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Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata, is an autonomous research institute and deemed university of national importance. Founded in 1931 by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, ISI was designated an Institute of National Importance by an Act of Parliament in 1959. It is funded by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India, and grants its own degrees under the ISI Act.
As per NIRF Overall 2025, ISI Kolkata is ranked in the 101-150 band. It held rank 74 in NIRF Overall 2024.
ISI Kolkata occupies a 30-acre campus in the Baranagar area of North Kolkata, West Bengal. The institute also maintains centres in Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Tezpur, offering select programmes at these locations.
- B.Stat (Hons) (3 years): flagship UG programme, limited seats, highly selective admission via ISI Admission Test. Total fee: INR 6,00,000
- BSDS (Hons) Bachelor of Statistical Data Science (4 years): Total fee: INR 8,20,000
- M.Stat, M.Maths, MS (Quantitative Economics) (2-year PG programmes): Heavily subsidized, students receive CSIR/UGC fellowships
- M.Tech in Computer Science, Cryptology and Security, and Quality Reliability and Operations Research (2 years each): INR 40,000 total per programme
- PGDBA Post Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics (joint with IIM Calcutta and IIT Kharagpur, 2 years): INR 27,10,000 total
- PG Diploma in Applied Statistics (1 year): INR 4,50,000
- Ph.D in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Quantitative Economics, and related disciplines: minimal fee, students receive research fellowship stipends
ISI provides monthly merit fellowships to B.Stat and M.Stat students. Research scholars and PhD students receive CSIR/UGC JRF or SRF stipends throughout their tenure.
Median package for the PG 2-year cohort stood at INR 22.47 LPA in 2025, with 177 students placed, as per NIRF data. PGDBA graduates command top-tier analytics and consulting offers.
ISI Kolkata Admission Dates 2026
ISI Kolkata 2026-27 admissions for B.Stat, M.Stat, M.Maths, MS, and M.Tech programmes operated through the ISI Admission Test, held on May 10, 2026. All cycles for the 2026-27 batch have concluded. The table below covers key dates for the 2026 cycle (Concluded).
| Event | Date (2026-27 Cycle, Concluded) |
|---|---|
| ISI Admission 2026 Notification | February 7, 2026 |
| Application Window Opens | February 12, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 26, 2026 |
| ISI Admission Test 2026 | May 10, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June 11, 2026 |
| Interviews (for select PG programmes) | 3rd week of June 2026 |
| Classes Begin (2026-27) | August 2026 |
Tentative dates for the next cycle are based on previous year patterns. PGDBA applications follow a separate schedule, typically opening in November each year. The table below shows the exam accepted for each programme family.
| Programme | Admission Test | Tentative Application Window (2027) |
|---|---|---|
| B.Stat (Hons), BSDS (Hons) | ISI Admission Test (written exam, no interview from 2026) | February to March 2027 |
| M.Stat, M.Maths, MS-QE | ISI Admission Test (written + interview) | February to March 2027 |
| M.Tech (CS / Cryptology / QROR) | GATE or ISI Admission Test | February to March 2027 |
| PGDBA (joint with IIM Calcutta and IIT Kharagpur) | Separate PGDBA Admission Test | November 2026 (Tentative) |
| JRF and Ph.D | ISI Admission Test or CSIR/UGC NET | February to March 2027 |
ISI Kolkata Courses and Fees
ISI Kolkata offers a narrow but highly specialised portfolio of programmes centred on statistics, mathematics, computer science, and quantitative economics. The B.Stat and BSDS are the flagship UG programmes. PG and doctoral programmes carry very low fees as the institute is heavily subsidised by the Government of India.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Stat (Hons) | 3 years (6 semesters) | 10+2 with Mathematics, ISI Admission Test | INR 6,00,000 |
| BSDS (Hons) | 4 years (8 semesters) | 10+2 with Mathematics, ISI Admission Test | INR 8,20,000 |
| M.Stat | 2 years | B.Stat or equivalent, ISI Admission Test + interview | Highly subsidized (stipend awarded) |
