IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) Syllabus 2026: Semester-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) syllabus structure: 2 semesters, 32 credits
The programme requires a minimum of one year to complete, with a maximum duration of three years. The total programme fee for the minimum duration is Rs. 16,000, based on the July 2026 prospectus, excluding registration, development, and exam fees. Students must complete six compulsory core courses and three specialisation courses from either Industrial Statistics or Biostatistics to earn the 32 credits.
The first semester comprises 16 credits from four compulsory theory courses: MST-001 Foundation in Mathematics and Statistics, MST-002 Descriptive Statistics, MST-003 Probability Theory, and MST-004 Statistical Inference. The second semester includes 6 credits from MST-005 Statistical Techniques and MSTL-001 Basic Statistics Lab. For the remaining 10 credits, students choose between Industrial Statistics (MSTE-001, MSTE-002, MSTL-002) or Biostatistics (MSTE-003, MSTE-004, MSTL-003). For the January admission cycle, students appear for the June Term-End Exams for MST-001, MST-002, MST-003, and MST-004 in the same year. For the July admission cycle, these initial four courses are examined in December of the same year, with the remaining courses in June of the next year.
Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 4 courses | 16 |
| 2nd semester | 2 courses | 6 |
| Courses For Industrial Statistics Specialisation | 3 courses | 10 |
| Courses For Biostatistics Specialisation | 3 courses | 10 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) 1st semester subjects: Foundation in Mathematics and Statistics, Descriptive Statistics
The total credits for the first semester amount to 16 out of the programme’s 32 credits.
MST-001 Foundation in Mathematics and Statistics provides the base for later courses, covering fundamentals of mathematics, matrices, determinants, and data collection. MST-002 Descriptive Statistics builds on this foundation, focusing on quantitative data analysis, correlation, regression, and multiple correlation. MST-003 Probability Theory introduces basic concepts, random variables, and both discrete and continuous probability distributions. MST-004 Statistical Inference then covers sampling distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, and non-parametric tests. Each course uses four eGyanKosh blocks for study material,
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) 1st semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MST 001 | Foundation in Mathematics and Statistics | 4 | Compulsory |
| MST-002 | Descriptive Statistics | 4 | Compulsory |
| MST-003 | Probability Theory | 4 | Compulsory |
| MST-004 | Statistical Inference | 4 | Compulsory |
MST-001 Foundation in Mathematics and Statistics: study blocks
- Block 1: Fundamentals of Mathematics-I
- Block 2: Fundamentals of Mathematics-II
- Block 3: Matrices, Determinants and Collection of Data
- Block 4: Presentation of Data
MST-002 Descriptive Statistics: study blocks
- Block 1: Analysis of Quantitative Data
- Block 2: Correlation for Bivariate Data
- Block 3: Regression and Multiple Correlation
- Block 4: Theory of Attributes
MST-003 Probability Theory: study blocks
- Block 1: Basic Concepts in Probability
- Block 2: Random Variables and Expectation
- Block 3: Discrete Probability Distributions
- Block 4: Continuous Probability Distributions
MST-004 Statistical Inference: study blocks
- Block 1: Sampling Distributions
- Block 2: Estimation
- Block 3: Testing of Hypothesis
- Block 4: Non-Parametric Tests
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) 2nd semester subjects: Statistical Techniques
This semester includes two compulsory courses: MST-005 Statistical Techniques and MSTL-001 Basic Statistics Lab. MST-005 is the heaviest course, carrying 4 credits, and covers essential topics such as Sampling Designs, Analysis of Variance, Design of Experiments, and Random Number Generation and Simulation Techniques across its four eGyanKosh blocks.
This lab component is crucial for applying the statistical techniques learned.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) 2nd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MST-005 | Statistical Techniques | 4 | Compulsory |
| MSTL-001 | Basic Statistics Lab | 2 | Compulsory |
MST-005 Statistical Techniques: study blocks
- Block 1: Sampling Designs
- Block 2: Analysis of Variance
- Block 3: Design of Experiments
- Block 4: Random Number Generation and Simulation Techniques
IGNOU student services
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) Courses For Industrial Statistics Specialisation subjects: Industrial Statistics-I
The Industrial Statistics specialisation within the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) includes three courses. MSTE-001 Industrial Statistics-I and MSTE-002 Industrial Statistics -II are theory courses, each carrying 4 credits. These two courses are electives and must be taken together. MSTL-002 Industrial Statistics Lab, a 2-credit course, complements the theoretical knowledge gained from the Industrial Statistics-I and Industrial Statistics-II courses.
MSTE-001 Industrial Statistics-I covers Process Control, Product Control, Decision and Game Theory, and Reliability Theory across its four eGyanKosh blocks. MSTE-002 Industrial Statistics -II builds on this foundation, covering Optimisation Techniques-I, Optimisation Techniques-II, Regression Modelling, and Time Series Modelling.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) Courses For Industrial Statistics Specialisation: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSTE-001 | Industrial Statistics-I | 4 | Electives & To be taken Together |
| MSTE-002 | Industrial Statistics -II | 4 | Electives & To be taken Together |
| MSTL-002 | Industrial Statistics Lab | 2 | Electives & To be taken Together |
MSTE-001 Industrial Statistics-I: study blocks
- Block 1: Process Control
- Block 2: Product Control
- Block 3: Decision and Game Theory
- Block 4: Reliability Theory
MSTE-002 Industrial Statistics -II: study blocks
- Block 1: Optimisation Techniques-I
- Block 2: Optimisation Techniques-II
- Block 3: Regression Modelling
- Block 4: Time Series Modelling
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) Courses For Biostatistics Specialisation subjects: Biostatistics-I
The Biostatistics specialisation within the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) includes MSTE-003 Biostatistics-I, MSTE-004 Biostatistics-II, and MSTL-003 Biostatistics Lab. These three courses are electives and must be taken together. MSTE-003 Biostatistics-I carries 4 credits and covers vital statistics, bioassay, epidemiology, and clinical trials across its four eGyanKosh blocks. This foundational course precedes MSTE-004 Biostatistics-II, which also carries 4 credits.
