The Indian Statistical Service (abbreviated as ISS) (Hindi: भारतीय सांख्यिकी सेवा) is a civil service under Group A of the Central Civil Services of the executive branch of the Government of India. ISS is a civil service with high degree of proficiency in Statistical methods and applications.
Officers in the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) oversee data collection, conduct analysis using statistical methods, and provide insights to guide policymaking in India. They design surveys, develop statistical models, and offer expert advice to government agencies. Their responsibilities span research, policy formulation, forecasting, and program evaluation, aiming to ensure informed decision-making across sectors by providing accurate and reliable statistical information.
Indian Statistical Service (ISS) officers are posted across various government departments, ministries, and organizations at both the central and state levels in India. They can be found working in departments related to statistics, economics, planning, finance, agriculture, health, education, and more. Additionally, ISS officers may also be deployed in specialized agencies such as the Central Statistical Office (CSO), National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and other institutions involved in data collection, analysis, and policymaking.
ISS officers typically enjoy competitive pay, face varying workloads, and hold respected positions within the government due to their expertise in statistical analysis and policymaking.
To apply for the post of ISS officer candidate must have obtained either a Bachelor's Degree with Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/Applied Statistics as one of the subjects or a Master's degree in Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/Applied Statistics.
Additionally, candidates must meet certain age requirements, typically between 21 to 30 years old, with relaxation provided for certain categories as per government norms.
Deep institute is known for its unique teaching methodology. Classes are available offline and online as well. Statistics is taught in a way you will comprehend best. The examples cited from real life along with relevant examples makes you see the concept in new light. You can ask doubts n number of times and no one gives you a bad look. Sudhir Sir is available even outside the usual class setting.
For the subjects of GS and English, you are in safe hands. However, you need to read some basic books beforehand to really get the hang of answer writing.
ISS Exam is aimed at testing problem solving skills in the Statistics, Maths, English and General studies portion of Graduate and Post Graduate level. Nearly 20-25k students apply every year for this exam, out of which around 80 people get shortlisted for interview, and finally approx. 35 students get in the merit list.
The course curriculum will comprise of coverage of the entire syllabus, giving them a Broad Pattern Work Sheets & Tests to help the students attempt the written exam and interview/personality test with confidence and accuracy.
- For Probability theory, An introduction to probability and Statistics by V.K. Rohtagi .
- For Statistical Inference, Introduction to theory of Statistics by Mood, Graybill, Boes
- For Sampling, Applied Statistics by Kapoor and Gupta , Sampling Techniques by W.G.Cochran
- For Multivariate Analysis, An introduction to Multivariate Statistical Analysis by T. W.Anderson , Multivariate Analysis and its applications by C.R.Rao
- For Design of Experiments, Book by Das and Giri
- For Statistical Quality Control, book by D.C.Montgomery
- For Time Series, time series analysis by Chatfield , time series analysis by Box and Jenkins
- For Econometrics , Basic Econometrics by D.Gujarati , Econometric methods by Johnston
- For Economic Statistics , Applied Statistics by Kapoor and Gupta , Principles of Macro Economics by T.R. Jain
- For General Studies, NCERT Books and Current Affairs Newspaper(Indian Express, The Hindu) , Magazine
- For English, there is no specific book. Just brush up your basic grammar knowledge and practice paragraph writing ,reading.
- Basic book for Statistics is Fundamentals of Mathematical Statistics by Kapoor and Gupta but be careful , there you will find many mistakes.
The Indian Statistical Service (ISS) exam is considered moderately difficult, requiring a solid understanding of statistical concepts, quantitative aptitude, and analytical skills. Candidates typically need to dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to prepare for the exam, including thorough study of relevant subjects, practicing previous years' question papers, and mastering problem-solving techniques. A disciplined study schedule, consistent practice, and access to quality study materials are essential for success in clearing the ISS exam.
The selection procedure for the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) comprises a written examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) which is of 3 days, covering statistics, mathematics, and general studies. Successful candidates proceed to an interview/personality test to assess their suitability for the position. Final selection is based on combined scores from the written exam and interview, with candidates ranked on a merit list for appointment to the ISS.
Approx. 20-25k candidates per year