculty and practitioners such as Dr. Prachi Mishra, Prof. Srijita Ghosh, Prof. Bhanu Gupta, Sanjay Kukreja, Shantanu Bhanja, and Prof. Ashwini Deshpande, students will explore advanced topics including monetary and fiscal policy, behavioral economics, corporate finance, investment strategies, and financial systems, while sharpening their skills in quantitative reasoning, data analysis, econometrics, and financial modeling.

What You Will Explore

Details of Week 1 (EFM Essentials), which builds the foundation for this programme, are available on the YSP EFM Essentials Programme page.

• Advanced applications and questions you may explore in Week 2 include:
  • Investment strategies, risk management, derivatives, econometrics, and financial modeling.
  • How online shopping platforms and other digital markets determine pricing, and the economic reasoning behind dynamic, algorithm-driven decisions.
  • Explore how market behavior is shaped and altered by emotions and cognitive biases, with direct effects on consumer choices and investor actions.
  • Quantitative skills in data analysis, econometrics, and financial modeling to interpret indicators, forecast trends, and evaluate policy interventions.
  • Ethical, policy, and sustainability dimensions of finance, including fintech, digital currencies, development economics, climate-related economic risks, and the societal impact of corporate and government decisions.
  • Experiential learning through intensive simulations, case studies, and hands-on workshops that place students in real-world decision-making roles such as: central bank governors, investment strategists, think tank analysts, and corporate consultants.

Exploring Global Finance in Action

Over the course of 10 days, students will move from foundational ideas in Week 1 (EFM Essentials) to advanced applications in Week 2, engaging with that tackle the pressing challenges, emerging questions, and real-world concerns shaping today’s global economics and finance landscape.

Structured as a two-part journey, the first week (YSP EFM Essentials) lays the groundwork, where they build a strong foundation in economics, finance, and markets. The second week extends into advanced topics, where you may explore crucial topics such as:

• Global Macroeconomic Pressures

• • • Fiscal governance, central banking, and macroeconomic policy
    • Inflation, interest rate hikes, currency volatility, sovereign debt risks

• Financial Innovation & Technology

• • • Development economics, fintech, digital currencies
    • Fintech disruption, blockchain, AI in finance

• Sustainability & Ethics

• • • Sustainable finance and ethical/policy implications of economic decisions
    • ESG investing, green finance, climate-risk disclosure

• Geopolitical & Regulatory Challenges

• • • The role of geopolitics and climate change in shaping economic futures
    • Sanctions, cross-border capital flows, tax havens

• Financial Stability

• • • Risk management, forecasting models, and corporate decision-making
    • Banking crises, liquidity crunches, systemic risk, shadow banking

By the end of the programme, participants will have developed a holistic view of global finance, trained both in technical methods and in the human dimensions of markets and policy. Students not only learn to interpret data and model financial systems, but also gain awareness of the intersections of finance with geopolitics, sustainability, and global trade.

Experiential Learning

At YSP EFM Advanced, learning extends far beyond lectures. The programme immerses students in high-intensity, hands-on experiences designed to translate advanced economic and financial concepts into real-world decision-making skills.

– Hands-on Workshops:

EFM Advanced workshops themes may include students engaging with complex datasets, interpreting macroeconomic and financial indicators, and building sophisticated financial models. These workshops are structured to challenge participants to assess investment risks, design portfolio strategies, evaluate corporate decisions, and test policy interventions. Each session equips students with analytical rigor, quantitative precision, and applied problem-solving skills that mirror the challenges faced by leading economists and financial strategists.

– Immersive Simulations (Week 2 focus):

The second week elevates learning through realistic, high-stakes simulations where students step into critical decision-making roles such as:

• Monetary Policy Committee: Set interest rates and balance inflation-growth tradeoffs in a simulated central bank environment.
• Global Investment Challenge: Construct, optimize, and stress-test investment portfolios under volatile market conditions.
• Think Tank Policy Lab: Design solutions for fiscal crises, trade disputes, and climate-related economic dilemmas.
• Consulting Bootcamp: Solve pressing strategic and financial challenges faced by corporations and global organizations.
• Financial Crisis Roleplay: Navigate systemic risks in a simulated global banking collapse, making real-time decisions under uncertainty.

– Advanced Case Studies:

Students may tackle real-world dilemmas through rigorous case studies ranging from evaluating the impact of fiscal stimulus and corporate restructuring to analyzing the collapse of financial institutions or debating the ethics of emerging fintech solutions. These exercises sharpen critical thinking, strategic foresight, and ethical reasoning, enabling participants to respond confidently to the complexities of modern economies.

