Updated on May 20, 2025 05:58 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtSenior Executive

“Situations prepare the crime, a criminal commits it and a criminologist magnifies it by serving as a doctor to heal the victimised” Criminology can be described as swotting of crime from a social and societal point of view. It can be said that it’s not just the scrutiny of crime from a holistic perspective but it focuses on minutes of a “crime scene”. It involves minuscule details like does the crime that the criminal has committed has a devastating impact or an impact that is tolerable yet justified, the causes of the crime and the intrinsic motivation that upheavals individuals who commit the crime. The focus imperatively is to seek the causes and effects of the psychology that revolves within the mind of a criminal.  

Criminology extracts anything and everything that deals with criminals, crimes and crime victims. It is a multi-disciplinary curation that has its wings attached to dimensions of Psychology, Biology, Statistics, Law, and sociology. Criminologists play a key eminent role to procure science-based thematic structures of Social Justice, Law, Policies, Situationism and largely crime. While implementing their theoretical knowledge and practical experience, experts in this field contribute to support and strengthen various horizons like legal obligations, judiciary and overall, the well-being of the nation. 

Why choose Criminology?

  • The study of criminology has emerged as a difficult career choice for young people in this country. Since it deals with the causes of crime and how to prevent it, the various courses that are related to it aid one in learning how to correctly identify those causes and take preventative actions.
  • Criminology has emerged as one of the fastest-growing vocations in the field of crime and investigation in India, a country where the crime rate is 445.9 (2021).
  • Criminologists make an average of INR 3,50,000 LPA. The typical salary for a criminal analyst is INR 5,46,921 LPA. After that, a criminal defence attorney in India can earn between INR 1,94,000 and INR 30,00,000 LPA.
  • While state police forces are in charge of upholding the law and conducting investigations into crimes, central forces support them with issues relating to intelligence and internal security (e.g., insurgencies). About 3% of the budgets of the federal and state governments are spent on police.
  • In 2021, the global market for private investigative services is projected to reach $6.4 billion. In India, the growth rate is already close to 30% yearly, and by 2020, it is anticipated to reach 1700 crores.

Top career options in Criminology

Criminology graduates have a variety of employment opportunities available to them. The major duties of some of the greatest jobs in the field of criminology have been listed below so that candidates can apply for them if they want to work in this industry.

  • Crime Intelligence Analyst
  • Drug Policy Advisor
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Criminal Justice Professor

Criminology Career Scope in India

One who has completed a degree programme or a PhD programme in criminology is referred to as a criminologist, a profession that is on the rise in both India and overseas. Numerous detective agencies are developing in India and need specialists in criminology. 

  • Forensic Departments
  • Police
  • CBI
  • Crime Laboratories

Average Salary for Criminology Graduates (in India)

The leading recruiting firms and the typical salaries for some of the best opportunities available in this industry are listed below.

Job Profiles

Av. Salary

Criminologist

5,00,000

Detective

4,00,000

Forensic Science Technician

6,00,000

Criminal Lawyer

3,50,000

Lecturer

4,00,000

Social Worker

2,50,000

Crime Investigator

3,00,000

Top Criminology Colleges for placements (in India)

University

Highest CTC (in INR)

Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies 

4 lakh

University of Rajasthan

4.3 lakh

University of Lucknow

4.7 lakh

Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences

-

University of Madras

2.1 lakh

How to get a Job after Criminology

A criminology and forensic science course are recommended for anyone interested in becoming a detective as it will help them hone their skills. One can also study law if they are more interested in expanding their knowledge and abilities.

  • Complete 10+2: To pursue a career as a detective, students must successfully complete their 10+2 in any discipline, but ideally science, with an overall grade point average of 50% from an approved board. The following stages will cover how to become a detective in India.
  • Qualify Entrance Examination: To determine admission, many schools and institutions hold entrance exams. In order to get admitted to the preferred college, candidates must take the entrance exam. Numerous additional colleges and institutions base admission on the 10+2 passing rate. In India, there are no courses specifically designed for studying inquiry, therefore one can pursue any degree of their choosing.
  • UG course: After successfully completing the class 12 programme, students must enrol in a bachelor's degree. In this area, common degrees include the BA and B.Sc.
  • PG course: Candidates can enrol in a master's degree programme in a related specialisation without taking a break from their studies after successfully completing a bachelor's degree programme or taking the primary entrance exam held by the law enforcement agency.
  • Make a Resume: A strong CV is typically the only thing standing between a job seeker and their ideal position. The greatest place to start is by expanding your skill set to fill in the gaps on your resume. Use your CV to its most potential because, according to statistics, employers only give it 5 seconds to create an impression.
  • Create a network: Any professional who is starting their career is given the advice to "create a network" in order to connect with other professionals who have similar interests.

