PhD Statistics Eligibility, Colleges, Admission Process, Syllabus, Scope, Salary 2023

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Sounak Banerjee

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PhD Statistics is a 2-year Doctoral course in Statistics which can be pursued on completion of Master’s degree. 

This doctoral course is a branch of Mathematics that deals with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of numerical data. This program can be used for the measurement systems’ variability, control processes for abridging data, and for making data-driven choices.

Check here the list of Top PhD Statistics Colleges in India

This program is a branch of study that takes within a broad spectrum of academic disciplines ranging from Physical to Humanities and Social Sciences. The study of Statistics involves both Mathematical as well as Applied Statistics. 

To be considered eligible to apply to this program, candidates are required to have passed M.Sc. or MA in Mathematics or Statistics with an aggregate of at least 55%. 

Check here the list of Top MA Mathematics Colleges in India

Admission to PhD Statistics course will be done either on the basis of the candidate's performance in the Master’s degree exam or on the basis of their performance in the entrance exams conducted by admission authorities. 

PhD Statistics degree holders are hired in a wide range of fields as a Research Analyst, Assistant Professor, Data Analyst, Biostatistician, Data Interpreter, Lecturer, Research Scholar etc. They are recruited in Statistical Services, Social Research, Economics, Finance, Indian Economic Services, Businesses, Commerce, Govt. Jobs Consulting Firms etc. 

The average annual tuition fee charged for this course in India ranges between INR 10,000 and INR 1,50,000. In India, the average annual salary that a PhD Statistics degree holder can get ranges between INR 3,00,000 and INR 8,00,000. 

If students wish to do further research, they can become independent researchers and publish their research papers. Students can also opt for MPhil Mathematics and MPhil Statistics. They can also earn a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in the related domain in future. 

PhD Statistics Course Highlights

Highlights for PhD Statistics program are provided in the table given below:

Course Level Doctorate
Full-Form Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics
Duration 2 years
Examination Type Semester-based
Eligibility Post-graduation (M. Stat. / M.A. / M.Sc.) with a minimum of 55% marks. 
Admission process Merit-based / Entrance Exam
Average Annual Course Fee INR 10,000–INR 1,50,000
Average Salary INR 3,00,000 - INR 8,00,000 per annum
Top Recruiting Companies Blue Ocean Marketing, BNP Paribas India, Deloitte Consulting, TCS Innovations Labs, Nielsen Company, Accenture, HP, GE Capital, HDFC, Cognizant, RBI, HSBC, American Express, Indian Market Research Bureau, Genpact etc.
Job Profiles Econometrician, Article Writer, Enumerator, Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Biostatistician, Data Analyst, Research Analyst, Data Interpreter, Research Scholar, Statistician, Content Developer, Labor Counsellor, Curriculum Trainer, Trainee Associate, Sociologist, Trainee - Teaching Associates, Asst. Professor & Lecturer etc.
Area of Employment Ecological, Medical, Census, Election, Crime, Education, Film, Cricket, Tourism, Insurance, Statistical Research, Indian Statistical Services, Social Research, Economics, Finance, Indian Economic Services, Businesses, Commerce, Govt. Jobs Consulting Firms, Data Survey Agencies, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Statistical and Economic Bureaus, Banks etc.

PhD Statistics: What is it about?

Information and details about the PhD Statistics program are as follows.

  • The PhD program in Statistics is a great research-based analytic program for those preparing for advancing their knowledge and expertise in aspects of the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of numerical data.
  • Candidates can bring changes in documentation, policy, education, or technology, thus advancing the field of Statistics through their research.
  • It is a branch of study that takes within it a broad spectrum of academic disciplines ranging from humanities to physical and social sciences.
  • The study of Statistics involves both Mathematical as well as Applied Statistics. Applied Statistics is studied under two divisions’ namely descriptive Statistics and inferential Statistics.
  • This course propagates to eligible candidates a wide base of advanced learning in Theoretical Statistics, Applied Statistics, Probability and such areas of study.

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. 

What is the PhD Statistics Admission Process? 

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.

Which are the Top PhD Statistics Entrance Exams?

Some colleges that offer PhD Statistics programs require their candidates to sit for an entrance examination.

Sourabh 01/18/2023

How to Prepare for a PhD Statistics Entrance Exams? 

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.

Also, read more about the GATE Exam Question Pattern, Syllabus, and Important Tips in detail.                          

How to get admission in a good PhD Statistics college?

To get admission in the top PhD Statistics colleges, the following points must be kept in mind:

  • Candidates are shortlisted by the college through respective entrance exams followed by an interview.
  • To get a good college for PhD appearing for CSIR-NET and UGC-NET exams is the best way and for some of the colleges’ GATE is also considerably good to approach. Check the list of Top CSIR NET Colleges in India. 
  • A few private institutes are there offering the course to admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test followed by a round of Personal Interview.
  • Getting into a good college for the admission in PhD Statistics program, candidates need to score well in the respective entrance exams.
  • They should be well versed with their research topic so that they can impress the interview panel with their research idea. 

