MST-018 IGNOU Guess Paper 2026-27

MST-018 Multivariate Analysis Guess Paper (Digital PDF)

This structured guess paper aligns with IGNOU’s official MST-018 syllabus for M.Sc. (Applied Statistics), prioritizing high-scoring units from past Term-End Exams (TEE). It includes solved question patterns, time management strategies, and chapter-wise weightage distribution.

Key Syllabus Blocks Covered

• Block-1: Multivariate Analysis Prerequisites
  • Matrix algebra foundations (determinants, inverses, eigenvalues)
  • Multivariate data visualization (PCA, MDS, biplots)
  • Solved: 20% weightage in TEE (June/Dec sessions)
• Block-2: Aspects of Multivariate Normal Distribution
  • Joint probability density functions and marginal distributions
  • Quadratic forms, Mahalanobis distance, and likelihood ratio tests
  • Solved: 25% weightage; focus on derivations and applications
• Block-3: Multivariate Techniques-I
  • Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and discriminant function theory
  • Factor analysis (extraction, rotation, and interpretation)
  • Solved: 30% weightage; expect 1–2 long-answer questions
• Block-4: Multivariate Techniques-II
  • Multivariate ANOVA (MANOVA) and MANCOVA assumptions
  • Cluster analysis (hierarchical and non-hierarchical methods)
  • Solved: 25% weightage; numerical problems dominate

Exam Strategy & FAQs

• Time Management:
  • Allocate 10 minutes to scan the entire paper and prioritize questions.
  • Spend 45–60 minutes on long-answer questions (Blocks 2–4) and 30 minutes on derivations (Block 1).
  • Leave 15 minutes for review and cross-checking calculations.
• FAQs:
  • Q: Are numerical problems from Block-4 always high-scoring?

    A: Yes. Blocks 3 and 4 consistently contribute 50% of total marks, with 2–3 numerical questions expected annually.

  • Q: How should I approach CCA and discriminant analysis?

    Focus on step-by-step derivation of canonical variates and classification rules. Previous papers show 1–2 questions on these topics.