IGNOU PGDAST FAQs
Ques. I have a background in commerce/arts - can I still apply for PGDAST? Will I be able to cope with the mathematics?
Ans. Yes, PGDAST is open to graduates from any discipline. The programme is specifically designed for a non-mathematically oriented audience and starts from the basics. The IGNOU study material is lucid and reader-friendly, making it accessible even for those without a strong math background. Students from commerce, arts, and social sciences have successfully completed this programme.
Ques. Is it mandatory to attend counselling sessions for PGDAST?
Ans. For theory courses, attending counselling sessions is not mandatory. However, for lab courses (Basic Statistics Lab, Industrial Statistics Lab / Biostatistics Lab), attendance of at least 70% of the lab counselling sessions at the assigned study centre is mandatory to be eligible for the practical Term-End Examination (TEE). Students should plan accordingly.
Ques. Can I appear for the TEE in my first year itself, or do I have to wait for the full year to complete?
Ans. You can appear for theory courses in the TEE of the same cycle you enrolled in, provided you have submitted the assignments for those courses. For lab courses, you must first complete the core theory courses (MST-001 to MST-004) before appearing for the practical TEE. So partial completion and appearing for TEE in the first cycle is possible.
Ques. PGDAST is listed as a yearly programme. Does that mean I have to complete all courses in one year?
Ans. No. The minimum duration is 1 year, but you have up to 3 years to complete the programme. You can spread your courses across multiple TEE cycles (June and December) within the 3-year window. This flexibility makes it manageable for working professionals.
Ques. I enrolled but haven't received my study material or admission confirmation. What should I do?
Ans. Admission confirmation and study material dispatch can take several months at IGNOU. It is strongly recommended not to wait for the printed material - soft copies of all PGDAST study material are freely available on IGNOU's eGyanKosh digital repository. Start studying from the soft copies immediately after enrollment to avoid losing time before assignment deadlines.
Ques. Is PGDAST from IGNOU useful for a career in data science or analytics?
Ans. Yes, PGDAST provides a strong foundation in statistical concepts that are directly applicable to data science and analytics - including probability theory, statistical inference, regression, time series, and design of experiments. Many data science professionals have pursued PGDAST to strengthen their statistical fundamentals. The programme is particularly useful as a supplement to programming skills for those already working in the data/analytics domain.
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