Indian Statistical Institute [ISI], Kolkata Admission Process

ISI provides undergraduate programs in B.Stat and B. Math, each with a duration of 3 years. At the postgraduate level, ISI Kolkata offers M.Stat, M. Math, M.Tech, and MS courses across various specialisations, each with a duration of 2 years. For detailed eligibility criteria and available centers, interested candidates can refer to the table provided below:

ISI Kolkata Course Admissions Selection Process 

B.Stat/ B.Math: 

ISI Kolkata course admissions will be determined by the merit obtained in two written tests administered by the institution. These tests include multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and descriptive questions focused on Mathematics at the 10+2 level. Based on performance in the written tests, candidates meeting the criteria will be invited for interviews.

M.Stat/ M. Math 

Candidates who hold a B.Stat (Hons) degree from ISI are granted direct admission to this program without the need for any selection test or interview. For other applicants, ISI administers an entrance exam to evaluate their suitability. The entrance exam comprises two parts:

Part 1: This section features multiple-choice questions in Statistics and Mathematics.

Part 2: This component includes short-answer questions in Statistics and Mathematics.

Note: The examination questions are at the graduate level.

MS Quantitative Economics

Candidates for this program will be selected based on their performance in written tests followed by an interview. The written admission tests will include multiple-choice questions in both Economics and Mathematics at the undergraduate level.

MS in Quality Management Science

Candidates will be chosen based on written tests and a subsequent interview. The written admission tests will consist of multiple-choice and/or descriptive questions in undergraduate-level Mathematics.

Sponsored Candidates:

• ISI offers sponsorship opportunities for candidates supported by government entities, semi-government organisations, public sector undertakings, autonomous institutions, and commercial/industrial establishments.
• Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria are eligible to apply for ISI Kolkata course admissions.
• A candidate will be deemed sponsored only if their employer grants them leave and full salary for the entire duration of the program. Sponsored candidates are not entitled to receive any stipend, and their sponsors are required to pay a tuition fee of Rs. 20,000 per year.

Note: A candidate will be considered sponsored only if they receive leave and full salary from their employer for the entire duration of the program. Sponsored candidates do not receive any stipend, and their sponsors must pay a tuition fee of Rs. 20,000 per year.

Master of Science in Library and Information Science: 

Candidates will be chosen based on their performance in written tests followed by an interview.

M.Tech Computer Science

Candidates are also selected for this program based on a written test and interview conducted by the Indian Statistical Institute.

Group A: A test for all candidates in undergraduate-level Mathematics and logical reasoning.

Group B: A test divided into five sections, each carrying equal weightage, in postgraduate-level Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics, and in Computer Science, Engineering, and Technology at the B Tech level.

Note: Candidates with a valid GATE score (in the required subject) are exempt from the written test. These candidates will be directly called for an interview based on their GATE score.

ISI provides Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) programs at the doctoral level. The duration of both the JRF and SRF programs is 6+1 years. Below is a comprehensive list of research programs offered:

Candidates will be selected based on the entrance exam conducted by ISI, followed by an interview.

To apply for PhD courses, candidates must complete the online application form. Selection for PhD courses is determined by the marks obtained in the JRF admission test in the relevant discipline conducted by the Institute, a personal interview, and the candidate’s academic record.

The Indian Statistical Institute provides Junior Research Fellowships in various specialisations. The eligibility criteria for JRF programmes are presented in the table below, alongside the specialisations.

Selection Procedure: Provided that the eligibility criteria are met, the selection of candidates for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is entirely based on merit, assessed through their performance in written tests and interviews. Past academic achievements may also be taken into account.

Note: Candidates who have been granted a Junior Research Fellowship by NBHM/CSIR/UGC/ICMR/DST/DBT based on a nationally conducted written admission test are also obligated to successfully complete the ISI JRF admission test or an equivalent separate test conducted by the relevant JRF selection committee of the institute in order to submit their doctoral thesis at ISI for a PhD degree.

• To apply for programs offered by the Indian Statistical Institute, applicants must complete an online application via the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Admission Portal, accessible at http://www.isical.ac.in/~admission.
• Upload digital copies of their photograph and signature.
• Candidates applying under reserved categories must upload supporting documents such as caste certificates (Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes/Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer) and/or disability certificates issued by the appropriate authority.
• Ensure the application form is completed accurately and pay the application fee of INR 1250/- (General category) or INR 625/- (SC/ST/OBC) via SBI Collect/NetBanking, Debit/Credit Card, or through a Challan for cash payment at an SBI Branch.
• Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to participate in either an entrance exam or an interview, as specified above.

Stipends, fellowships and Allowances

• Non-sponsored candidates are exempt from paying any tuition fees for any of the programmes.
• Stipends are initially awarded for one semester/academic year and are subsequently renewed based on student performance.
• Research Fellows holding an ME/M Tech or equivalent degree are eligible for increased junior and senior research fellowships.

ISI offers stipends and contingency grants to students as outlined below:

In addition to the postgraduate courses, the institute also offers several postgraduate diploma courses. The postgraduate diploma courses available at ISI are:

Selection Procedure: Candidates will be selected based on their performance in the entrance examination followed by an interview.

The institute provides a monthly stipend of 2000 INR along with a contingency amount to exceptional students enrolled in the PG Diploma in Statistical Methods and Analysis course.