Career as a Statistician: Courses, Steps, Types, After 12th, Job, Scope, Salary, Jobs, Skills 2023

Types of Statisticians

A statistics graduate may expect to find work in a variety of fields. The following is a list of the various categories of statisticians:

• Statisticians: Statisticians use mathematical techniques and models to assist in the resolution of real-world issues. They work in a variety of industries, gathering, analysing, and interpreting data. The main responsibilities of a statistician include designing data, applying statistical methodology to complex data, using statistics to make forecasts, etc. They can be employed in areas such as the Government Statistical Service, Office for National Statistics, Educational Bodies, Hospitals and much more of the relative kind.
• Data Analyst: In companies, data analysts deal with vast volumes of data and figures. They gather, store, organise, calculate, and analyse data, as well as make forecasts based on it. The main responsibility that they are assigned is that they gather technical expertise in order to ensure the quality of the various forms of data which is then processed and designed so as to present it to the people in different ways which may help them.
• Statistical Analyst: Statistical analysts write documents and analyses, as well as editing and collecting data. Based on the results, they also generate charts and tables. Surveys and special projects are among their responsibilities. Their main responsibility is to assist their employers in making better decisions in relation to business using Statistics. They usually make usage of their fixed parameters to remove unimportant data followed by the organisation of data into a spreadsheet.

Steps to become a Statistician

The various steps to be followed for becoming a Statistician have been listed below for further reference:

• Decision Making: The students shall decide well in time if they wish to take up their career as a Statistician. Being a very demanding job, it requires full attention and focus in work from the professionals. Therefore, the candidates must decide whether or not they are prepared for such a demanding job.
• Subject Choices: As per the eligibility criteria, it is preferable that the students have a strong academic background in subjects such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, economics, econometrics, and material science, etc.
• Entrance Exam: There are no specific entrances conducted for getting a job as a Statistician as it entirely depends upon the educational qualifications of the candidates. However, admissions to any Bachelor or Masters courses in the field of Statistics requires the students to get through various entrances in order to get admission to top colleges.
• After Qualifying Exam: Those candidates who manage to pass these entrance tests held by the respective colleges are thereafter called for personal interview and counselling sessions to finally get admission to the college that they wish to get in.

How to Become a Statistician in India?

The following steps should be followed if you wish to become a Statistician in India:

• School Level Preparation: At the 10+2 level, you shall compulsorily take either a Science stream or a Commerce stream with Statistics as the main subject. This step is considered to be a prerequisite for admission to any bachelor degree course in Statistics. You must excel in the field of Mathematics by practising several problems from different books as Statistics requires you to have excellent Mathematical Skills.

How to Become a Statistician After 12^th

Some of the key steps that needs to be followed in order to become a statisitician after 12^th are listed below for your reference,

• UG Level Preparation: After you successfully complete your 10+2 exam with good marks, you may apply for any bachelor degree courses in Statistics.Since there are various courses available for Statistics, you must choose your course wisely as per your skills and knowledge.
• PG Level Preparation: After completion of these bachelor courses, you may take up Master degree courses in the same field to enhance your skills as well as knowledge. After successfully completing their post graduation, candidates can opt for jobs in Finance, Analytics, Statistics Industry and so on. Candidates can also pursue a doctoral degree if they wish to gain more expertise.

Statistics Courses

The following are some undergraduate and postgraduate courses a candidate may pursue.

B.Sc (Hons.) Statistics

B.Sc. (Hons.) Statistics programme is a three-year undergraduate programme that focuses on statistics and statistics-related concepts. Its aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the issue.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for admissions to B.Sc (Hons.) Statistics courses have been mentioned below for your reference:

• Candidates must have passed a recognised state or central board's 10+2 or equivalent test with at least 55 percent (relaxable for reserved category candidates) at the 10+2 or equivalent level.
• He/she shall not have any unfinished Supplementary or Compartment work in any of the subject/subjects at the 10+2 or equivalent level at the time of admissions.
• Candidates must have Maths or Statistics as their mandatory subjects.

B.Sc Mathematics Hons.

B.Sc. Maths Honours is a bachelor's degree programme in mathematics. In addition to studying the usual Bachelor of Science subjects such as Physics and Chemistry, the B.Sc. Math Honours course offers in-depth knowledge of trigonometry, geometry, calculus, and various other theories of Mathematics and related disciplines such as computer science or statistics.

MA Statistics

MA Statistics is a two-year full-time postgraduate programme that provides advanced study in statistics theory, analysis, methods, and applications, as well as related fields. The main goal and objective of this programme is to provide advanced learning and hands-on training in selected areas of statistics to students, such as Bayesian Inference, Biostatistics, Distribution Theory, Stochastic Process, and so on.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to stand as an eligible candidate for admissions to MA Statistics courses, one must fulfill the following listed eligibility criteria:

• A bachelor's degree in statistics or a related field from a recognised university is required.
• At the graduation level, a minimum aggregate score of 50% (45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) is required.
• Students who are awaiting the outcome of their graduation-level exams are also entitled to apply on a provisional basis.