| M.Maths | 2 years | B.Math or equivalent, ISI Admission Test + interview | Highly subsidized (stipend awarded) |
| MS (Quantitative Economics) | 2 years | Graduation with Economics/Statistics/Maths, ISI Admission Test + interview | Highly subsidized (stipend awarded) |
| M.Tech (Computer Science) | 2 years | BE/B.Tech CS or MCA, GATE or ISI Admission Test | INR 40,000 |
| M.Tech (Cryptology and Security) | 2 years | BE/B.Tech/M.Sc, GATE or ISI Admission Test | INR 40,000 |
| M.Tech (QROR) | 2 years | B.Stat/B.Math/BE/B.Tech, GATE or ISI Admission Test | INR 40,000 |
| PGDBA | 2 years | Graduation with 60%, PGDBA Admission Test | INR 27,10,000 |
| PG Diploma in Applied Statistics | 1 year | Graduation with Statistics or Mathematics | INR 4,50,000 |
| Ph.D (Statistics, Maths, CS, Economics) | Min. 3-5 years | PG degree + ISI Admission Test or CSIR/UGC NET | Minimal (CSIR/UGC stipend awarded) |
The PGDBA is the joint flagship for business analytics, co-delivered with IIM Calcutta and IIT Kharagpur. B.Stat intake is extremely limited — typically around 30 students per batch at the Kolkata campus — making it one of the most selective undergraduate programmes in India for quantitative disciplines.
ISI Kolkata Admission Process
B.Stat and BSDS Admission
B.Stat (Hons) and BSDS (Hons) admission is through the ISI Admission Test, a written examination with no interview stage (starting from 2026). The test covers Mathematics at the 10+2 level with emphasis on problem-solving and proof-based questions.
- Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent with Mathematics as a subject.
- Selection: Written test score only. High Mathematical Olympiad performance can earn direct consideration for interview in exceptional cases.
- Intake at Kolkata campus: Very limited (approximately 30 B.Stat seats per batch).
- Reserved categories: SC/ST/OBC/PwD reservations apply as per Government of India norms.
M.Stat, M.Maths, and MS Admission
PG programme admissions use the ISI Admission Test (written examination) followed by a personal interview for shortlisted candidates. Each programme has its own paper tested at subject level.
- M.Stat eligibility: B.Stat (Hons) from ISI, or a 3-year B.Sc degree with Statistics as main subject, with first class or equivalent grade.
- M.Maths eligibility: B.Math (Hons) from ISI, or a 3-year B.Sc degree with Mathematics as main subject.
- MS-QE eligibility: B.Stat from ISI, or graduation in Economics, Mathematics, or Statistics with first class.
M.Tech Admission
M.Tech programmes at ISI accept GATE scores or the ISI Admission Test, followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates. The M.Tech in Cryptology and Security has a unique focus on theoretical foundations of secure computation and is not widely available at other institutions in India.
PGDBA Admission
PGDBA uses a separate multi-stage admission process: a written test (covering Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, and Communication), followed by a Group Discussion and Personal Interview. The programme is jointly run and admission is managed collaboratively by ISI, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Kharagpur.
ISI Kolkata Placements and Career Outcomes
ISI Kolkata placement outcomes span research, academia, industry, and finance. In 2025, 177 students from the PG 2-year cohort were placed with a median package of INR 22.47 LPA, as reported in NIRF 2025 data. For the PG 1-year cohort, 130 students were placed with a median of INR 15.85 LPA.
| Cohort | Students Placed (2025) | Median Package |
|---|---|---|
| PG 2-Year Programmes (M.Stat, M.Tech, MS-QE) | 177 | INR 22.47 LPA |
| PG 1-Year Programmes (Diploma) | 130 | INR 15.85 LPA |
PGDBA graduates attract offers from consulting, finance, and product analytics roles. The highest reported offer in 2024 was INR 34 LPA, with an average of INR 23 LPA across registered candidates. Companies recruiting from ISI span IT services, investment banking, analytics, and public sector research organisations. A significant proportion of B.Stat and M.Stat graduates pursue doctoral research or academic careers at Indian and international institutions.
