About PhD Statistics Admission

PhD Statistics is a minimum 3-year doctoral course in Statistics that primarily deals with data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, and data presentation. It is considered to be an ideal course for statisticians interested in carrying out deep research and in mentoring fellowships regularly to expand their knowledge base.

Candidates with Master’s degree with Mathematics or Statistics with an aggregate of more than 55% are eligible to apply for the PhD Statistics course. The admission to the PhD Statistics course may be merit-based or entrance exam-based depending on the policy of the university/institute offering the course. BHU UET, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE are some of the exams whose score is considered for admission to the course by some institutes.

Some top PhD Statistics institutes are the University of Hyderabad, Pondicherry University, Annamalai University, etc. The average annual fees for a PhD Statistics course in India may range from INR 10,000 to INR 1,50,000 depending on the amenities provided by the institute.

Aspirants with PhD Statistics degree may find opportunities with different job profiles like Data Analyst, Data Interpreter, Professor, Research Scholar, etc. They may be hired for data analysis and research by economic firms, social research institutes, businesses, commerce, and consulting firms. The average annual salary of a candidate with a PhD Statistics degree in India is in the range of INR 3,00,000 to INR 8,00,000 depending on the skillset of the candidate. Some of the top companies hiring candidates with a PhD Statistics degree are Ford Global Business Services, GE Corporate, Indian Institute of Management Udaipur, Barclays, Ahmedabad University, etc.

PhD Statistics About the Course

PhD Statistics is a research-based course designed for providing specialized knowledge and expertise in data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.

The course encompasses various academic disciplines right from humanities to social sciences.

Statistics can be classified into two categories namely Mathematical Statistics and Applied Statistics. Applied Statistics can further be classified into Descriptive Statistics and Inferential Statistics.

The PhD Statistics course covers all the different categories of Statistics. This course provides a platform for the candidates to perform in-depth research and analysis on different advanced Statistical topics.

Candidates may present documentation and research papers on different fields like education and technology thus contributing to the advancement in the field and bringing about major changes in policy.

PhD Statistics Syllabus

Although the PhD in Statistics program syllabus varies from institute to institute, it mostly consists of some common foundation courses that students can select based on their interests.

The Semester-wise syllabus of the PhD statistics program is provided in the table given below:

• Research Methodology
• Advanced Trends in Statistics
• Specialization
• Longitudinal Data Analysis
• Limit Theorems & Stability of Random Sums
• Stochastic Models in Queueing Theory
• Advanced Queuing Systems
• Laplace Distributions
• Circular Distributions
• Dissertation and Viva-Voce

Why study PhD Statistics?

The goal to attain a PhD in Statistics degree will depend on each individual’s aspirations and goals. Some of the reasons to pursue this course are as follows.

The Statistics course trains students for careers in the academic, public, private, or non-profit sectors and provides students with the ability to think critically, creatively and holistically in the field of Mathematics and Statistics.

After completing the PhD Statistics course, candidates will be qualified for lecturer post in Statistics or Mathematics in colleges and universities. 

They can join educational institutions as Teachers and Lecturers in schools and universities. 

Candidates after earning their PhD degree can become the most skilled in their area of specialization. 

Working professionals can also opt for a part-time program.

On completion of this program, students will easily manage to get handsome salary packages ranging upto INR 8,00,000.

Admission Process of PhD Statistics? 

Most colleges and institutes offering PhD Statistics courses admit students based on their performance in the Master’s degree examination. However, there are some colleges which do conduct entrance examinations to judge a candidate’s abilities and skill sets.

The following are the two major pathways through which a PhD Statistics admissions take place:

Merit-Based Admission

Most private colleges that offer PhD Statistics courses usually admit students based on the marks secured at the master’s/ graduate degree. Besides that, these colleges may conduct a Personal Interview or a Written Test to further know the candidate’s skills.

Entrance-Based Admission

Most of the colleges and universities offer admission to PhD Statistics on the basis of entrance exams like GATE, UGC NET, BHU UET etc.

The step-by-step procedure for entrance-based admission is as follows.

Step 1: Students have to register on the official website. 

Step 2: Fill the application form with correct details.

Step 3: After examination, a cutoff list will be released on the website. Seats will then be allotted to candidates based on their scores in the entrance exam. 

Step 4: Some colleges also conduct personal interviews and group discussion for admission to this course. 

Step 5: On meeting all the eligibility criteria, a student will then be offered admission to the course. 

What is the PhD Statistics Eligibility Criteria?

The common PhD Statistics eligibility criteria that candidates need to fulfil to be successfully admitted into a college offering this course are as follows:

M.Sc./MA in Mathematics or Statistics from any recognized University or Institution in a relevant subject with minimum 55% marks or an equivalent grade.

For candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC / Differently-Abled and such other categories, 5% relaxation in marks will be given in accordance with the decision of the UGC & Govt. of India will be accorded.

However, an applicant with CSIR-UGC/JRF/NET/SLET cleared in the relevant subject is exempted from the Entrance Test.

How to Prepare for a PhD Statistics Entrance Exam? 

Most of the institutes which conduct entrance exams for PhD Statistics program do not have a well-defined syllabus. Tips for preparation for entrance tests are as follows.

The question paper for the entrance examination for admission to the PhD in Statistics course generally contains 100 Multiple Choice Questions based on topics studied at M.Sc. main level. 

Brush up all basic Statistics study material learnt at masters and undergraduate level.

Get up to date with the latest news, general knowledge etc., based on which questions might be asked in the personal interview round.

The research proposal for the program is to be prepared and studied thoroughly.

Past papers of entrance exams can be downloaded from university websites and used for practice. The practice must be done while timing oneself and recreating exam situations.

What is the Future Scope after PhD Statistics?

PhD degree is a doctorate level degree and is the highest educational degree one can earn in the country. Generally one does not pursue further studies post completion of the PhD Statistics degree.

Employability is high and graduates are hired quickly upon completion of their degree in high pay job profiles. With this knowledge, there is no limit to learning and knowledge.

If one wishes, the following programs can be pursued after a PhD:

MPhil Statistics: On completion of the statistics program, students can opt for MPhil Statistics program which involves further research in Statistics. 

MPhil Mathematics: Students can also opt for MPhil in Mathematics on completion of PhD in Statistics course. Check MPhil Mathematics job opportunities. 

After completing the Doctorate in Statistics you can continue your further research work as a Postdoctoral Fellow with CSIR and UGC fellowship.

Career Prospects and Job Scope for a PhD in Statistics Graduate

Post graduating from a respected college with a PhD in Statistics degree, a PhD in Statistics job opportunities become very wide and far-stretched for the students. The average salary of a fresh graduate of this course is INR 3 - 8 LPA (Source: Payscale).

PhD in Statistics jobs for students after completion of PhD in Statistics:

• Econometrician
• Article Writer
• Enumerator
• Lecturer
• Assistant Professor
• Biostatistician
• Data Analyst
• Research Analyst
• Data Interpreter
• Research Scholar
• Statistician
• Content Developer
• Labor Counselor
• Curriculum Trainer
• Trainee Associate
• Sociologist
• Trainee - Teaching Associates
• Asst. Professor & Lecturer 

Job designation for PhD in Statistics graduates with experience:

1. Lead Data Scientist
2. Senior Data Scientist Payments
3. Senior Data Scientist (Asset & Wealth Management)
4. Lead Data Scientist
5. Senior Data Scientist
6. Vice President - Data Scientist Lead
7. Asset Management