Forensic science has gained momentum in recent years as criminals get smarter and our law enforcement agencies continue to remain short-staffed. Forensic Science utilizes many techniques, starting from simple biochemical tests, to complex mathematical formulas, in order to understand the circumstances under which a crime was committed. A forensic scientist helps law enforcement officers to get about their jobs quicker. The undeniable proof collected through the process helps courts meet out quick justice. Thus, a career in Forensic Science in India remains a prestigious option.
Career in Forensic Science in India
In order to start a career in Forensic Science after 12th in India, once must enrol in a three-year bachelor’s program in Forensic Science. One can choose to follow this up with a two-year postgraduate course or Masters in Forensic Science, but that is not a strict necessity. There is further scope for acquiring a Ph. D or an M. Phil in Forensic Science thereafter, if one chooses to achieve expertise in the field. However, once can easily choose to join a job as a forensic scientist straight away after completing their bachelor’s.
Top colleges offering forensic science courses
Some of the top colleges that have a department of Forensic Science in India are as follows:
- Institute of Forensic Sciences (Gandhinagar),
- FS Indian Education Department (Pune),
- Government Institute of Forensic Science (Aurangabad).
- Manipal University
- Gujarat Forensic Sciences University
- University of Delhi
- Anna Univeristy
- Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad
- Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science, New Delhi
- Central Forensic Laboratory, Kolkata
- Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
- University of Lucknow, and so on.
One can choose to pursue their education in Forensics from universities abroad as well, such as UC Davis (USA), Oxford University (UK), etc. In fact, there might be some merit in pursuing higher education in Forensic Science from universities in first-world nations as the practice in itself is much more highly developed in their system.
| Courses in Forensic Science (duration) | Eligibility (years) |
| B.Sc (3 years) | +2 |
| M.Sc (2 years) | B.Sc |
| Certification course (1 year) | + 2 |
| M.Phil (2 years) | PG |
| PhD (3 years) | PG |
| PG Diploma (2 years) | B.Sc |
Popular specialisations:
- Forensic Biology
- Forensic Toxicology
- Forensic Entomology
- Forensic Botany
- Forensic Chemistry
- Forensic Serology, and so on.
Eligibility Criteria:
he basic need is completing your 10+2 exam in science stream. This makes you eligible for admission into the Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science.
If one wants to pursue a Master’s degree, then B.Sc degree is mandatory for them.
Job Prospects in India
There is a huge gap in the availability of skilled forensic scientists in India when compared to the rate of crime growth in the country and a majority of our law and order agencies are understaffed. Lack of awareness of the course means not many pursue it, which leaves a huge gap in supply and demand. And currently, there is a huge surge in demand for forensic scientists.
Job Profile:
Some of the popular job profiles are of forensic experts, legal counsellors, Forensic Anthropologists, linical Forensic Medicine Experts, Dactyloscopists, forensic teacher, handwriting expert, crime scene investigator, forensic engineer, law consultant, etc.
Top Recruiters:
Intelligence Bureau, CBI, Hospitals (both private and govt.), Law firms, Quality control bureau, universities, defence field, private detective agencies, banks or insurance firms, etc.
Salary profile:
On completion of your study in forensic science, a candidate can get a salary within the range of 3-4 lakhs. Whereas an experienced candidate can get a salary in a range of 6-8 lakhs.
All in all, a career in Forensic Science in India right now has many lucrative opportunities to choose from, and students with some interest in science and those who derive satisfaction from helping justice find its way are highly encouraged to pursue it.
Important books to follows:
- Forensic Science (Jim Fraser)
- Forensic Science (ARW Jackson)
- Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime (Val McDermid)
- The Elements of Murder (John Emsley)
- The Science of Sherlock Holmes (E.J. Wagner)
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