FAQs

Q. Is criminology a rewarding profession?

A. A criminologist with strong research abilities can frequently serve as a consultant or expert in public policy, assisting the federal, state, and municipal governments in passing legislation to deter future crimes and safeguard vulnerable populations.  

Q. What can criminalists accomplish?

A. Criminologists gather and examine both qualitative and quantitative information about crime in order to offer insights and recommendations for reducing crime in a community. Criminologists collaborate closely with law enforcement and decision-makers to provide advice on proactive and strategic policing.

Q. Why ought I should pursue criminology?

A. Students studying criminology have a wide range of professional opportunities at their disposal. Immigration, education, law enforcement, protection of the vulnerable, community planning, advocacy, policing, consulting, public administration, and international development are all exciting careers.

Q. A government position in criminology?

A. Both the public and commercial sectors in India are hiring for BA criminology positions. Graduates with a BA in criminology can pursue a number of careers in the administration of the criminal justice system, social behaviour research, and other fields.

Q. What degree programme is ideal for detectives?

A. Criminal justice and forensic science courses are recommended for anyone who wants to work as a detective since they will help them hone their skills. One can also study law if they are more interested in expanding their knowledge and abilities.

Q. Is becoming a detective a decent career in India?

A. Since 2014, employment in the detective field has steadily increased by 20%, and more difficult and competitive cases must be addressed. A detective who wants to advance in his career should take on difficult cases in order to succeed and pick up new abilities.

Q. How can I train to become an Indian police detective?

A. A person must go to the police department and complete detective training in order to become a government detective. Students must show up for numerous tests held by the Indian government, such as the SSC-CGL, NIA, and UPSC exams, in order to work as government detectives or for various government agencies.

Q. How can I sign up for CID in India?

A. You need to earn a criminology degree before you can apply to work as a CID officer in India. If you had passed the CSE tests, it would be advantageous.

Q. Is CBI superior to CID?

A. The state police's CID, or Crime Investigation Department, is a small-budget unit. CBI, or the Central Bureau of Investigation, is a national, specialised investigation organisation that was established with the aim of identifying and investigating crime.

Q. Are the FBI and CBI the same thing?

A. The government law enforcement organisation in charge of conducting intelligence, national security, and criminal investigations is known as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). CBI is the equivalent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States for the Indian government (FBI).

Table of content
  • Popular Criminology Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Criminology Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Popular Criminology UG Courses
  • Popular Criminology PG Courses

Popular Criminology Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Criminology Colleges in India. Learn more about these Criminology colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
5.9 K

#7 NIRF

2.8 L
6.5 LPA

#34 NIRF

2.22 LPA

#130 NIRF

1.08 L
3.0
26.17 K - 41.58 K
16.71 K
5.0

Popular Private Criminology Colleges in India

5.9 K

#7 NIRF

2.8 L
6.5 LPA

#34 NIRF

2.22 LPA

#130 NIRF

1.08 L
3.0

Popular Exams

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

Jun '26

CPGET 2026 Notification

TENTATIVE

Jun '26

CPGET 2026 Registration

TENTATIVE

Mar '26

CUET 2026 Application Process

TENTATIVE

May '26 - Jun '26

CUET 2026 Exam

TENTATIVE

Oct '25

SAT Registration Deadline for November Test

TENTATIVE

13 Feb ' 24 - 14 Mar ' 24

YCMOU March 2024 Exam

9 Apr ' 23 - 13 Apr ' 23

YCMOU June application form 2023 submission with ...

Popular Criminology UG Courses

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

UG Courses

Popular Criminology PG Courses

Following are the most popular Criminology 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 2 months ago

Of course, around 20 universities in different countries offer Diploma in Criminology programs:

Diploma in Criminology Colleges AbroadTuition Fee
The University of SydneyINR 12 Lakh
Cardiff UniversityINR 20 Lakh
University of CanterburyINR 16 Lakh
Western Sydney UniversityINR 16 Lakh
Maynooth UniversityINR 15 Lakh

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

N

Nikita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some top MA in Criminology college options abroad:

MA in Criminology college abroadTuition Fee
University of OxfordINR 38 Lakh
University of TorontoINR 20 Lakh
The University of MelbourneINR 25 Lakh
The University of SydneyINR 28 - 29 Lakh

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

A

Atul Arora

Contributor-Level 9

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