Through this experiential approach, YSP EFM Advanced participants develop not only mastery of technical tools but also the judgment, adaptability, and leadership skills required to thrive in global finance, policy, and strategic roles. Every workshop, simulation, and case study is designed to cultivate future-ready thinkers who can analyze, innovate, and act with confidence in dynamic, uncertain environments.

Career Pathways

Studying economics and finance today opens doors far beyond traditional banking roles. YSP EFM Advanced prepares students with the foundations, skills, and interdisciplinary mindset needed to navigate these dynamic futures.

• Accounting, Finance & Trading: Build a career as an investment banker, corporate finance analyst, asset manager, venture capitalist, or private equity associate.
• Business Strategy, Consulting & Entrepreneurship: Step into roles such as management consultant, strategy analyst, startup founder, or business development manager, applying economic and financial insights to lead, innovate, and create impact across industries.
• Government, Policy & Trade: Become an economist, policy advisor, trade analyst, or public finance specialist, influencing taxation, spending, and trade policies to support fair and sustainable societies.
• Technology, Data & Emerging Fields: Pursue careers as a fintech developer, data scientist, AI/ML analyst, blockchain strategist, or algorithmic trader who drives innovation.
• Research, Academia & Global Institutions: Grow into roles such as a researcher, professor, economist, or policy specialist with universities or international organizations tackling global challenges.

By participating in YSP EFM Advanced, students gain valuable exposure to these pathways, empowering them to make informed choices as they step into higher education and beyond.

Applications for YSP 2026 are now closed.

Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming cycle, follow us on social media and check our website for announcements.

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Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

• Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of foundational liberal arts disciplines, including literature, history, science, economics, and philosophy and develop an understanding of the principles of governance and economics, such as fiscal policies, market dynamics, and the role of political institutions.
• Students will develop an understanding of how interdisciplinary thinking across liberal arts, economics, and governance can address complex real-world challenges, particularly in policy-making and governance.
• Students will explore the foundations of critical inquiry, learning to ask meaningful and probing questions that drive both academic growth and policy decisions.
• Ethical decision-making will be a key focus, as students gain insights into the sociopolitical factors driving societal changes, such as social equity and justice, and understand the responsibilities involved in making decisions that affect communities globally.

Skills:

• Students will enhance their ability to critically analyze texts, ideas, economic theories, and government policies from multiple perspectives, developing the skills needed for in-depth evaluation of governance and economic policies and understanding their societal implications.
• They will improve their written and verbal communication skills, learning to clearly and persuasively express complex ideas in academic discussions, policy proposals, and ensuring informed decision-making.
• Through hands-on projects and simulations, students will acquire the ability to draft, analyze, and critique policies, learning the multifaceted considerations involved in effective policy-making and governance.
• Students will engage in interdisciplinary problem-solving, applying knowledge from liberal arts, economics, and governance to tackle real-world challenges, while developing leadership and collaboration skills by working in teams and delegating responsibilities effectively.
• Data analysis skills will be developed as students learn to interpret and apply statistical information to address economic and social issues, using real-world case studies to inform their problem-solving approach.

Attitude:

• Students will cultivate intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness, fostering a love for learning that spans across disciplines and an appreciation for diverse perspectives and ideas.
• Through group discussions and collaborative projects, students will develop strong collaborative skills, learning to work with diverse viewpoints to design impactful solutions to pressing challenges in policy-making environments.
• They will adopt an ethical mindset, understanding the social and moral responsibilities in governance and policy-making, and will approach these challenges with integrity and fairness.
• Students will develop an open-minded approach toward global governance challenges, as they recognize the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives to formulate policies that promote social equity and justice.

Applications:

• Students will apply interdisciplinary knowledge from liberal arts, economics, and governance to address real-world issues, understanding how different fields contribute to solving societal, environmental, and economic challenges, including those related to poverty, inequality, and climate change.
• Students will apply communication and presentation skills by delivering policy proposals or public presentations, effectively conveying their ideas to academic audiences, stakeholders, or governance bodies.
• By applying the knowledge and skills gained, students will better understand their academic interests and potential career paths in governance, economics, and related fields, enabling them to make informed decisions about their educational and professional futures.

Sample Schedule

Delve into what makes the world around us as you explore the building blocks of the life you inhabit. In the YSP EFM Advanced students will explore the vast expanse of economics, from microeconomic principles like Supply and Demand, to macroeconomic concepts such as Inflation, Fiscal Policy, and Global Trade. Sample topics include The Role of Government in Economic Development, where students will examine how fiscal and monetary policies influence national growth; Public Policy and Social Equity, exploring how policies can address inequalities in education, health, and income distribution; Global Governance and Climate Change, analyzing international collaborations on environmental challenges; and Data-Driven Policy-Making, where students will learn how to use data analysis to inform policy decisions. They will also delve into Behavioral Economics, examining the psychological factors that influence economic decision-making.

