Actuarial Science Course

Actuarial science course teaches students statistical and mathematical techniques of risk assessment and management, especially in the insurance and finance industries. It scientifically observes and analyses natural events and applies probability methods to foresee the financial impact of an uncertain future. The actuarial science course duration varies from 6 months to three years, depending on which route you want to take: certifications, UG, PG, or diploma.

Although it has a vast scope in finance and insurance, it also has applications in other fields that call for technical research as well as risk evaluation. It is a profession that constitutes the key disciplines: Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, Economics, and Risk Management. The actuarial science course details are designed to cater to various levels of academic pursuit including BSc, BCom, MBA, UG and PG Diploma degrees. Actuarial Science syllabus and subjects deal with topics like insurance risk calculation, application of economics, insurance premiums and mathematical analyses for making any decision in insurance investment, financial planning etc. 

The actuarial science course eligibility involves candidates clearing the class 10+2 with mathematics or commerce from a recognised board. Actuarial Science admission is done through entrance exams for undergraduate and postgraduate courses like CUET and the Actuarial Common Entrance Test (ACET). Amity University, Aligarh Muslim University, University of Mysore, Mumbai University, and so on are some of the top colleges for pursuing courses in Actuarial Science. Students can enrol in BSc Actuarial Science, MSc Actuarial Science, PG Diploma in Financial Service, and others. For short-term certificate courses online, candidates can choose Coursera, Udemy, and EdX in addition to full-time degree programmes. The Actuarial Science course fees vary from INR 20K to INR 1.80L

Actuarial Science jobs available upon completion of the course include profiles like Risk Managers, Auditors, Budget Analysts, Economists, Cost Estimators, Financial Analysts, and other positions. The range of Actuarial Science course salary is INR 5 Lakh- INR 40 Lakh per annum.

1. The ACET 2024 October session exam registration is ongoing. Students can register till October 5, 2024, up to 6 PM and appear for the exam on October 13, 2024. The latest updates for the exam are available at ACET 2024.
2. CUET 2025 will be conducted tentatively in March 2025 for PG programs and May 2025 for UG programs. Candidates can keep themselves updated with the latest info about these exams at CUET UG 2025 and CUET PG 2025. 

Tabulated below are some of the major highlights of the actuarial science course in India

Also Read: Actuarial Science Courses, Exams and Scope 

Let’s take a look at some details about the actuarial science course.

What Is An Actuarial Science Course?

The Actuarial Science degree is best for assessing and managing risks using mathematical and statistical methods. From solving insurance-related problems to complex investment hedging, practising actuaries utilise mathematics, statistics, economics, risk management, finance, and much more. Actuaries help companies significantly in making decisions about investment, risk management, and pricing. 

Why Choose An Actuarial Science Course?

There is a global need for actuaries, particularly in the insurance and financial services sectors. There will always be a need for risk assessors and managers, which means actuarial skills will be in demand and jobs will remain stable. In the financial industry, actuaries are among the highest-paid professionals. Their skills are highly valued, and their familiarity with risk management usually translates into competitive salaries and benefits.

Who Can Take Up The Actuarial Science Course?

Actuarial Science discipline degree is one of those professions that welcomes applicants from the widest possible variety of educational backgrounds and profiles. Despite the common perception of mathematics and statistics in actuarial science, there are many other avenues, too. Candidates with a good mathematics and statistical foundation are often appropriately prepared for actuarial careers. Actuarial Science is also available to graduates of economics, finance, or similar disciplines.

Those who can’t attend offline coaching for actuarial sciences can pursue actuarial science online courses in India. There are free certificates as well as paid programs on different platforms. 

Some of the courses available in Online Actuarial Science Certificate Courses are listed below.

CA or actuary which is better? An expert in actuarial science handles future risk factors and mitigation strategies. In contrast, a chartered accountant looks after the financial consequences of the past. Understanding the key distinctions between Chartered Accountancy and Actuarial Science is essential because those aspiring to careers in finance often choose the wrong path, mistakenly believing that the two fields are interchangeable. The following infographic lists the distinctions between the two career fields:

Actuarial Science courses are offered through numerous levels such as Actuarial Science Undergraduate Courses, Actuarial Science Postgraduate Courses, Actuarial Science Diploma Courses, Actuarial Science Certificate Courses,  and Actuarial Science Doctoral Course programmes. Different colleges offer different levels of Actuarial Science courses. One can also get an Actuarial Science credential by studying in online mode.

Actuarial Science Certificate Courses

Actuarial Science certificate courses are the most convenient way to learn new skills. They are taught both online and offline.