What is the 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 PhD Statistics program is provided in the table given below: 

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

Which books to refer for PhD Statistics?

Tabulated below are some of the PhD Statistics subject books that can help students to have a broader and better understanding of the course. Mentioned below are the books that also help the students in cracking various PhD Statistics exams.

Name of the Book Author
Research Methodology & BioStatistics Suresh K Sharma
Research Methodology C R Kothari, Gaurav Garg
Statistics in short Nobin Chandra Paul
Statistical Data Analysis Kenneth J Koehler, Mervyn G Marasinghe
Research and Statistics Dr. Srikanta Mishra

PhD Statistics Top Colleges

The table below shows the best PhD Statistics colleges and universities that offer the course in a full-time mode.

Name of College Admission Process Average Annual Fees
Banaras Hindu University BHU UET INR 13,900
University of Hyderabad Merit-Based INR 11,200
Aligarh Muslim University Entrance-Based INR 9,285
Amity University UGC-NET/ CSIR-NET/ GATE INR 1,00,000
Banasthali Vidyapeeth UGC NET INR 1,44,500
Pondicherry University Merit-Based INR 23,283
Mumbai University Entrance-Based INR 21,720
Utkal University Merit-Based INR 9,500
Annamalai University Merit-Based INR 25,010

Source: College Websites

PhD Statistics College Comparison

To help choose between which university/ college to take admission in for PhD Statistics, a side by side comparison of the top three universities is given below.

Parameter Banaras Hindu University Amity University University of Hyderabad
Objective This University is a public university located in Varanasi and is one of the oldest universities in the country. This is considered one of the best universities for a PhD program. Amity University started its functioning in 2005 and is one of the prime universities of India that offers PhD courses among other study programs. The University of Hyderabad is a public research university, established in 1974, it has students from all around the country. Its PhD program is highly ranked among other research programs.
Average Annual Fees INR 13,900 INR 1,00,000 INR 11,200
Average Annual Placement Offered INR 4,00,000 INR 6,50,000 INR 5,00,000
Top Companies Visited Infosys, Coal India, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, Pantaloon, Visa Steel, FINO, Ansal API, etc. American Express, Hindustan Times, Nestle, Microsoft India, Nokia, Pepsi Co, Wipro, etc. TCS Digital, TCS R&D, Convergence, Deloitte, Dr. Reddy's, Renovo Hospital, Aster Prime Hospital, Vedanta, etc.

Source: College Websites

PhD Statistics vs. PhD Mathematics 

Just like PhD Statistics, PhD in Mathematics is a research course. Both of these courses are similar. However there is a minute difference between these two programs. The difference between PhD Statistics and PhD Mathematics is as follows.

PhD Statistics deals with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of numerical data whereas PhD Mathematics is the study of structure, space, quantity, and change that seeks out patterns and formulates new conjectures. 

Check the table below for more comparative details:

Parameters PhD Statistics PhD Mathematics
Overview It is a doctorate level program in Statistics where one researches in an area of Statistics. This course provides advanced learning of both Mathematics and Statistics.  It is a doctorate level program in Mathematics. It is basically the study of structure, space, quantity, and change. It seeks out patterns and formulates new conjectures. 
Eligibility Post-graduation (M. Stat. / M.A. / M.Sc.) with a minimum of 55% marks.  M.Sc. in Mathematical Sciences or Physical Sciences/ Graduate candidates from any discipline with a minimum of 55% marks. 
Exam Type Semester-based Semester-based
Admission Process Entrance Exam/Merit-based Entrance Exam/Merit-based
Job Positions Assistant Professor, Biostatistician, Data Analyst, Research Analyst, Data Interpreter, Test Content Developer, Asst. Professor & Lecturer etc. Economist, Researcher, Personal Banker, Mathematician, Statistician, Loan Officer, Accountant, Cryptographer, Demographer, Professor etc.
Area of Employment Ecological, Medical, Census, Election, Crime, Govt. Jobs, Indian Statistical Services, Social Research, Consulting Firms, Data Survey Agencies, Insurance, Education, Film, Cricket, Tourism, Statistical Research, Economics, Finance, Indian Economic Services, Businesses, Commerce, Public-Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Statistical and Economic Bureaus, Banks, etc. Colleges & Universities, Banking sectors, Survey agencies, Economic forums, Govt. sectors, etc.
Average Annual Fees INR 10,000 – INR 1,50,000 INR 13,000 - INR 4,00,000
Average Annual Salary INR 3,00,000 – INR 8,00,000 INR 2,00,000 - INR 8,00,000
Top Colleges BHU, University of Hyderabad, Aligarh Muslim University, BVDU, Jaipur etc.  IISc., Bangalore, BHU, AMU, Queen Mary’s College etc. 

