IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
Part of IGNOU Courses & Fees: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
The IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics is a two-year Master's degree programme with a fee of Rs. 7,800 per semester for the July 2026 session. Graduates with a B.A./B.Sc. in Statistics/Mathematics, or a one-year Post Graduate Diploma in a related field, are eligible to apply.
| Detail | MSc Applied Statistics |
|---|---|
| Programme code | MSCAST |
| School | School of Sciences (SOS) |
| Eligibility | (i) Graduation with B.A./B.Sc. (Major/Honours) Degree in Statistics/Mathematics from any recognised University/Institution/Organisation. OR (ii) Grauation with B.A./B.Sc.degree from any recognised University/Institution/Organisation with Statistics/Mathematics as one of three subjects wit h equal weightage. OR (iii) Graduation from any recognised University/Institution/Organisation with one year Post Graduate Diploma in Statistics/Applied Statistics/Data Science/Data Analytics. |
| Medium | English |
| Duration | 2 years minimum, 4 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 7,800/- per semester |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 31,200 (Rs. 7,800 x 4 semesters) |
| Total credits | 80 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics: what the programme covers
The IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme is a two-year Master’s degree, requiring 80 credits for completion. It is offered in both the January and July admission cycles. The School of Sciences developed this programme with experts across India, focusing on the application of statistical tools in fields such as Industrial, Business, Management, Medical, Research, Data Science, and Machine Learning. The programme is structured into two semesters per year, running from July to December and January to June.
The programme comprises 16 core and compulsory theory courses, totalling 54 credits, and 5 core and compulsory lab courses, worth 18 credits. In the second year, fourth semester, students have a choice: they can opt for either two theory courses, “Operations Research” (4 credits) and “Stochastic Processes” (4 credits), or a Project/Dissertation (8 credits). An exit option is available; a PG Diploma in Statistics and Applications (PGDSA) is awarded after successfully completing the first two semesters, which total 40 credits.
IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics eligibility: who can apply
To apply for the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree. There are three specific pathways for eligibility.
The first pathway requires a B.A. or B.Sc. (Major/Honours) Degree in Statistics or Mathematics from any recognised University, Institution, or Organisation. Alternatively, candidates can qualify with a B.A. or B.Sc. degree from a recognised University, Institution, or Organisation, provided Statistics or Mathematics was one of three subjects with equal weightage. The third pathway is for graduates from any recognised University, Institution, or Organisation who possess a one-year Post Graduate Diploma in Statistics, Applied Statistics, Data Science, or Data Analytics. The programme is delivered entirely in English medium.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme fee is Rs. 7,800 per semester for the July 2026 session. This fee excludes additional charges. The total programme fee for the minimum duration of four semesters is Rs. 31,200.
Learners also pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 at the time of admission for the July 2026 session. These are paid on top of the first semester’s programme fee. The application process is fully online via the IGNOU admission Samarth portal.
A 15% discount on the programme fee is available for learners who choose soft copies of study materials instead of printed books.
MSc Applied Statistics fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 7,800/- per semester |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 31,200 (Rs. 7,800 x 4 semesters) |
| Registration fee (once, non-refundable) | Rs. 300 |
| University Development fee (once) | Rs. 400 |
| Term-end exam fee | Rs. 200 per theory course |
Paying IGNOU fees: IGNOU fee structure for every programme.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics duration and credits
The IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme has a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum duration of 4 years. Learners must complete all programme requirements within this 4-year period. The total credits for the programme are 80.
The credit distribution across the semesters is as follows:
- I Year (First Semester): 20 credits
- I Year (Second Semester): 20 credits
- II Year (Third Semester): 20 credits
- II Year (Fourth Semester): 28 credits
IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics syllabus: semester-wise courses
This includes 16 core theory courses worth 54 credits and 5 core lab courses worth 18 credits. The programme is structured into two semesters per year, running from July to December and January to June.