• Certificate courses can be completed in a matter of hours or over the course of six months
• Certificate courses are self-paced and can be completed while still working
• The typical starting salary for certificate course graduates ranges between INR 1.90 to 4 LPA

Actuarial Science Certificate Course Admissions Procedures

• Both online and offline certificate programmes offer merit-based admission
• All applicants must have successfully completed their class 12 or class 10 exit exams
• There is no need to submit your entrance exam results
• Admissions are open to all ages

Actuarial Science Diploma and PG Diploma Courses

Actuarial Science diploma and PG diploma courses are typically pursued in lieu of a regular degree programme.

• In India, one can enrol in courses such as insurance, financial management, risk management, and so on
• Diploma and PG diploma courses last one year and two years, respectively
• Diploma holders earn an average starting salary of INR 2 to 5 LPA

Courses in Top Diploma & Postgraduate Actuarial Science

Below is a list of some of the best available Actuarial Science diploma and PG diploma courses in India.

Admission Procedures for Graduate and Diploma Programs in Actuarial Science

Admissions to diploma and postgraduate diploma programmes are based on merit.

• For the diploma programme, applicants must hold a certificate of completion from either the 10th or 12th grade, and for the PG diploma programme, they must hold a bachelor's degree
• For admission to PG diploma programmes, some universities require relevant work experience, a written exam, a group discussion, and an individual interview

Undergraduate Actuarial Science Courses

Bachelor's degrees in actuarial science are three-year, full-time programmes. In these specialised courses, students learn how to participate in high-level decision-making processes and solve investment problems.

• Actuarial Science specialisation is available in bachelor's level courses, as well as other related specialisations like Insurance
• Courses at the bachelor's level last three years
• Merit-based admissions are made in conjunction with entrance exams
• For those with a bachelor's degree, the starting salary ranges from INR 3 to 6 LPA

List of Top Actuarial Science UG Courses

• BCom Actuarial Science
• BSc Actuarial Science

Actuarial Science UG Courses Admission Process 

Admission to Bachelor's level Actuarial Science courses is based on both merit and entrance examinations.

• Candidates must have completed their 12th grade from a recognised educational board
• Candidates must have completed Mathematics as a subject in the 12th grade
• UPSEE, IPU CET, AIMA UGAT, and other entrance exams are available to candidates

Also Read: BCom vs Actuarial Science: Check Eligibility, Course Structure, Syllabus, Career Scope 

Actuarial Science Postgraduate Courses

Actuarial Science Masters programmes are two-year, full-time courses. After earning a bachelor's degree in actuarial science, one can pursue these courses, which concentrate on actuarial science specialisations.

• Candidates may choose to pursue an MSc in Actuarial Science or a related field at the master's level
• Additionally, it is the best choice for applicants who want to become professors in academia
• Other areas of specialisation for master's programmes include risk management and insurance
• A master's degree holder can expect to make between INR 5 and 7 LPA on average
• MSc Actuarial Science distance learning option is also available.

List of Top Actuarial Science PG Courses

• MSc Actuarial Science

Actuarial Science Postgraduate Admissions Procedures

At all universities, admission to master's programmes is determined by entrance exams and individual interviews.

• To be eligible to apply, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, or actuarial science
• The required minimum aggregate score is 60%
• Scores from entrance exams like the ACET, KU PGCET, AUCET, SKUCET, etc. are frequently considered

Listed below are the detailed eligibility criteria one must fulfil to become eligible for the Actuarial Science course.

For UG Actuarial Science Courses

The actuarial science course eligibility after 12th includes the following:

• Candidates must have completed a 10+2 from a recognised board in the Commerce stream with Maths
• English should be one of the subjects in 10+2 
• No age limit as such is required to opt for this course
• A minimum of 50% aggregate in 10+2

For PG Actuarial Science Courses

After graduation, the MSc actuarial science eligibility includes:

• Candidates must have completed a BSc / BCom graduation degree from a recognised university
• Mathematics and Statistics must be part of the core subjects of the graduation degree
• A minimum of 50% marks should be obtained in the graduation degree examination or equivalent examination
   

Actuarial Science Skills Required

Candidates must have the required skills in order to be accepted in an Actuarial Science course. This mathematically oriented programme has a requirement for the student to have a basic understanding. Skills the applicant is supposed to possess are not restricted to those listed here but include:

• Analytical Skills: Numeracy & Mathematical Skills 
• Computer Skills: Interpersonal & Communication Skills 
• Problem Solving Skills: Knowledge of Business & Finance 
• Technical Knowledge: Basic Understanding of MS Office & Knowledge of Statistical Programming Language 
• Mathematical Brilliance: Calculus, Probability, Statistics 
• Knowledge of Business & Finance: Evaluation of Businesses, Calculation of Risks, Advising on Investment & Financial Decisions
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Spoken English, Professional Statistical Concepts Awareness.

