Actuarial Science Syllabus 2025: Check Semester-wise Syllabus & Subjects

Updated on May 20, 2025 05:58 IST
Vidhi Jain

Vidhi JainContent Writer

Actuarial Science is a course that focuses on predicting future events in various fields like finance, economy, insurance, etc. It requires a deep study and research to access the data which is helpful in the prediction. Thet's why the syllabus of Actuarial Science is focused on mathematical and statistical techniques used to find the probability of different events in different industries. 

Actuarial Science Syllabus Important Facts

The space below mentions the important facts about the Actuarial Science syllabus:

  • Candidates have options like - BBA in Actuarial Science, BSc in Actuarial Science, MBA in Actuarial Science, MSc in Actuarial Science, etc. 
  • The durations of the courses is different according to the course levels. The UG courses are of 3 years but PG courses are of 2 years.  
  • The Institute of Actuaries of India is the best institution for Actuarial Science. The syllabus is common usually but the IAI syllabus is more deep and vast. 

Actuarial Science - Subjects

Candidates can see the list of core and elective subjects in the Actuarial Science course below: 

Actuarial Science Syllabus - Core Subjects

Candidates can see the list of core subjects in the Actuarial Science course below:

Subject title

Subject details

Actuarial Statistics 

The essential features of statistical distributions and principles of statistical inference are covered in this subject. 

Actuarial Mathematics 

It covers the basic principles and related theories of actuarial modelling.  

Business Finance 

A basic understanding of corporate finance, managing financial risks, and related concepts is provided to the students. 

Business Management 

The basic principles of business management are discussed in this subject. 

Risk Modelling & Survival Analysis

The students get acquainted with the use of statistical distributions for risk modelling, techniques of survival analysis and their applications, etc. 

Financial Engineering & Loss Reserving

The theories of behaviour of financial markets, benefits of measures of investment risk and their disadvantages, asset evaluation, liability valuations, and other concepts are included in it. 

Business Economics 

The core economic principles and their applications in the business environment are covered along with the fundamental concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. 

Actuarial Practice 

The Actuarial Practice focuses on teaching the students how to apply the knowledge they acquired through Actuarial Modelling, Actuarial Statistics, and other business subjects in solving real-world business issues. 

Modelling Practise 

The focus areas of this subject are making the students undertake data analysis and visualisation projects and creating an actuarial model to resolve a real-world business problem. 

Communications Practise

This subject teaches the students how to choose language and communication methods to convey technical concepts to a non-technical audience.

Actuarial Science Syllabus - Elective Subjects

Candidates can see the list of elective subjects in the Actuarial Science course below:

Subject title

Subject details

Health & Care 

It explains how the actuarial techniques of management are relevant to the healthcare sector. 

Pension & other benefits 

The actuarial principles related to business management and planning and their applications in the management of pension and other benefits are included in this subject. 

Financial Derivatives 

Financial derivative management and its uses in different industries are explained in it. 

General Insurance - Pricing

It explains the applications of actuarial practice in the field of general insurance and also provides recommendations for pricing for a general insurance business. 

Life Insurance 

The market for life insurance services and products and the business environment are discussed in this subject. 

Investment & Finance 

The applications of actuarial management techniques in the field of investment and finance are covered in it. 

General Insurance Reserving and Capital Modelling 

The methods and principles involved in capital modelling and reserving in the general insurance business are covered in this subject. 

Actuarial Science Syllabus - Detailed

Candidates can see the list of detailed subjects in the Actuarial Science course below:

Semester 

Core/Elective 

Subject Title 

Subject Details

Semester 1

Core

Classic Algebra

Binomial Series, Theory of Equations, Matrices, and related concepts are covered in this subject. 

Core

Calculus

It includes concepts like Integration, Multiple Integrals, Beta and Gamma Functions, etc. 

Semester 2

Core

Trigonometry and vector calculus 

It covers concepts like Expansions and hyperbolic functions, Integral Theorems, Differences between scalar and vector point functions, etc. 

Core

Microeconomics 

The definition of microeconomics, the law of demand and supply, and related concepts are covered in this subject. 

Core

Environmental Science

It teaches the importance of the environment and various environmental factors that can affect human life. 

Semester 3

Core

Differential Equations and Laplace Transformations

Ordinary differential equations, second-order differential equations, partial differential equations, inverse Laplace transforms, etc. are covered in this subject. 