Source: College Websites

Source: College Websites

What are the Job Prospects and Career Options after PhD Statistics?

After getting a degree in this field a candidate can get a variety of jobs to choose from. It will be easy for them to work for the government and private organizations and many other sectors. They can also choose to teach as a Professor or a Lecturer in colleges or universities.

  • There are immense job opportunities in Statistics. Students can work in a wide range of industries. One can become a Psychometrist, Investment Analyst, Cryptologist, Commodities Traders, Financial Aid Director, Information Scientist etc.
  • One can even get into the field of Education and become a Professor. The scope of research is also very wide.

The tabulation below shows some of the most common PhD Statistics job profiles and career prospects after completing the course is as follows:

Job profile Job Description Average Annual Salary
Data Analysts A Data Analyst accumulates and examines data to innovate ways to improve businesses and government entities, or databases and its related data. This type of data can include any subject like laborers, customers, arrangements, etc. INR 4,00,000
Economists These professionals investigate and examine information that influences the financial and money-related occupations of the government. They forecast and clarify economic patterns in view of such data. Economists also inspect and break down information utilizing an assortment of programs, including spreadsheets, factual examination, and database-administration. INR 6,50,000
Statisticians They collect numeric-related information and show it, helping organizations to comprehend quantitative information and to spot patterns and make forecasts. They have to create methods to beat issues in information-gathering and examination. INR 3,50,000
Enumerators An Enumerator is essentially in charge of recording the number of individuals in a family, their ages, genders, and other such data. They collect and record such factual information. INR 6,00,000
Biostatisticians A Biostatistician utilizes or applies arithmetic insights to effect advancements in science. Biostatisticians prepare natural tests in the field of agribusiness and solution, collect, analyze, and condense such information, and formulate conclusions in light of such information. INR 7,50,000

                                                                          

Source: College Websites

What are 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 PhD 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.

PhD Statistics FAQs

Some of the most frequently asked questions related to PhD Statistics course which will help students in clearing their doubts are provided below: 

Ques. What are the top colleges for the PhD Statistics program?

Ans. The top institutes and colleges for the PhD Statistics program are Banaras Hindu University, Amity University Noida, University of Hyderabad, Mumbai University, Banasthali Vidyapeeth, among others.

Ques. Which job profiles are available for PhD Statistics?

Ans. Students of PhD Statistics can work as an Assistant Professor, Biostatistician, Data Analyst, Research Analyst, Data Interpreter, Econometrician, Article Writer, Enumerator, Lecturer, Research Scholar, Statistician, Test Content Developer – Humanities, Content Developer, Labor Counsellor, Curriculum Trainer, Trainee Associate, Sociologist, Trainee - Teaching Associates, Asst. Professor & Lecturer, etc.

Ques. What is the average annual tuition fee charged for the PhD Statistics program?

Ans. The average annual tuition fee in the top PhD Statistics colleges ranges between INR 2,000 and INR 1,50,000.

Ques. What is the scope after pursuing a PhD Statistics degree?

Ans. After completing the Doctorate in Statistics, you can continue your further research work as a Postdoctoral Fellowship with CSIR and UGC fellowship. Once you finish your PhD you can also be qualified for a Lecturer post in Statistics and also for Mathematics in colleges and universities. 

Ques. What is the average annual salary offered to PhD Statistics degree holders?

Ans. The average annual salary ranges from INR 3,00,000 to INR 8,00,000 as per the job profile.

Ques. What are the areas of employment in the PhD Statistics field?

Ans. Several areas of employment are there in this field such as students can work at Ecological, Medical, Census, Election, Crime, Education, Govt. Jobs, Indian Statistical Services, Social Research, Film, Cricket, Tourism, Consulting Firms, Data Survey Agencies, Insurance, Statistical Research, Economics, Finance, Indian Economic Services, Businesses, Commerce,  Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Statistical and Economic Bureaus, Banks etc.

Ques. Is PhD Statistics a tough course? 

Ans. No, PhD Statistics is not tough at all. If you have an interest in Mathematics and Statistics, this course seems very easy to you. So, it totally depends on your interest. 

Ques. What is the admission process to apply to this course? 

Ans. Admission to this course will be done either on the basis of candidate’s performance in the qualifying examination i.e. Master’s degree examination or on the basis of candidate’s performance in the entrance exams conducted by the admission authorities. 

Ques. What is the eligibility criteria to seek admission to a PhD Statistics course? 

Ans. Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Mathematics or Statistics with an aggregate of at least 55% marks to seek admission to this program. 

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