Indian Statistical Institute

Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata

Website: https://www.isical.ac.in/

The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) is a premier institution of higher learning and research headquartered in Kolkata, with a strong focus on Statistics and its applications across mathematics, computer science, economics, natural sciences, and social sciences. The institute was founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis on December 17, 1931, and was recognized as an Institution of National Importance by an Act of the Indian Parliament in 1959.

ISI has played a significant role in the development and advancement of statistical science in India and internationally. Its core objectives include promoting the study and dissemination of statistical knowledge, developing statistical theories and methodologies, conducting research across natural and social sciences, and applying statistical methods to practical problems related to planning, national development, social welfare, management, and production.

The institute's academic and research activities cover a wide range of disciplines. Its current academic offerings include undergraduate programmes such as Bachelor of Statistics, Bachelor of Mathematics, and Bachelor of Statistical Data Science. At the postgraduate level, ISI offers programmes in Statistics, Mathematics, Quantitative Economics, Quality Management Science, Library and Information Science, Computer Science, Cryptology and Security, and Quality, Reliability and Operations Research. The institute also offers postgraduate diploma and certificate programmes in specialized areas.

Research remains a central part of ISI's activities, with scientists and faculty working across theoretical and applied statistics, mathematics, computer science, economics, statistical quality control, operations research, and several areas of natural and social sciences. The institute has also contributed to research areas including machine intelligence, computer vision, cryptology, bioinformatics, statistical genetics, social network analysis, and other interdisciplinary fields.

The Kolkata headquarters is supported by academic and research infrastructure designed for teaching, scientific investigation, and collaboration. ISI also operates centres in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Tezpur, along with a branch at Giridih and other specialized units. Its broad institutional network allows researchers, students, and professionals to participate in education, research, training, and applied statistical activities across multiple disciplines.

With its long history, multidisciplinary research environment, academic programmes, and emphasis on the practical application of statistics and related sciences, the Indian Statistical Institute continues to contribute to education, scientific research, industry, government, and national development.