Statistics is a branch of mathematics that deals with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of masses of numerical data.

Statisticians collect, verify and interpret data and use the same to solve problems in a wide variety of fields. The services of a statistician are required in every field right from government offices to international sporting events. The job of statistician is not something out of the world, but something that affects each one of us in one way or the other. Different areas of statistics are  crime statistics, census statistics, ecological statistics, medical statistics, statistics on job-seekers, on education, film statistics, cricket statistics, oil statistics, market statistics, accident statistics, labour statistics, population statistics, election statistics, district-city-state statistics, tourism statistics etc. All these areas require the analytical brain and comprehending ability of a statistician to interpret numerical data and explain to the common public what the numbers mean and how it can be beneficial to the common man.

Statisticians make use of various methods like questionnaires, surveys and diagnostics tests to study real life problems in a broad range of disciplines like biology, economics, engineering, medicine, physics, sociology and psychology. They collect data from reliable sources, evaluate it using scientific methods, make use of statistical tools and present their findings in the form of graphs, charts, tables etc. On the basis of their findings they suggest potential applications of the results of their survey and help to find solutions to the problem at hand.

A wide variety of job opportunities exist for trained statisticians both in the private as well as government sectors. They may work individually or as part of interdisciplinary teams. Teaching and research field are open to candidates with a master's degree and doctorate. While a statistician's job may appear to be boring and monotonous to an outsider, it is not so. Some amount of work may require a statistician to work in the comforts of a proper office environment. However, fieldwork may be required in some cases and this may involve a lot of traveling for collection of data.

Almost every country in this world has their own statistical agencies or bureaus. The apex body of the official statistical system in India is the Department of Statistics in the Ministry of Planning and Programme Implementation. This department acts as the nodal agency for the planned development of the country's statistical system. It comprises the Central Statistical Organisation, the National Sample Survey Organisation etc. This body also administers the Indian Statistical Institutes - the most prestigious statistical studies institutes in the country.

Eligibility : The minimum educational qualification required in this field is a bachelor's degree with a major in statistics or mathematicsA Master's degree or Ph.D. Click here for more information

Job Prospectus and Career Options : A qualified statistician will find job opportunities in public sector organisations, financial institutions and major corporate conglomerates  ... Click here for more Information

Remuneration : While freshers starting as statisticians get paid in the range of 1,00,000 - 1,75,000. Scale of pay depends,. Click here for more information

Institutes :Some of the prominent institutions offering courses in statistics can be had from the following links.  Click here for more information