In the first semester, you study five theory courses and one lab course. MST 011 Real Analysis, Calculus and Geometry carries 2 credits, while MST 012 Probability and Probability Distributions, MST 013 Survey Sampling and Design of Experiments-I, and MST 014 Statistical Quality Control and Time Series Analysis each carry 4 credits. MST 015 Introduction to R Software is a 2-credit theory course, and MSTL 011 Statistical Computing using R-I is a 4-credit lab course. The first semester totals 20 credits.
The second semester also accounts for 20 credits, with four theory courses and one lab course. MST 016 Statistical Inference, MST 017 Applied Regression Analysis, and MST 018 Multivariate Analysis are each 4-credit theory courses. MST 019 Epidemiology and Clinical Trials is a 2-credit theory course, and MSTL 012 Statistical Computing using R-II is a 6-credit lab course, which is the highest credit lab course in the first year.
The third semester, in the second year, also has a total of 20 credits. It includes four theory courses: MST 020 Survey Sampling and Design of Experiments-II, MST 021 Classical and Bayesian Inference, MST 022 Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus, and MST 023 Research Methodology, each worth 4 credits. MSTL 013 Statistical Computing using R-III is a 4-credit lab course.
For the fourth semester, you have a choice to make for 8 credits. You can opt for two theory courses, MSTE 011 Operations Research and MSTE 012 Stochastic Processes, each worth 4 credits. Alternatively, you can pick MSTP 011 Project/Dissertation, which is of value 8 credits. This semester also includes MST 024 Data Analysis with Python (2 credits, theory), MSTL 014 Data Analysis with Python Lab (2 credits, lab), MST 025 Categorical and Survival Analysis (2 credits, theory), MST 026 Introduction to Machine Learning (4 credits, theory), and MSTL 015 Statistical Computing using R-IV (2 credits, lab). The fourth semester totals 28 credits, the highest of all semesters.
MSc Applied Statistics structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 6 courses | 20 |
| 2nd semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 3rd semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 4th semester | 8 courses | 28 |
MSc Applied Statistics 1st semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MST 011 | Real Analysis, Calculus and Geometry | 2 | Theory |
| MST 012 | Probability and Probability Distributions | 4 | Theory |
| MST 013 | Survey Sampling and Design of Experiments-I | 4 | Theory |
| MST 014 | Statistical Quality Control and Time Series Analysis | 4 | Theory |
| MST 015 | Introduction to R Software | 2 | Theory |
| MSTL 011 | Statistical Computing using R-I | 4 | Lab |
MSc Applied Statistics 2nd semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MST 016 | Statistical Inference | 4 | Theory |
| MST 017 | Applied Regression Analysis | 4 | Theory |
| MST 018 | Multivariate Analysis | 4 | Theory |
| MST 019 | Epidemiology and Clinical Trials | 2 | Theory |
| MSTL 012 | Statistical Computing using R-II | 6 | Lab |
MSc Applied Statistics 3rd semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MST 020 | Survey Sampling and Design of Experiments-II | 4 | Theory |
| MST 021 | Classical and Bayesian Inference | 4 | Theory |
| MST 022 | Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus | 4 | Theory |
| MST 023 | Research Methodology | 4 | Theory |
| MSTL 013 | Statistical Computing using R-III | 4 | Lab |
MSc Applied Statistics 4th semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MST 024 | Data Analysis with Python | 2 | Theory |
| MSTL 014 | Data Analysis with Python Lab | 2 | Lab |
| MST 025 | Categorical and Survival Analysis | 2 | Theory |
| MST 026 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 4 | Theory |
| MSTL 015 | Statistical Computing using R-IV | 2 | Lab |
| MSTE 011 | Operations Research* | 4 | Theory |
| MSTE 012 | Stochastic Processes* | 4 | Theory |
| MSTP 011 | Project/Dissertation* | 8 | Project |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
The current admission cycle for the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme is July 2026. Admissions for this programme occur twice a year, in the January and July cycles.
To apply for the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme in the July 2026 cycle, applicants must use the online the IGNOU Samarth admission portal. The application process is fully online; no printed form needs to be sent to a Regional Centre. Applicants must pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400, in addition to the programme fee. The programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 7,800 per semester. Payment can be made through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI via the payment gateway.
