Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics Top Colleges, Syllabus, Scope and Salary

Ph.D. in Statistics is a 2-year postgraduate course in Statistics, which is a branch of mathematics that deals with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of numerical data. It is a tool for data-based prediction and forecast. It is applicable to a wide variety of academic disciplines, from the natural and social sciences to the humanities, government, and business.

Statistics is a key tool in business and manufacturing as well. It is utilized to comprehend measurement systems’ variability, control processes for abridging data, and for making data-driven choices. A Statistician gathers, verifies, and translates information and utilizes the same to tackle issues in a wide assortment of fields.

For pursuing Ph.D. in Statistics, aspiring candidates need to have completed M.Stat./ M.A./ M.Sc., or equivalent qualification in any of Mathematics, Statistics, and Science.

Selection to the course is based on the candidate’s obtained merit at the level of graduation, or performance in a relevant entrance test, and performance in the subsequent round of interview.

Such postgraduates are hired in capacities such as Data Analyst, Research Analyst, Assistant Professor, Biostatistician, Data Interpreter, Econometrician, Enumerator, Lecturer, Research Scholar, Statistician, Test Content Developer – Humanities, Content Developer – Sociology, Labour Counsellor, Article Writer, Curriculum Trainer – Sociology, Trainee Associate, Sociologist, Trainee - Teaching Associates, Asst. Professor & Lecturer, etc.

The average tuition fee charged for the course in India ranges between INR 2,000 and 5 Lacs for a span of 2 years. In India, the average annual salary of a Statistician can be expected to lie between INR 2.5 and 3.5 lacs.

Ph.D. in Statistics: Course Highlights

Listed below are some of the major highlights of the course.

Ph.D. in Statistics: What is it About?

The program offers to eligible candidates a wide base of advanced learning in Theoretical Statistics, Applied Statistics, Probability, and such areas of study.

Ph.D. is a research-based program in Statistics. The course consists of four areas of specialization, viz. Biostatistics, Mathematical/Probability Statistics, Statistical Modeling, and Actuarial Science/Financial Mathematics. A compulsory thesis needs to be submitted by students of the course upon completion of 24 months of study of the subject.

Ph.D. in Statistics: Course Objectives

As a mathematical science, Statistics is concerned with the presentation, interpretation, collection, analysis, and explanation of data. It aims to impart to eligible students advanced learning in:

• a broad spectrum of academic disciplines ranging from Humanities to Physical and Social Sciences.
• both Mathematical and Applied Statistics.
• related sub-disciplines, namely Descriptive and Inferential Statistics.

Top Institutes offering Ph.D. in Statistics

Listed below are some of the top institutes in India that offer the course.

Eligibility for Ph.D. in Statistics

Candidates wishing to apply for the course need to fulfill the following eligibility criteria

• M.Stat./ M.A./ M.Sc. in Statistics or equivalent discipline, completed from a recognized university.
• A minimum aggregate score of 50% (45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) at the level of post-graduation.
• Mathematics and Statistics as the main subjects of study at the 10+2 level.
• Candidates awaiting their post-graduation examinations’ results are also eligible to apply on provisional basis.

Ph.D. in Statistics: Admission Process

Most institutes offering the course admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test followed by a round of Personal Interview. Some institutes conduct their own entrance tests for offering admission. Admission process generally varies across colleges. A few institutes also provide direct admission based on the candidate’s score at the level of post-graduation, but necessarily followed by a round of Personal Interview.

Ph.D. in Statistics: Syllabus and Course Description

A semester-wise breakup of the course’s syllabus is tabulated here.

Ph.D. in Statistics: Career Prospects

Successful Statisticians are lucratively hired as Investment Analysts, Psychometrists, Cryptologists, Commodities Financial Aid Directors, Traders, Information Scientist, etc. They also have much professional scope in teaching/ lectureship, and even research.

They can find gainful employment opportunities in public sector organizations, financial institutions, and such corporations. Academic institutions Analysts for instructive, factual research-based roles, and every year the UPSC conducts an all-India examination for hiring in the Indian Statistical Services (ISS).

Some of the popular professional avenues open to successful professionals are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.

Candidate applying in PH.D program should have passed post-graduation in a relevant stream from a recognized university