MSTE-004 Biostatistics-II builds on the first course, focusing on categorical data analysis, regression analysis, generalised linear models, and survival analysis. The practical application of these theoretical concepts is addressed in MSTL-003 Biostatistics Lab, a 2-credit course. This lab component ensures learners gain hands-on experience with the statistical methods learned in both MSTE-003 and MSTE-004.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) Courses For Biostatistics Specialisation: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSTE-003 | Biostatistics-I | 4 | Electives & To be taken Together |
| MSTE-004 | Biostatistics -II | 4 | Electives & To be taken Together |
| MSTL-003 | Biostatistics Lab | 2 | Electives & To be taken Together |
MSTE-003 Biostatistics-I: study blocks
- Block 1: Vital Statistics
- Block 2: Bioassay
- Block 3: Epidemiology
- Block 4: Clinical Trials
MSTE-004 Biostatistics -II: study blocks
- Block 1: Categorical Data Analysis
- Block 2: Regression Analysis
- Block 3: Generalised Linear Models
- Block 4: Survival Analysis
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics assesses learners through compulsory assignments and term-end examinations. Assignments are mandatory for all courses. Learners must submit their assignment responses to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre before appearing for the Term-End Examination.
IGNOU conducts term-end examinations twice a year, in June and December. Learners admitted in the January admission cycle can appear in the June Term-End Exams of the same year for MST-001, MST-002, MST-003, and MST-004. The remaining core courses, MST-005 and MSTL-001, along with elective courses, are eligible for the December Term-End Exams in the same year. For the July admission cycle, learners can appear in the December Term-End Exams of the same year for MST-001, MST-002, MST-003, and MST-004. The remaining core courses and electives are eligible for the June Term-End Exams in the next year.
Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post. Learners can write the exam in Hindi, even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
IGNOU provides self-instructional study material for the Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics (PGDAST) programme. A 15% discount on the programme fee is available for those who opt for soft copies instead of printed material. The full programme fee for the minimum one-year duration is Rs. 16,000, excluding registration, development, and exam fees.
All self-learning material is also available on eGyanKosh, IGNOU’s digital repository. eGyanKosh hosts self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes. For instance, MST-001 Foundation in Mathematics and Statistics includes four study blocks: Fundamentals of Mathematics-I, Fundamentals of Mathematics-II, Matrices, Determinants and Collection of Data, and Presentation of Data. MST-002 Descriptive Statistics also has four blocks: Analysis of Quantitative Data, Correlation for Bivariate Data, Regression and Multiple Correlation, and Theory of Attributes.
Counselling sessions are held according to the schedule set by the Learner Support Centre. Technology-enabled support is also available through Gyan Darshan, Gyan Vani, Swayam Prabha, and web-based resources. One credit in the IGNOU system equals 30 hours of learner study.
Study support: IGNOU study material status; IGNOU previous year question papers and IGNOU regional and study centres.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics is Rs. 16,000 for the minimum duration of one year, based on the July 2026 prospectus. This amount covers two semesters at Rs. 8,000 each, but does not include the registration, development, or examination fees.
How many credits are required to complete the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics?
Learners must earn a total of 32 credits to complete the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics. This includes 6 compulsory core courses and 3 specialisation courses, chosen from either Industrial Statistics or Biostatistics.
Which semester has the most credits in the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics?
Semester I of the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics has the most credits, totaling 16. This semester includes four compulsory courses: MST-001, MST-002, MST-003, and MST-004, each worth 4 credits.
Are there any lab courses in the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics?
Yes, the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics includes lab courses. MSTL-001 Basic Statistics Lab is a compulsory 2-credit course, and learners also choose one 2-credit lab course as part of their specialisation: MSTL-002 Industrial Statistics Lab or MSTL-003 Biostatistics Lab.
Where can I find the study blocks for the courses in the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics?
The study blocks for courses like MST-001 Foundation in Mathematics and Statistics are available on eGyanKosh. For example, MST-001 has four blocks covering topics from Fundamentals of Mathematics to Presentation of Data.
When can I appear for the Term-End Examinations if I join in the July admission cycle?
If you join in the July admission cycle, you can appear for the December Term-End Exams of the same year for courses MST-001, MST-002, MST-003, and MST-004. The remaining core and elective courses will have their exams in the June Term-End Exams of the next year.
Does the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics offer specialisations?
Yes, the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics offers two specialisations: Industrial Statistics and Biostatistics. Learners must choose three elective courses from one of these groups to complete their programme.
What is the minimum duration to complete the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics is 1 year.
What is the eligibility for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics?
To be eligible for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics, a candidate must have a graduation in any discipline. There are no specific subject requirements for the undergraduate degree.