Best books for ISI MSQE Economics
A short, subject-wise reading list for ISI MSQE Objective (PEA): standard references rather than an exhaustive library. Reading builds the concepts; the practice papers are what turn them into exam-ready speed and accuracy under negative marking.
Mathematics
Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics
Alpha C. Chiang & Kevin Wainwright
The standard reference for the calculus, optimisation and linear algebra tested across every one of these exams.
Real Analysis
Walter Rudin ("Principles of Mathematical Analysis")
For the real-analysis component ISI examines more directly than the other three exams.
Macroeconomics
Macroeconomics
Olivier Blanchard
Clear, exam-relevant coverage of IS-LM, AD-AS and open-economy macro.
Statistics
Probability and Statistics for Economists
Bruce E. Hansen
A widely used, freely available graduate-level text covering exactly the probability and inference syllabus these exams share.
Development Economics
Economic Development
Michael P. Todaro & Stephen C. Smith
The standard reference for growth models, development theory and human development indices.
Microeconomics
Advanced Microeconomic Theory
Geoffrey A. Jehle & Philip J. Reny
The right depth for ISI's most mathematically demanding microeconomics questions.
Econometrics
Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach
Jeffrey M. Wooldridge
A step up in rigour from Gujarati, matching ISI's estimation-theory questions.