By understanding the multifaceted nature of economics and its interplay with sociology, data analysis, environmental studies, and international relations, students will gain a richer perspective on the complexities of policy-making. Topics such as Sustainability and Economic Growth, Public Policy for Social Equity, and International Relations and Global Governance will ensure that scholars appreciate the interconnectedness of disciplines, fostering critical thinking and innovative approaches to solving societal challenges.

The ten-day residential YSP EPG Advanced immerses students in interdisciplinary faculty sessions that delve into the complexities of economics, policy-making, governance, and their relationships with social, cultural, and global issues.
A typical day starts off with faculty-led sessions after which students then find themselves in our workshops which are designed to function as an exciting and interactive space for students to become products of their learnings.

This experience is enhanced with our guest speakers who share insights from industry practice, equipping students with real-world as well as academic knowledge.

The day winds down with fun & recreational activities including sports and the performing arts.

A sample schedule for the YSP EFM Advanced is given below. (tentative schedule, subject to change)

YSP EFM Advanced Programme Schedule

Sample Faculty

Alexander Phillips

Assistant Professor of English,
Director of the MA programme, Ashoka University

Ph.D. Cornell University

Dipankar Bhattacharya

Head of the Department, Physics,
Sunanda and Santimay Basu Professor of Astrophysics, Ashoka University

Ph.D. Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

Rudrangshu Mukherjee

Chancellor, Professor of History, Ashoka University

D.Phil. Oxford University

Ananya Sharma

Assistant Professor of International Relations, Ashoka University

Ph.D. Jawaharlal Nehru University

Anuradha Saha

Assistant Dean, Academic Affairs, Associate Professor of Economics, Ashoka University

Ph.D. Indian Statistical Institute

Simantini Ghosh

Assistant Professor of Psychology, Ashoka University

Ph.D. University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Sample Inspiring Speakers

Jack Szostak

Nobel Laureate

Pramath Raj Sinha

Founder & Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka University

Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania

Deep Kalra

Founder, MakeMyTrip

BA Economics, St. Stephen’s College
MBA, IIM Ahmedabad

Sanjeev Bikhchandani

Founder and Vice-Chairman, Info Edge (Naukri.com)
Visiting Faculty, Young India Fellowship

BA, St. Stephen’s College
MBA, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad 

Ashish Dhawan

Founding Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka University
Advisory Council, The Isaac Centre for Public Policy and Good Governance, Ashoka University
Founder and Chairman, Central Square Foundation

BS, Yale University
MBA, Harvard University

K. VijayRaghavan

Chair, Science Advisory Council, Ashoka University

Former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India

FAQs

1) What is YSP Economics, Finance & Markets Advanced (EFM Advanced)?

YSP Economics, Finance & Markets Advanced (EFM Advanced) is a certified 10-day residential programme that builds on EFM Essentials (Week 1) with an additional week of advanced learning. It challenges students to move beyond the fundamentals, applying economic and financial concepts to complex, real-world contexts. Students explore advanced domains like global macroeconomics, fintech, sustainable finance, the role of geopolitics in international trade, financial stability and risk management. Through intensive workshops and simulations, participants move from theory to practice—testing ideas, modelling scenarios, and debating outcomes—to gain comprehensive insights into market dynamics.

2) Is YSP EFM Advanced an online or offline programme?

YSP Economics, Finance & Markets Advanced (EFM Advanced) is an offline, residential programme and will be held in person at Ashoka University Campus in Sonipat, Haryana.

3) What is liberal arts and sciences education?

Liberal Arts & Sciences education celebrates discussion and debate in the classroom. A Liberal Arts & Science education focuses on providing critical thinking skills and multiple perspectives to students, which is considered an essential part of leading an ethical and purposeful life. Essentially, it incorporates breadth and depth across multiple disciplines.

4) Do we get a certificate for attending The Young Scholars Programme?

Yes, students will be given a certificate on successful completion of the programme, provided all sessions are attended and there has been desirable participation by the student. Upon receipt of your certificate, please save it securely for your use later on. However, if you happen to lose it, a second copy of the certificate will be provided which will be chargeable for a sum of Rs. 500/-

5) Will attending the programme increase my chances of getting admission to the undergraduate programme at Ashoka University?

Attending the programme will give you an insight on liberal arts & sciences education and the Ashoka pedagogy. This will surely help you with your undergraduate application form at Ashoka University. However, this does not guarantee admission to the Ashoka UG programme.