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.
Table of contents
  • 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

3.3 L
6.5 LPA

#34 NIRF

1 Course
19.6 K
4.8 LPA

#116 NIRF

2.22 LPA

#130 NIRF

96 K

#173 India Today

16.71 K
5.0

Popular Private Criminology Colleges in India

3 L

Criminology Applications open. Apply Now

8.64 L
4.0

Criminology Applications open. Apply Now

4 L
5.9 K

#7 NIRF

3.3 L
6.5 LPA

#34 NIRF

1 Course
19.6 K
4.8 LPA

#116 NIRF

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.

17 Apr ' 26

Last date to apply for May Attempt

2 May ' 26

SAT India exam (May attempt)

Jun '26

CPGET 2026 Notification

TENTATIVE

Jun '26

CPGET 2026 Registration

TENTATIVE

Apr '26

CUET UG 2026 Intimation Slip

TENTATIVE

May '26

CUET UG 2026 Admit Card

TENTATIVE

To Be Notified:

YCMOU 2026 Admit Card

Jun '26

YCMOU 2026

TENTATIVE

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

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Answered a month ago

Some personality traits speak loudly if someone is made for Criminology, to be honest. Having an analytical mind, sharp eyes, curiosity, and being detail-oriented are the signs that you're the best for such fields. 

On top of that, a Criminology course will teach you a lot about legal systems, crimin

...Read more

R

Rashmi Thakur

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Of course, it is. Non-police roles are equally important in crime investigation and research. Being a Criminology professional, you can help CIDs, law firms, and research labs through analyzing evidence, understanding criminal psychology, and crime prevention.

Know more about -

Criminology Career

S

Shikha Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

It's vast, to speak honestly. This field is not only emerging but also growing at a fast pace. You can join CBI, forensic labs, law firms, educational institutions, or other investigative agencies. 

Criminology professionals are not only required in India but are highly-valued in other countries as w

...Read more

G

Gunjan Dhawan

Contributor-Level 9

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