Applicants must prepare several documents before starting the application:
- A colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB, in JPEG format.
- A soft copy of the relevant educational qualification, under 200 KB, in JPEG or PDF format. Eligibility requires a B.A./B.Sc. (Major/Honours) Degree in Statistics/Mathematics, or a B.A./B.Sc. degree with Statistics/Mathematics as one of three subjects with equal weightage, or a one-year Post Graduate Diploma in Statistics/Applied Statistics/Data Science/Data Analytics.
- A soft copy of the category certificate if applying as SC/ST/OBC, under 200 KB.
- Applicants are told to keep their APAAR ID ready before applying.
IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme. Assignment responses must be written before taking the Term-End Examination (July 2026). Learners download assignments for the current session from the website (July 2026). Tutor Marked Assignments go to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre (July 2026). A failed assignment must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December (July 2026). These examinations take place at centres across the country and abroad (July 2026). There are two sessions a day: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM (December 2026 TEE). Learners may write the exam in Hindi even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes (December 2026 TEE). The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course (December 2026 TEE). For projects and practicals, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits, and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits (from January 2023 admission cycle) (July 2026). Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post (July 2026).
Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars cannot. A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course (January 2026). Bachelor’s and Master’s students who are short of 2% marks for a 2nd or 1st division may improve their grade, with one opportunity only (January 2026). Early declaration of results costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, available only with proof of selection for a post or further studies (January 2026).
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme?
The total programme fee for the minimum duration of two years is Rs. 31,200. This is calculated at Rs. 7,800 per semester for four semesters, as per the July 2026 prospectus. This amount excludes the registration, development, and examination fees.
Which semester has the most credits in the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme?
The fourth semester of the second year has the most credits, totalling 28. The first, second, and third semesters each have 20 credits. This includes core theory, lab courses, and the optional project or elective theory courses.
Does the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme include lab courses?
Yes, the programme includes 5 core and compulsory lab courses, worth a total of 18 credits. These are spread across the four semesters, such as MSTL 011 Statistical Computing using R-I in the first semester and MSTL 014 Data Analysis with Python Lab in the fourth semester.
Is there a project or dissertation option in the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme?
Yes, learners can opt for a Project/Dissertation (MSTP 011) worth 8 credits in the fourth semester. Alternatively, they can choose two theory courses, MSTE 011 Operations Research and MSTE 012 Stochastic Processes, each worth 4 credits, instead of the project.
What are the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme?
Applicants must have a B.A./B.Sc. (Major/Honours) Degree in Statistics/Mathematics, or a B.A./B.Sc. degree with Statistics/Mathematics as one of three subjects with equal weightage. A one-year Post Graduate Diploma in Statistics/Applied Statistics/Data Science/Data Analytics from a recognised university is also accepted.
Can I exit the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme early with a diploma?
Yes, an exit option is available. A Post Graduate Diploma in Statistics and Applications (PGDSA) is awarded upon successful completion of the first two semesters of the programme. This allows for a shorter qualification if needed.
How many credits must be earned to complete the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme?
Learners must earn a total of 80 credits to successfully complete the programme. This includes 54 credits from 16 core theory courses, 18 credits from 5 core lab courses, and 8 credits from either the project or two elective theory courses.
Which courses in the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme use R or Python software?
Several courses involve software. MST 015 Introduction to R Software and MSTL 011 Statistical Computing using R-I are in the first semester. MSTL 012 Statistical Computing using R-II is in the second semester. MST 024 Data Analysis with Python and MSTL 014 Data Analysis with Python Lab are in the fourth semester.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme is 2 years. Learners have a maximum of 4 years to complete all requirements and earn the 80 credits.
Are there any courses in the IGNOU MSc Applied Statistics programme that focus on research methodology?
Yes, MST 023 Research Methodology is a 4-credit theory course offered in the third semester. This course covers topics such as an overview of research in statistics, research proposal development, data preparation, analysis, presentation, and research ethics.