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:
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Course Name | B.Sc. in Forensic Science M.Sc. in Forensic Science M.Phil. in Criminology and Forensic Science PhD in Disciplines of Forensic Sciences |
| Course Duration | UG: 3 Years PG: 3 Years PhD: 3 Years |
| Eligibility | UG: 10+2 with 50% marks PG: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks |
| Average Fees | INR 1.20L |
| Job Opportunities | Fingerprint Technician, Crime Scene Technician, Pathologist Assistant, Evidence Technician, Autopsy Technician, Forensic Specialist |
| Top Recruiters | Private Detective Agencies, Hospitals, Intelligence Bureau (IB) |
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.
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 Courses | Duration |
| Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Forensic Science | 3 years |
| Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Forensic Science | 2 years |
| Certificate courses in Forensic Science | 12 months |
| Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Criminology and Forensic Science | 2 years |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Disciplines of Forensic Sciences | 3 years |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Legal and Forensic Sciences | 2 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:
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | The minimum age limit is 17 years. |
| Qualification | 10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the science stream (including Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or maths) |
| Qualifying Entrance Exam | AIFSET |
Eligibility Criteria for PG
The following are the eligibility criteria for the postgraduate forensic science course:
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Qualification | The 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 Marks | A 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:
| Biology | Mathematics |
| Chemistry | Physics |
| Forensic Sciences | Psychometric |
Syllabus for M.Sc in forensic science
Given below is the syllabus for M.Sc in forensic science:
| Introduction to Forensic Sciences | Physical Evidence |
| Fundamental of Police | Science of Crime |
| Crime Management and Reconstruction | Chemical Separation and Instrumental Techniques |
| Fingerprints, Documents and other Impressions | Forensic Biology and Serology |
| Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis | Police Science |
| Forensic Medicine | General 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 Name | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) | Karnataka | INR 1.75L |
| KJC | Bangalore | INR 50K |
| Mahatma Gandhi University | Karnataka | INR 3.28K |
| Mumbai University | Mumbai | INR 27.27K |
| Amity University | Noida | INR 1.20L |
Graphical Representation of Top Colleges for Forensic Science
Top Forensic Medicine Colleges in India
The following are the top forensic medicine colleges:
| Name of College | Location |
|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Institute Of Postgraduate Medical Education And Research (JIPMER) | Pudducherry |
| St John’s Medical College and Hospital | Bangalore |
| RG Kar Medical College and Hospital | Kolkata |
| Kasturba Medical College | Manipal |
| Maulana Azad Medical College | Delhi |
| Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) | Bangalore |
| MS Ramaiah Medical College | Bangalore |
| Institute of Medical Sciences, Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh |
| SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre | Chennai |
| King George’s Medical University | Lucknow |
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 Technician | Crime Scene Technician |
| Pathologist Assistant | Evidence Technician |
| Autopsy Technician | Forensic Specialist |
| Forensic Scientist | Forensic Manager |
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 thinking | Good laboratory practices |
| Observation and attention to detail | Decision making |
| Interpersonal skills | Public speaking |
| Oral and written communication | Computer proficiency |
| Prioritization of tasks | Time Management |
Average Salary
The following is the average salary with a job profile for forensic science courses:
| Job Profile | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Forensic Auditor | INR 8L |
| Forensic Scientist | INR 5L |
| Investigation officers | INR 8.99L |
| Crime Reporter | INR 6L |
| Laboratory Analyst | INR 5.20L |
| Forensic Expert | INR 5.50L |
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 Bureau | Private Detective Agencies |
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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