Careers in Forensic Science in India: Admission, Course, College, Jobs, Scope, Salary

Careers in Forensic Science in India: Forensic science can be involved not only in the investigation and prosecution of crimes such as rape, murder, and drug trafficking but also in matters in which a crime has not been committed but in which someone is charged with a civil wrong, such as willful pollution of air or water or causing industrial injuries. Have you ever thought about being like the famous Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Auguste Dupin, Nancy Drew or Miss Marple? Then a career in forensic science is the right choice, to learn more about a career in forensic science, read the following article.

Forensic Science is defined as the application of various scientific fields to solve some legal scenes or issues. Anyone with good problem-solving skills can get into this field easily. Throughout this article, every aspect related to Forensic Science will be discussed. Forensic Science is the best profession for those who love solving crimes and are passionate about applying natural science. The following article will give you a brief idea about the Careers in Forensic Science in India and the different Forensic Science jobs available after doing Forensic Science courses.

Quick Facts

Let’s have a quick look at a short summary of the forensic science course:

ParticularsDescription
Course NameB.Sc. in Forensic Science
M.Sc. in Forensic Science
M.Phil. in Criminology and Forensic Science
PhD in Disciplines of Forensic Sciences
Course DurationUG: 3 Years
PG: 3 Years
PhD: 3 Years
EligibilityUG: 10+2 with 50% marks
PG: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks
Average FeesINR 1.20L
Job OpportunitiesFingerprint Technician, Crime Scene Technician, Pathologist Assistant, Evidence Technician, Autopsy Technician, Forensic Specialist
Top RecruitersPrivate Detective Agencies, Hospitals, Intelligence Bureau (IB)
Index
1. What is Forensic Science
2. Who are Forensic Scientists
3. Various Courses for Forensic Science in India
4. How to get admission to Forensic Science Course
5. Syllabus
6. Top Colleges Offering Courses in Forensic Science
7. Career Opportunities
8. Role of a Forensic Scientist
9. Skills of a Forensic Scientist
10. Average Salary
11. Top Recruiters
12. Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forensic Science?

Forensic science, also known as criminalistics, is the application of science to criminal and civil laws, mainly—on the criminal side—during criminal investigation, as governed by the legal standards of admissible evidence and criminal procedure. Forensic science is a broad field that includes DNA analysis, fingerprint analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, firearms examination and ballistics, tool mark analysis, serology, toxicology, hair and fibre analysis, entomology, questioned documents, anthropology, odontology, pathology, epidemiology, footwear and tire tread analysis, drug chemistry, paint and glass analysis, digital audio video and photo analysis. Thus, making the life of a Forensic Scientist more interesting than any professional.

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Forensic scientists collect, preserve, and analyze scientific evidence during the course of an investigation. While some forensic scientists travel to the crime scene to collect the evidence, others occupy a laboratory role, analysing objects brought to them by other individuals. Still, others are involved in analysing financial, banking, or other numerical data for financial crime investigation and can be employed as consultants by private firms, academia, or government employees.

Forensic-Scientist

Who are Forensic Scientists?

Forensic scientists provide scientific evidence in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations. They primarily search for and examine contact trace material associated with crimes. This material can include:

  • Blood and other body fluids
  • Hairs
  • Fibres from clothing
  • Paint and glass fragments
  • Tyre marks
  • Flammable substances are used to start fires.

Although evidence is usually presented in writing as a formal statement or report, forensic scientists may have to attend court to give their evidence in person as expert witnesses.

Various Courses for Forensic Science in India

To work as a Forensic Scientist or to make a career in Forensic Science, one can earn a degree in the following Forensic Science Courses after 12th.

Forensic Science CoursesDuration
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Forensic Science3 years
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Forensic Science2 years
Certificate courses in Forensic Science12 months
Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Criminology and Forensic Science2 years
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Disciplines of Forensic Sciences3 years
Post Graduate Diploma in Legal and Forensic Sciences2 years

How to get admission to Forensic Science Course?

The following is the admission procedure for the forensic science course:

  • Candidates should have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the science stream (including Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or maths) required for undergraduate courses in Forensic Science.
  • A minimum aggregate of 50% marks in a bachelor’s degree is required for postgraduate courses in Forensic Science.
  • AIFSET entrance examination is required for both BSc and MSc.

Eligibility Criteria

While taking admission to any course, there are certain eligibility criteria that the candidates have to follow. Similarly, there are various criteria for the forensic science course as well.

Eligibility Criteria for UG

The following are the eligibility criteria for the undergraduate forensic science course:

ParticularsDescription
Age LimitThe minimum age limit is 17 years.
Qualification10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the science stream (including Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or maths)
Qualifying Entrance ExamAIFSET

Eligibility Criteria for PG

The following are the eligibility criteria for the postgraduate forensic science course:

ParticularsDescription
QualificationThe Candidate must have completed their graduation in B.Sc forensic science or B.Sc in relevant subjects or stream from a recognised University. Those who are in the final semester of the Bachelor Programme are also eligible to apply. Candidates can attempt the AIFSET exam maximum of 3 times.
Qualifying MarksA minimum aggregate of 50% marks in a bachelor’s degree.

Syllabus

Aspiring candidates can refer to the syllabus for forensic science below, which will help in choosing forensic science as a career.