Entrance exams are required for admission to almost all of India's top colleges that offer Actuarial Science courses. Students take national and state-level entrance exams. The most well-known actuarial science entrance exam is the Actuarial Common Entrance Test (ACET) and CUET. The ACET is accepted by several central universities for admission to the Actuarial Science programme.

The list of top Actuarial Science entrance exams are:

• Actuarial Common Entrance Test (ACET)

The Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) only offers a formal Actuarial Science course in India. The institute conducts its own entrance examination at the university level called the Actuarial Common Entrance Test (ACET). ACET is conducted three times a year, in the months of April, June, and December. The exam revolves around 4 stages; Core Principles, Core Practices, Specialist Principles, and Specialist Advanced. It is essential to clear all the stages to get the IAI credentials of an actuary. The candidate who passes 10 exams qualifies as an Associate and the candidate who clears all exams qualifies as a Fellow of IAI.

Note: After passing ACET, the qualifiers must apply for membership within 3 years.

• CUET 

The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), a national entrance exam, to candidates seeking admission to undergraduate degree programmes at India's central universities. CUET UG is conducted for undergraduate programs and CUET PG is for postgraduate actuarial science courses.

Actuarial Science admissions processes vary amongst colleges. Some universities require applicants to pass an entrance exam, while others only admit students based on merit. Most colleges use the standard admissions procedure, which is covered in detail below. The ACET results are a major factor in admissions decisions for many colleges.

Step 1: Start by submitting an online application for admission to actuarial science.

Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional fees (which are assessed on a merit-based basis) that may be incurred during the admissions process. Candidates must take and pass an entrance exam to be considered for admission to the Actuarial Science programme.

Step 3: Those who get shortlisted will be invited to the next round of interviews, group discussions, or counselling. It depends on the structure of the selection process.

Step 4: Candidates must submit all necessary paperwork and fees to gain acceptance into the Actuarial Science programme after completing the previous steps.

Admission Process For Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI):

Applicants can get admission to IAI through two modes:

1. Through ACET
2. Non-ACET Eligibility Qualifications

The eligibility for IAI membership without ACET are as follows:

• Fully qualified members of ICAI, ICMAI, and ICSI.
• MBA in Finance (Minimum 60% or equivalent).
• Graduate from IIM.
• BSc/MSc in Actuarial Science from recognised institutes/colleges.
• B.E. from institutes (Minimum 60% or equivalent).
• IIT graduate.
• Fellow Member of the Insurance Institute of India.
• Passed two papers from actuarial bodies: IFoA, SOA, CAS, ASSA, and IAAust.
• Completed 1st year BSc/MSc in Actuarial Science from Amity University.
• Graduate and Post-graduate Diploma in Actuarial Science (PGDAS).
• Graduate and Post-graduate Diploma in Actuarial Statistics.
• BCom in Actuarial Management (Bharathiar University).
• Bachelor of Statistics (Honours) from Indian Statistical Institute.
• Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours) from Indian Statistical Institute.
• Master of Statistics from Indian Statistical Institute.
• Master of Mathematics from Indian Statistical Institute.
• MS in Quantitative Economics from the Indian Statistical Institute.
• MS in Quality Management Science from the Indian Statistical Institute.

Admission to the Actuarial Science programme is usually determined by merit in most colleges and universities. A written 10+2 exam, an additional qualifying exam, and multiple in-person interviews are requirements for admission to the Actuarial Science programme. In such instances, the candidates' academic records and results on previous pertinent exams are typically taken into consideration when choosing the candidates.

Actuarial Science Course Fees may vary from college to college and from level to level. 

• The course fee for an Actuarial Science UG Course is somewhere between INR 50K and INR 4 LPA.
• The MSc actuarial science PG course fees range from INR 1 Lakh to INR 10 LPA.
• The average course fee to opt for an Actuarial Science Certificate Course starts from around INR 3,500. A lot of colleges offer this certificate course for free.
• With respect to Actuarial Science Diploma and PG Diploma courses, the average fee ranges from INR 20K to INR 1.8 LPA.