Core

Basic Accounting Concepts 

It teaches the basic accounting concepts like types of account, accounting records and systems, accounting mechanics, etc. to the students. 

Core

Sampling Theory

The concepts like random sampling, types of sampling, testing of hypothesis, fundamentals of mathematical statistics, etc. are discussed in this subject. 

Elective

Life Insurance & General Insurance 

The concepts of life insurance and general insurance business with respect to actuarial practices are covered in it.

Semester 4

Core

Financial Mathematics-I

It discusses the concepts like cash flow model, discounting and accumulating, investments, and level annuities. 

Core

Basics of Life Contingencies 

Simple assurance, annuity contracts, annuity benefits, office premiums, and other related concepts are covered in it. 

Core

Mortality and Markov Chains

Concept of force of mortality, select and ultimate lives, future life random variables, etc. are included in this subject. 

Elective

Operation Research 

It talks on the basic fundamentals of operation research. 

Semester 5

Core

Abstract Algebra-I

Definition of groups and subgroups, normal subgroups, cyclic groups, rings, and their homomorphism, etc. are discussed in this subject. 

Core

Real Analysis-I

The real number system, sequences, series, finite and infinite series, and related concepts are included in it. 

Core

Financial Mathematics-II

It covers concepts like equation of value, deferred and increasing annuities, interest calculation, etc. 

Elective

Time Series & Forecasting

It includes concepts related to time series and forecasting in business. 

Elective

Insurance Underwriting & Risk Management 

Rules of underwriting in insurance and risk management concepts are introduced through this subject. 

Semester 6

Core

Abstract Algebra-II

It includes concepts like vector spaces, Rank and nullity theorem, matrices, etc. 

Core

Real Analysis-II

Metric spaces, closed and open sets, functions, continuous functions, and related concepts are covered in it. 

Core

Complex Analysis

Analytic functions, integrals, evaluation of integrals, transformations, and related concepts are discussed in this subject. 

Elective

Financial Management 

The basics of financial management and evaluation of risks are included in it.

Elective

Mathematical Modelling

It talks on the actuarial practices and mathematical techniques used to resolve real-life problems.

Actuarial Science Syllabus - Specialisations

Candidates can see the list of specialisations offered in the Actuarial Science course below:

Specialisation 

Subjects

Details

Economics 

  • Microeconomics and macroeconomics
  • Fundamentals of economic planning 
  • Forecasting 

The techniques used in predicting or forecasting economic conditions are covered in this specialisation. 

Finance 

  • Financial management 
  • Risk evaluation 
  • Finance modelling

It covers the different aspects in finance modelling, risk evaluation in terms of finance, and management of finances. 

Health Administration 

  • Healthcare issues 
  • Data interpretation 
  • Significance of data analysis

How data plays an integral role in healthcare administration is covered in this specialisation.

Insurance 

  • Insurance pricing
  • Types of insurance 
  • Insurance business 

How to run an insurance business and different types of insurances are integrated in its syllabus. 

Ecommerce & Digital Marketing 

  • Ecommerce platforms 
  • Digital marketing 
  • Forecasting and planning 

How data predicting tools and techniques are employed in e-commerce and digital marketing practices are covered in it. 

Data Analytics & Predictive Algorithms

  • Predictive algorithms 
  • Data collection and analysis
  • Statistical methods used for collecting data 

It talks on data analytics and techniques used for collecting, interpreting, and understanding the data.

Business Consulting 

  • Business practises
  • Attributes of an entrepreneur 
  • Business support and consultation 

This specialisation talks on how business consultation can help to streamline businesses. 

Actuarial Science Syllabus - Books

Candidates can see the list of books suggested in the Actuarial Science course below:

Subject 

Book Title 

Authors 

Description 

Complex Analysis 

Complex Variables and Applications - 4th Edition 

R. V. Churchill and J. W. Brown

The different concepts like transformations, integral evaluations, etc. are covered in this book. 

Real Analysis

Mathematical Analysis - 2nd Edition 

Tom. M. Apostle 

It includes concepts like compact metric spaces, Riemann Integral, continuous functions, etc. 

Abstract Algebra

Linear Algebra

Shama JN and Vashistha 

The basic concepts of linear algebra are described in this book. 

Abstract Algebra

A First Course in Abstract Algebra 

John B Fraleigh 

It is an ideal book for beginners who want to understand the basics of abstract algebra. 

