Criminology Career Scope: Jobs, Trends, Placements, Salary 2024, Top Recruiters
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 act as a consultant or expert in public policy, assisting the federal, state and municipal governments in passing legislation to prevent future crimes and protect vulnerable populations. Criminologists are the need of the hour. You can expect good salary packages.
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, jobs in the detective field have increased by 20% and more difficult and competitive cases are there that need be addressed. A detective who wants to do really well in his/her career should take on difficult cases to succeed and pick up new abilities. If you have an interest in this field you should focus on upskilling and internships.
Hope this helps..!
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).
- 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
Popular Private Criminology Colleges in India
Popular Exams
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 |
27 Feb ' 26 | Last date to apply for March Attempt |
14 Mar ' 26 | SAT India exam (March attempt) |
Jun '26 | Registration of PUMDET 2026 TENTATIVE |
Jul '26 | PUMDET Exam TENTATIVE |
Popular Criminology UG Courses
UG Courses
- B.A.
19 Colleges
- B.Sc.
13 Colleges
- B.A. (Hons)
1 College
Popular Criminology PG Courses
PG Courses
- M.A.
17 Colleges
- M.Sc.
11 Colleges
- PG Diploma
6 Colleges
- LL.M.
2 Colleges
- MBA/PGDM
2 Colleges
News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
I believe they are and especially when you're a working person looking for some short-term or flexible courses to give your career new heights. There are so many online courses for Criminology, like UG, PG-degree, diploma, certification, and even PhD. So that you can decide according to your career
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
Of course, they do. Here are some top Criminology colleges in India you can consider for great placement options.
| Best Criminology Colleges | Average Package Offered |
|---|---|
| Srinivas University Placements | INR 10 LPA |
| University of Lucknow Placements | INR 7.46 LPA |
| Kristu Jayanti University Placements | INR 6.5 LPA |
| Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya Placements | INR 5.11 LPA |
Note - The information is taken from the official sites of the college.
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
Of course you can. A few learning platforms, like Old Dominion University, offer a PhD in Criminology. Though it's a university abroad, you can get admission to its online PhD program, i.e., PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice. It's a 24-month degree course and the average fee is INR 24.79 Lakh.
M
Contributor-Level 9
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 66k Colleges
- 1k Exams
- 680k Reviews
- 1800k Answers
Are online Criminology Courses worth pursuing in India?