M.Sc Statistics

MSc Statistics (Master of Science in Statistics) is a postgraduate Statistics programme. It is the analysis of how data is collected, organised, and interpreted. It deals with all aspects of course, including data collection preparation in terms of survey and experiment design. This course will teach you how to solve statistical problems in the real world. Computational Statistics, Statistical Machine Learning, and the Fundamental Principles of Statistical Inference are all part of the MSc Statistics curriculum.

Eligibility Criteria

Admission to the MSc in Statistics varies by college. Entrance examinations are held at different colleges and universities for the admission of students.

• Graduation in a similar discipline from a recognised institute or completion of a BSc Honors in Statistics or Mathematics or Mathematics with Computer Applications with Statistics as one of the articles.
• Admission to this programme needs a minimum aggregate score of 60 percent at the graduation stage.

How to Become a Statistician Abroad

There are several colleges providing courses to become a statistician abroad. Some of the most popular universities and countries are mentioned below.

Statistician in the USA

The USA is a wonderful country to study Statistics for all those students who have a keen interest in studying abroad in this field. As per the reports of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2016 to 2026, the average annual openings for statisticians are expected to be 4,400, third only to Medical Scientists and Psychologists. In the USA, a Statistician’s job is ranked as No.1 amongst the Best Business Jobs and No.6 amongst the Best Jobs. 

The admission requirements for Statistics courses provided in the USA have been listed below:

• The students are required to mention their marks obtained in the 10+2 qualifying exam which must be above GPA 3.0.
• They must appear for English proficiency scores like TOEFL or IELTS.
• They must provide their marks obtained in SAT or ACT exams which are considered to be a must for studying any course in the USA.
• Letters of Recommendation

Top Colleges to Pursue Statistics Courses in USA

Statistician in Canada

Canada is also a great choice of countries if a student wishes to pursue their career in Statistics in abroad countries. It is being expected that an increase in demand for professionals who excel in the field of Statistics has been projected in Canada. As we know that Mathematics plays a major role in the subject of Statistics, most of the courses offered in Canada provide a dual degree with Mathematics. 

The admission requirements for Statistics courses provided in Canada have been listed below:

• The students are required to mention their marks obtained in the 10+2 qualifying exam which must be above GPA 3.0.
• They must appear for English proficiency scores like TOEFL or IELTS.
• Letters of Recommendation

Top Colleges to Pursue Statistics Courses in Canada

Statistician in UK

The United Kingdom, indeed a great country for studying abroad for International Students. There are many reputed colleges and universities that provide Statistics courses to a large number of students. The Office of National Statistics, the UK's largest employer of statisticians, offers fast track programmes to help graduates get started in a career as a statistician.

The Royal Statistical Society also offers a variety of certification and accreditation programmes. The RSS also has a CPD programme in place to allow employees to continue their education and advance their careers.

The admission requirements for Statistics courses provided in UK have been listed below:

• The students are required to mention their marks obtained in the 10+2 qualifying exam which must be above GPA 3.0.
• They must appear for English proficiency scores like TOEFL or IELTS.
• Letters of Recommendation
• Apart from this, students must involve the following skills:
• IT Skills
• Appreciation for the importance of Statistics
• Ability to analyse data

Top Colleges to Pursue Statistics Courses in UK

Benefits of Career as a Statistician

The job of a Statistician surely has certain benefits which fascinate the applicants while applying for the post. These benefits have been mentioned below for reference:

• Salary: Candidates who are hired as statisticians are initially paid about INR 3-10 lacs per year. With more work experience and skills, this increases even more. With experience and education, candidates can earn a good package and work at reputed firms. Candidates can join either the government or the private sector to work.
• Job Security: The job of a Statistician is in the Finance Industry. They may find employment in reputed private firms or even government agencies. Working anywhere in the world, they would surely have job security as statisticians are necessary for every firm or organisation.
• Unique Experience: At times, technological innovation comes in handy to improve work productivity and make things easier. The tasks and role of a statistician might be challenging at times but working with some of the top firms is a unique experience.
• Scope: Since the job of a Statistician involves different areas of focus, there is surely a chance of an increased scope. They may explore various fields available in the area of Statistics such as Health Statistician and so on.

Skills Required for a Statistician

The various skills required for becoming a Statistician have been mentioned below:

Salary of Statistician in India

A Statistician's salary rises over time as they complete successive levels of training and experience in the field. The salary of a Statistician is determined by a number of factors, including on-the-job training and location. The following salary ranges are provided for air traffic controllers and other related job roles:

Average Annual Salary

Specialisation Wise

Experience Wise

What after completion of Statistics Courses?

• Higher Education: If you have completed your undergraduate degree with a Statistics course, you are eligible enough to go for higher education. You may opt for a masters degree in Statistics or even a PhD degree in Statistics if you have completed both your bachelors and statistics. 
• Job Prospects: It is very much evident that a career in the field of Statistics provides the students with wonderful employment opportunities both in India as well as abroad. These professionals are in high demand in today’s market. At the successful completion of your studies in statistics, if you wish to go for Government Jobs, you may apply for Indian Statistical Services, Civil Services as well as Indian Economics Services exams.