Research career paths are prominent at ISI. PhD graduates are placed at ISI campuses, IITs, IISc, and international universities as faculty or postdoctoral researchers. Government statistical bodies (NSSO, CSO, RBI, NABARD) are consistent recruiters for quantitative economics and statistics graduates.
ISI Kolkata Rankings
ISI Kolkata is ranked in the 101-150 band in NIRF Overall 2025, down from rank 74 in NIRF Overall 2024. As a specialised research institute, ISI is assessed in the Overall category rather than an engineering or management-specific NIRF stream. It does not participate in NIRF Engineering or NIRF Management rankings.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Overall | 101-150 band | 74 |
ISI Kolkata’s specialised mandate — statistics, mathematics, and quantitative sciences — means standard rankings that weight engineering and management output tend to underrepresent its standing in quantitative disciplines. In the domain of statistics and applied mathematics, ISI is the primary graduate school in India and a primary source of academic faculty for IITs, IIMs, and IISc.
ISI Kolkata Campus and Infrastructure
ISI Kolkata’s main campus spans 30 acres in the Baranagar area of North Kolkata, West Bengal. The campus houses the institute’s academic departments, research centres, a library with extensive statistical and mathematical periodicals, and residential facilities. The Computer and Communication Sciences Division and the Physics and Applied Mathematics Unit are among the most active research units on campus.
Hostel accommodation is available for students on campus, with separate facilities for male and female students. Research scholars and PhD students are typically provided with on-campus housing as part of the fellowship support. The campus also hosts the ISI archives, which include papers and correspondence of Professor P.C. Mahalanobis and the historical records of the institute since 1931.
ISI Kolkata vs CMI vs IISER Kolkata
Students with strong backgrounds in mathematics and statistics who appear for the ISI Admission Test often also consider Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) and the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER). All three serve the same pool of aspirants who are Math Olympiad participants or strong 10+2 Mathematics candidates aiming for research-oriented programmes.
| Parameter | ISI Kolkata | CMI Chennai | IISER Kolkata |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1931 | 1989 | 2006 |
| NIRF Overall 2025 | 101-150 band | Not in NIRF list | 67 |
| Flagship UG | B.Stat (Hons) | B.Sc (Hons) Math and CS | BS-MS (5 years) |
| UG Fee (total) | INR 6,00,000 | INR 2,70,000 (approx.) | INR 2,50,000 (approx.) |
| Admission Test | ISI Admission Test | CMI Entrance Exam | IAT (IISER Aptitude Test) |
| Strength | Statistics, Quantitative Economics, PGDBA | Pure Mathematics, Theoretical CS | Broad Sciences, BS-MS research track |
ISI Kolkata is the strongest choice for statistics and data science, given its unique B.Stat programme, M.Stat, and the PGDBA in collaboration with IIM Calcutta and IIT Kharagpur. CMI is preferred by students aiming for pure mathematics and theoretical computer science at the UG level. IISER Kolkata offers a broader 5-year BS-MS track for students who want research experience across multiple sciences before specialising at the postgraduate level.
ISI Kolkata FAQs
Ques. What is the ISI Admission Test and who should appear for it?
Ans. The ISI Admission Test is the primary entrance exam for all programmes at Indian Statistical Institute Kolkata. It is mandatory for B.Stat (Hons), BSDS (Hons), M.Stat, M.Maths, MS-QE, M.Tech, JRF, and PhD programmes. The test is held in May each year. Applications typically open in February. Students strong in advanced Mathematics and proof-based problem solving are the primary target group.
Ques. What is the total fee for B.Stat at ISI Kolkata?