Financial Mathematics 

Actuarial Mathematics 

Bowers & Newton 

The concepts related to financial mathematics and their applications in actuarial science are covered in this book.

Real Analysis

Methods of Real Analysis

Goldberg R. 

The concepts like axioms, sequences, and series are explained well in this book.

Abstract Algebra

Topics in Algebra

Anton H and C. Rorres

It includes the topics and fundamental theorems of Linear Algebra.

Abstract Algebra

Elementary Linear Algebra 

Herstein I. N. 

The elementary concepts of Linear Algebra are included in it. 

Mortality and Markov Chains

Actuarial Mathematics for Life Contingent Risks 

David Dickson, Mary Hardy, and Howard Waters

The concepts like life contingency, laws of mortality, etc. are introduced in this book. 

Basics of Life Contingencies 

Life Insurance Mathematics 

Gerber and Hans U. 

It talks about simple assurance, annuity benefits, and other related concepts. 

FAQs on Actuarial Science Syllabus

Q: Which are the Core Principles subjects in Actuarial Science?

A: The Core Principles subjects in Actuarial Science are as follows:
  • Actuarial Applications in Life Insurance
  • General Insurance & Employee Benefits 
  • Investment 
  • Financial Management 
  • Business Management
  • Financial Economics
  • Economics 
  • Business Communication 
  • Theory of Actuarial Science 
  • Financial Reporting

Q: Which are the Core Practices subjects in Actuarial Science?

A: The Core Practices subjects in Actuarial Science are mentioned below:
  • Health Insurance 
  • General Insurance 
  • Life Insurance 
  • Investment Management
  • Annuity, Pension, & other benefits
These subjects cover the practical uses and modules of analysing risks and communicate it to both technical and non-technical audiences. The communication skills of technical actuarial methods are enhanced due to these subjects.

Q: Which are the popular postgraduate courses in Actuarial Science?

A: The popular postgraduate courses in Actuarial Science are mentioned below:
  • MSc. in Actuarial Science
  • MBA in Actuarial Science
  • PG Diploma in Insurance Science 
  • PG Diploma in Actuarial Science
  • MSc. in Insurance Business 
Only the candidates who have completed a bachelor’s course in Actuarial Science are eligible to apply for the masters level courses.

Q: Which are the important topics for the Calculus subject in Actuarial Science?

A: The important topics for the Calculus subject in Actuarial Science are highlighted below:
  • Differential Calculus: Limits of a function, partial differentiation and total differentiation, continuous functions, etc. 
  • Integral Calculus: Review of definite and indefinite integral, beta and gamma functions, change of order of integration, double integral, etc. 
  • Differential Equations: Integration factors, Exact differential equations, etc.

Q: Which are the main topics for the Linear Algebra subject in Actuarial Science?

A: The main topics for the Linear Algebra subject in Actuarial Science are explained below:
  • Vector spaces 
  • Algebra of Matrices 
  • Determinants of matrices 
  • Rank of a matrix 
  • Sum and Product of two matrices 
  • Singular and non-singular matrices 
  • Subspaces 
  • Sum of subspaces 
  • Linear independence and dependence 
  • Dimension & basis
  • Dimension theorem

Q: Which main topics are covered in the Basics of Life Contingencies subject?

A: The main topics covered in the Basics of Life Contingencies subject are explained below:
  • Whole life assurance, term assurance, endowment assurance, and assurance benefits
  • Annuity benefits, whole life annuity, deferred and temporary annuity, variable life annuity as per increasing life, etc.
  • Net premiums for assurance plans
  • Office premiums
  • Net premiums for annuity plans

Q: Which are the important concepts covered in the Real Analysis subject?

A: The important concepts covered in the Real Analysis subject are described below:
  • Real number system: Order and fields of Axioms, rational and irrational numbers, triangle inequality, etc.
  • Sequences: Monotonic and bounded sequences, divergent, convergent, and oscillating sequences, etc.
  • Behaviour of monotonic sequences
  • Series: Finite and infinite sets, Comparison test, etc. 
  • Alternating series

Q: Which are the main topics covered in the Financial Mathematics subject?

A: The main topics covered in the Financial Mathematics subject are described below:
  • Equation of Value: Its definition, deferred and increasing annuities, etc. 
  • Loan schedules and its introduction 
  • Calculation of interest and capital elements of the loan schedules 
  • Single and series of payments 
  • Consumer Credit: Annual and Flat Percentage Rates 
  • Prospective and Retrospective loan calculation

Q: Which are the elective courses that the students can select in Actuarial Science?

