byGaganDeep
Updated on - 21 May, 2024
Ph.D. (Statistics) program is designed for a person who aims at mastering the advanced theory and practice of statistics. The standard length of Ph.D. Statistics program is four (4) to six (6) years. Statistics Ph.D. program also includes course works in the areas such as statistical inference, linear models, multivariate analysis, data mining, stochastic processes, statistical computing etc. Students must also complete dissertation research under faculty mentorship and to complete Ph.D. Statistics Ph.D. program prepares the students for careers as statistical scientists across academic, research, and industry settings such as analytics, biostatistics, etc.
GRE, GATE are the common entrance exams for Ph.D. Stats programs. October /November (GRE exam administration) / April / December (year-round - at-home tests). Statistics of GATE exam occurs on the 1st or 2nd week of February. It is in December-March that the application for the Fall term of admissions in Ph.D. programs are taken with decision being made in April -May. Only a few educational establishments admit students in the Spring term (October application), there are also the Summer one (February application deadline). Students need to keep in check each institute’s deadline while applying.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics |
| Duration | 3-5 Years (Full-Time) |
| Course Level | Doctoral |
| Eligibility | Master's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, or a closely related field |
| Top Colleges (India) | Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) (various campuses), University of Delhi (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Anna University |
| Entrance Exams (may vary) | UGC NET, CSIR NET, University/Institute Entrance Exams |
1. The candidate must be a holder of a bachelor degree in statistics, mathematics or another closely related quantitative field with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
2. Write the GRE and achieve high quantitative score. It means that most programs have high scoring criteria above 70th percentile.
3. Letters of recommendation should be obtained from undergraduate professors or others who are familiar with the quantitative ability.
4. Include official transcript showing completed work in advanced statistics, mathematics, and quantitative research design.
5. Write letter of intent with descriptions of research areas of interest, academic history, graduate school aspirations.
6. There are other programs that will need official TOEFL score to prove that the individual is not a native English speaker.
1. The GRE General Test – Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Widely used for admission.
2. Subject test in Statistics – a test that is narrowly concentrated on the specific subject of statistics typical for undergraduate education. Required by some universities.
3. CISCO - involves examination of simple math, probability and analytical skills. It was designed to be used for admission to the PhD courses in the IITs and IISc.
4. CSIR UGC NET – National exam for Indian candidates seeking Junior Research Fellowship and lectureship posts. Includes statistics.
1. One can take the graduate exams like GRE to display their quantitative and analytical capability. Scores in the high percentile range are the way to go in competing for jobs.
2. Find out professors conducting research you’re keen to get involved in. Identify areas of mutual concern from reading papers and use them in 35-word statement.
3. Request recommendation from such professors stating a clear portrayal of research proficiency and potential.
4. Develop a thesis statement about research interests, skills, and how study for PhD shapes these.
5. Apply with official transcripts from the previous schools showing A grades in courses relating to statistics, math, computer science.
6. It is advisable to come prepared with several examples of previous work that demonstrate quantitative and analytical abilities.
| Subject Area | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Core Statistics | Probability Theory, Statistical Modeling (Linear Regression, Generalized Linear Models), Statistical Inference (Hypothesis Testing, Confidence Intervals), Asymptotic Theory, Large Sample Theory |
| Advanced Statistical Methods | Bayesian Statistics, Nonparametric Statistics, Time Series Analysis, Survival Analysis, Multivariate Analysis |
| Computational Statistics | Statistical Computing Languages (R, Python), Machine Learning Techniques for Statistics, Data Mining, Statistical Simulations |
| Elective Courses (vary by specialization) | Biostatistics, Econometrics, Financial Statistics, Stochastic Processes, Sampling Theory, Design of Experiments |
| Research Methodology | Research Design, Literature Review, Data Collection & Analysis Techniques, Scientific Writing, Research Ethics |
| University Name | Location | Estimated Fees (Annual) (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | Kolkata, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai | 20,000 - 50,000 |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) (various campuses) | Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kanpur, Kharagpur etc. | 35,000 - 75,000 (Note: Fees vary depending on IIT) |
| University of Delhi (DU) | Delhi | 25,000 - 60,000 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | Delhi | 20,000 - 55,000 |
| University of Calcutta | Kolkata | 18,000 - 48,000 |
| Anna University | Chennai | 22,000 - 65,000 |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi | 15,000 - 50,000 |
| University of Mumbai | Mumbai | 20,000 - 60,000 |
| University Name | Location | Estimated Fees (Annual) (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) (various campuses) | Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Indore, Lucknow, etc. | 1.50 Lakh - 3.00 Lakh (Note: Fees vary depending on IIM) |
| Symbiosis International University (SIU) | Pune | 1.25 Lakh - 2.25 Lakh |
| Shiv Nadar University | Chennai | 1.00 Lakh - 2.00 Lakh |
| Ashoka University | Sonipat | 1.75 Lakh - 2.75 Lakh |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) | Manipal | 1.00 Lakh - 2.00 Lakh |
| Amity University (various campuses) | Various Locations | 0.75 Lakh - 1.50 Lakh |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRM IST) | Chennai | 1.20 Lakh - 2.20 Lakh |
| Christ (Deemed University) | Bangalore | 1.00 Lakh - 2.00 Lakh |
| Jain (Deemed-to-be University) | Bangalore | 0.80 Lakh - 1.80 Lakh |
| Career Path | Specialization Area | Average Salary (Lakhs per Annum) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Scientist | Data Analysis, Machine Learning | 8.0 - 15.0+ |
| Biostatistician | Biostatistics, Public Health | 7.0 - 13.0+ |
| Econometrician | Econometrics, Finance | 7.5 - 14.0+ |
| Market Research Analyst | Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior | 5.5 - 10.0+ |
| Quantitative Analyst | Risk Management, Finance | 8.0 - 16.0+ |
| Research Scientist (Statistics) | Varies (e.g., Social Sciences, Natural Sciences) | 6.5 - 12.0+ |
| University Professor (Statistics) | - | 8.0 - 15.0+ |