The complete Actuarial Science syllabus revolves around 5 major Actuarial Science subjects which are given below:

• English
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Logic
• Data Interpretation

A rough idea of the year-wise syllabus is provided below:

Actuarial Science First Year Syllabus

The Actuarial Science 1st year syllabus is provided below:

Actuarial Science Second Year Syllabus

The Actuarial Science 2nd year syllabus is provided below:

Actuarial Science Third-Year Syllabus

The Actuarial Science 3rd year syllabus is provided below:

Actuarial Science is a 3-year-long bachelor’s course that is divided into 6 subjects. The syllabus may vary according to the institute. But some of the general subjects include:

• Global Business Research
• General Insurance
• Actuarial Accounting
• Foreign Economics
• Mathematical Functions
• Liability Insurance
• Mathematics
• Statistics & Probability
• Calculus 
• Business Research

Actuarial Science Course Syllabus 2024 By IAI

The actuarial science course syllabus in India provided by IAI is as follows for all stages

There are a lot of Actuarial Science colleges in India offering admission at different levels; UG, PG, Certificate and Diploma courses. One must do a detailed study about the pedagogy, location, curriculum, faculty, and infrastructure and then decide on the best college for themselves. Some of the top Actuarial Science colleges in India are mentioned below:

• Banaras Hindu University
• Jamia Millia Islamia
• Calcutta University
• Aligarh Muslim University
• Osmania University
• Amity University
• Jain University
• Bharathiar University
• Bangalore University
• Manipal Academy of Higher Education
• Andhra University
• Kakatiya University
• University of Mysore

Actuarial Science is a subject that is required in almost every career field. Actuaries have a variety of career options in insurance companies. Aside from the insurance industry, the actuarial science career path opens up as a risk consultant for companies (of any sector), banks, financial consulting firms, the government sector, investment advisories, and so on.

The average salary for an Actuarial Science graduate is INR 3 - 6 LPA. However, depending on the skills acquired while studying for the Actuarial Science degree and previous experience in the field, candidates can earn significantly more.

A career in Actuarial Science ensures job security at all times, including during economic downturns. Following completion of the Actuarial Science course, the following job roles are available:

• Budget Analyst: These professionals help both private and public institutions manage their finances by preparing budgets for them. Budget Analysts also look into the annual spending of these organisations.
• Economists: Economists evaluate the production and distribution of goods, services, and resources. They analyse data, research trends, and also look into economic issues an organisation might be facing.
• Cost Estimators: These individuals collect data in order to calculate the time, material, money and labour required for product manufacturing, providing a service or constructing a building. 
• Mathematicians: They do a lot of research in developing mathematical principles. Mathematicians evaluate data and apply mathematical tools and techniques in solving real-world problems.
• Post-Secondary Teachers: These teachers help students by teaching them technical subjects related to finance and insurance. They also publish books and scholarly articles in the insurance domain and conduct a lot of reading about Actuarial Science.
• Financial Analysts: Financial Analysts help in making decisions regarding investments undertaken by organisations. They do a detailed study of investment risks and benefits on the basis of the performance of bonds, stocks etc. 
• Actuary: The main job of an actuary is to analyse risk situations, provide preventative measures and solve such problems. They are mostly required in insurance and pension domains as they can foretell future wrongs.
• Insurance Underwriters: They decide whether the insurance companies provide insurance to individuals or organisations and if yes then on what terms and conditions. They also look into insurance premiums and coverage amounts.
• Accountants & Auditors: They ensure that the finances of companies are well regulated, the taxes are paid on time and they also help in maintaining the financial accounts. They are responsible for the smooth functioning of companies.

Also Read: Career in Actuarial Sciences: Scope, Salary, Job Prospects

Actuarial Science Course Employment Areas

With the expanding corporate culture and the rise in commerce companies, job prospects are relatively getting higher in the Actuarial Science domain. Actuarial Science professionals can find employability opportunities in the following sectors:

• Financial Services
• Stock Exchanges
• Risk Management
• Pension Funds
• Investment Consultancy Firms

The demand for Actuarial Science professionals is increasing both in developed and emerging markets. With upgraded skills and experience, there is also a high chance of becoming the CEO of the company one is associated with. The CEO profile is like an asset to the company and is highly reputed. Actuarial Science course graduates have a secured future in both the public and private sectors.

Actuarial Science Course Top Recruiters

Pursuing an Actuarial Science degree is not at all easy and requires a lot of hard work. But after successfully completing the course one can definitely get high-paying jobs. Some of the top recruiters of Actuarial Science graduates are mentioned below: 

• Nationwide
• ING
• The Hartford
• Towers Watson
• Aon Hewitt
• Allstate
• The Travellers
• EY
• Liberty Mutuals
• PwC Actuarial Services India 
• Max Bupa Health Insurance
• Prudential

Actuarial Science Course Salary

Actuary Science professionals are paid well.  The average salary after completing an Actuarial Science course ranges from INR 5 Lakh to 10 LPA. Furthermore, IAI graduates with years of experience may be eligible for an INR 30 LPA LPA package. The following are some of the best Actuarial Science Jobs, as well as the average Actuarial Science Salary