A: The elective courses that the students can select in Actuarial Science are mentioned below:
  • Life Insurance & General Insurance 
  • Operation Research 
  • Time series and forecasting 
  • Insurance underwriting and risk management 
  • Financial Management
  • Mathematical Modelling

Q: Which are the allied courses that the students can select in Actuarial Science?

A: The allied courses that the students can select in Actuarial Science are explained below:
  • Mathematical Statistics - I
  • Mathematical Statistics - II
  • Practical - R Programming
  • Physics - I
  • Physics - II
  • Practical Physics
The allied courses help the students to expand their knowledge in the specific subjects that are related to the Actuarial practices and principles.

Q: What is the syllabus for the Group Insurance elective course in Actuarial Science?

A: The syllabus for the Group Insurance elective course in Actuarial Science is listed below:
  • Group Insurance & its meaning 
  • Segments of group scheme markets 
  • Group underwriting: Rate marketing and experience rating adjustment 
  • Types of group insurance in India like group gratuity, group superannuation, group credit insurance, etc. 
  • Claims and renewal processes of group insurance 
  • Administration in group insurance

Q: What is the syllabus for the Retirement Benefit elective course in Actuarial Science?

A: The syllabus for the Retirement Benefit elective course in Actuarial Science has described below:
  • Employee benefits in India: History of PF, superannuation, and gratuity schemes in India
  • Gratuity and Superannuation Schemes: Arranging them in different methods, unfunded and funded schemes, insured and trustee administration schemes
  • Methods of costing
  • Legal Aspects and taxation 
  • Pension products and annuities

Q: What should the students do after they clear the ACET?

A: Once the students clear the Actuarial Common Entrance Test, i.e., ACET, they become eligible to get IAI student membership. The students need to apply online to get the membership after which they can choose the course of their choice. Afterwards, the students can study for the Core Principles and Actuarial Practices papers.

Q: What is the difference between Chartered Accountancy and Actuarial Science?

A: Both Chartered Accountancy and Actuarial Science are associated with finance. However, a Chartered Accountant analyses the financial influence of the events that have happened in the past, whereas Actuarial Science is related to the future prediction or forecasting using risk evaluation and other techniques. Therefore, the syllabus for both these disciplines is quite different from each other.
Table of content
  • Popular Actuarial Science Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Actuarial Science Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Actuarial Science UG Courses
  • Popular Actuarial Science PG Courses

Popular Actuarial Science Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Actuarial Science Colleges in India. Learn more about these Actuarial Science colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
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Banking, Finance & Insurance Applications open. Apply Now

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Popular Private Actuarial Science Colleges in India

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Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Actuarial Science. Students interested in pursuing a career on Actuarial Science, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

12 Aug ' 25 - 12 Feb ' 26

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5 Nov ' 25

CFA 2026 Scheduling Deadline (Feb Level 1&3)

To Be Notified:

AMU Entrance Exam 2026 Online Registrations for B...

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Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Actuarial Science courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Actuarial Science.

Popular Actuarial Science UG Courses

Following are the most popular Actuarial Science UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Actuarial Science PG Courses

Following are the most popular Actuarial Science PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 4 weeks ago

Check below institutes -

  1. Mumbai University
  2. SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mumbai
  3. Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik
  4. Amity University, Noida
  5. Bishop Heber College, Trichy

59588369
NITIN DESHMUKH

Scholar-Level 17

Answered 2 months ago

You can surely get admission to the BSc Actuarial Science course without giving any entrance exam. There are a decent number of colleges that give admission to the course on the basis of Class 12 merit and may take extra rounds like the GD/PI to assess your abilities.

A few colleges include Mumbai Un

...Read more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

You can find some basic tips for clearing the Actuarial Science admission tests smoothly given here –

  • Have a look at the entire exam syllabus in detail and note down all the important topics to be covered in a separate notepad/notebook.
  • Make a weekly timetable where you assign at least 2-3 topics to b

...Read more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The time required to prepare for the entrance exams for admission to Actuarial Science courses varies on the basis of the course level and specific exam you're planning to sit for. Generally, it is better to start your preparation at least 6 to 8 months before the final exam is tentatively scheduled

...Read more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 10

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