Ans. The total fee for B.Stat (Hons) at ISI Kolkata is INR 6,00,000 for the 3-year programme, at INR 1,00,000 per semester across 6 semesters. BSDS (Hons) totals INR 8,20,000 over 8 semesters (4 years). ISI provides merit-based monthly fellowships to meritorious students, which partially offset these costs.
Ques. What is ISI Kolkata NIRF ranking?
Ans. As per NIRF Overall 2025, ISI Kolkata is ranked in the 101-150 band. It held rank 74 in NIRF Overall 2024. ISI participates in the NIRF Overall category as a specialised research institute and does not appear in the Engineering or Management NIRF streams.
Ques. What is the fee for PGDBA at ISI Kolkata?
Ans. The PGDBA (Post Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics) at ISI Kolkata costs INR 27,10,000 for the 2-year programme. It is jointly offered with IIM Calcutta and IIT Kharagpur. Admission is through a separate PGDBA Admission Test, not the standard ISI Admission Test.
Ques. What are ISI Kolkata placement statistics?
Ans. As per NIRF 2025 data, 177 students from PG 2-year programmes were placed with a median salary of INR 22.47 LPA, and 130 students from PG 1-year programmes were placed with a median of INR 15.85 LPA. The highest offer in 2024 was INR 34 LPA with an average of INR 23 LPA across registered candidates. Many B.Stat and M.Stat graduates also pursue research careers or doctorates at IITs, IISc, and international universities.
Ques. Does ISI Kolkata have hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes. ISI Kolkata provides hostel accommodation on its 30-acre campus in Baranagar, Kolkata. Separate facilities are available for male and female students. Research scholars and PhD students typically receive on-campus housing as part of their fellowship support package. Students should confirm current availability and charges with the ISI administrative office.
Ques. What are the career pathways after B.Stat from ISI Kolkata?
Ans. B.Stat graduates from ISI Kolkata typically pursue one of three paths. The most common is direct admission to M.Stat at ISI or a master degree at IIT or international university in statistics, data science, or economics. The second is direct industry placement in data analytics, quantitative finance, or technology roles. The third is a research or government career through CSIR/UGC fellowship or entry into government statistical bodies such as NSSO, CSO, or RBI.
Ques. Is ISI Kolkata an Institute of National Importance?
Ans. Yes. ISI Kolkata was designated an Institute of National Importance by the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959, passed by Parliament. It grants its own degrees under this Act and is funded directly by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India.
Comments
Found 8 Comments
Yes, you can consider a career in data science. A strong interest in maths is a big advantage. Even without statistics or computer subjects, you can learn statistics, programming (Python, R), and data tools through online courses, certifications, and practice, making a successful transition from a pure science background.
Application to the programs being offered by Indian Statistical Institute must be done online through the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Admission Portal link available at http://www.isical.ac.in/~admission.
Yes, you can pursue a Master's in Statistics at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Kolkata even if you have a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics instead of Statistics. A degree in Mathematics is considered a strong foundation for the M.Stat (Master of Statistics) program at ISI Kolkata.
BBA Fees?
Indian Statistical Institute does not offer BBA course to the students.
ISI Kolkata does not offer B.Sc. Economics to the students. Instead of this, the institute offers B.Statistics and B.Mathematics in honors mode.
No, ISI Kolkata don't provide B. Tech course it provides M. Tech course only.
Dear candidate, ISI Kolkata doesn’t offer B.tech course, it provides Bachelor’s degree in Maths and Statistics. However, you can check out various other courses at ISI Kolkata Courses & fees.
The entrance test date of ISI Kolkata has not been announced yet. But it is expected that it will be conducted in May 2023. This is so because in 2022 the entrance test was conducted on 8th May 2022.
The entrance test date of ISI Kolkata has not been announced yet. But it is expected that it will be conducted in May 2023. This is so because in 2022 the entrance test was conducted on 8th May 2022.