Syllabus for B.Sc in forensic science

Given below is the syllabus for B.Sc in forensic science:

BiologyMathematics
ChemistryPhysics
Forensic SciencesPsychometric

Syllabus for M.Sc in forensic science

Given below is the syllabus for M.Sc in forensic science:

Introduction to Forensic SciencesPhysical Evidence
Fundamental of PoliceScience of Crime
Crime Management and ReconstructionChemical Separation and Instrumental Techniques
Fingerprints, Documents and other ImpressionsForensic Biology and Serology
Forensic Toxicology and Drug AnalysisPolice Science
Forensic MedicineGeneral Chemistry
Basic Physics

Top Colleges Offering Courses in Forensic Science

Various colleges offer courses in forensic science. The following are some of the top colleges for the forensic science course:

College NameLocationAverage Fees
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)KarnatakaINR 1.75L
KJCBangaloreINR 50K
Mahatma Gandhi UniversityKarnatakaINR 3.28K
Mumbai UniversityMumbaiINR 27.27K
Amity UniversityNoidaINR 1.20L

Graphical Representation of Top Colleges for Forensic Science

Top-Colleges-for-Forensic-Science

Top Forensic Medicine Colleges in India

The following are the top forensic medicine colleges:

Name of CollegeLocation
Jawaharlal Institute Of Postgraduate Medical Education And Research (JIPMER) Pudducherry
St John’s Medical College and HospitalBangalore
RG Kar Medical College and HospitalKolkata
Kasturba Medical CollegeManipal
Maulana Azad Medical College Delhi
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI)Bangalore
MS Ramaiah Medical CollegeBangalore
Institute of Medical Sciences, VaranasiUttar Pradesh
SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre Chennai
King George’s Medical UniversityLucknow

Career Opportunities

A Forensic Scientist can find ample job opportunities in many fields related to Forensic Science. One can work as a Lab Technician in a forensic crime or become a lecturer in colleges and universities pursuing Forensic Science. Some skilled and experienced Forensic Scientists may get a chance to work with the government for police departments and offices.

Numerous crime laboratories, morgues and coroner offices offer multiple jobs for Forensic Scientists. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recruits Forensic Scientists for humanitarian purposes to find missing persons.

Job Profile

The following are the forensic science jobs from which aspiring candidates can take up as a career:

Fingerprint TechnicianCrime Scene Technician
Pathologist AssistantEvidence Technician
Autopsy TechnicianForensic Specialist
Forensic ScientistForensic Manager
Forensic-Science-Jobs

Role of a Forensic Scientist

Those professionals specially trained in Forensic Science to collect and analyze data for criminal investigations with the help of Science are known as Forensic Scientists. The duties of a Forensic Scientist are listed below:

  • Collect data regarding a crime event and analyze the collected information for evidence
  • Make sketches related to the crime scenes
  • Collect evidence from body fluids, fingerprints, weapons etc
  • Edit and group collected evidence and transferred them to crime labs for further inspections
  • Take photographs of the crime scenes
  • Record personal opinions and findings

Skills of a Forensic Scientist

To be a forensic scientist like Sherlock Holmes, aspiring candidates should possess the following skills that are required:

Critical thinkingGood laboratory practices
Observation and attention to detailDecision making
Interpersonal skillsPublic speaking
Oral and written communicationComputer proficiency
Prioritization of tasksTime Management
Skills-of-a-Forensic-Scientist

Average Salary

The following is the average salary with a job profile for forensic science courses:

Job ProfileAverage Salary
Forensic AuditorINR 8L
Forensic ScientistINR 5L
Investigation officersINR 8.99L
Crime ReporterINR 6L
Laboratory AnalystINR 5.20L
Forensic ExpertINR 5.50L
Average-Salary

Top Recruiters

The following are the top recruiters:

Private Detective Agencies.Hospitals
Intelligence Bureau (IB)Police Department.
Central Govt. Forensic Sciences Labs.Quality Control Bureau.
Defence/Army.Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Quality Control BureauPrivate Detective Agencies
Top-Recruiters

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which field is best for science students with Biology (PCB)?

Below mentioned Available Courses after 12th Science.
>MBBS
>BDS-dentistry.
>BAMS-Ayurveda.
>BHMS-Homeopathy.
>BUMS-Unani.
>BNYS–Naturopathy & Yogic Science.
>BSMS – Siddha Medicine & Sciences.
>Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (BVSc. AH)

What are some of the best career options for a Science student?

Check out our list of the top 7 highest paying science careers for inspiration to guide your science career journey.
>Geoscientists
>Atmospheric Scientists
>Biochemists and biophysicists
>Medical Scientists
>Hydrologist

Is forensic science a good career in India?

Forensic Scientists can get a job in both government and the private sector. There is always a demand for a forensics expert. The salary scale is a bit different in the government sector than in the private sector as a starter, and one can get a salary between INR 3 – 4LPA

Is NEET required for Forensic Science?

NEET is not mandatory for forensic science courses, though it is required for medical ones. Still, some colleges do accept neet score card for admission.

Is forensic science in demand in India?

A Forensic Scientist can find ample job opportunities in many fields related to Forensic Science. One can work as a Lab Technician in a forensic crime or become a lecturer in colleges and universities pursuing Forensic Science. Some skilled and experienced Forensic Scientists may get a chance to work with the government for police departments and offices.

Is it easy to get a job after BSc in forensics?

A Forensic Scientist can find ample job opportunities in many fields related to Forensic Science. One can work as a Fingerprint Technician, Crime Scene Technician or Pathologist Assistant

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