B.Sc in Agriculture Vs B.Sc. in Forensic Science: Which is a better course?

Students planning to pursue Bachelor of Science, here is a comparative analysis between Agriculture and Forensic Science as a specialisation. The two specialisations are compared based on the eligibility criteria, the syllabus and job opportunities in the future. 

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.Sc in Agriculture) has come a long way, riding on the ever-evolving technological practices to better one of the highest contributing sectors to the Indian economy. The four-year undergraduate course is offered by institutes listed under the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR). On the other hand, a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science (B.Sc in Forensic Science) deals with the use of scientific methods in the detection of crime and carrying out criminal investigations. This is a three-year-long graduation course, and the main subjects include Forensic Pathology, Psychiatry, Psychology, Forensic Medicine, and Odontology (Dentistry).

Syllabus

The course follows a syllabus prescribed by ICAR for BSc in Agriculture is as follows:

Candidates who wish to pursue a Master of Science (MSc) in a specific field of agriculture should know that it can open up strong opportunities for future career growth.

Although Forensic Science focuses on hands-on laboratory training, covering a wide range of specialised fields such as:

Options for higher studies include an MSc in Forensic Sciences.

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• Criminal Law Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary, Top Recruiters/Companies

Eligibility Criteria

For pursuing a B.Sc in agriculture, a student needs to pass Class XII with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or Mathematics as subjects. The admission process can be direct admission based on marks or through an examination conducted by the college or university. The ICAI Exam, conducted by the ICAR and state universities of Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Kerala, also conducts separate examinations.

A B.Sc in Forensic Science also needs the passing of Class XII with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or Mathematics as subjects with a minimum aggregate of 55 per cent. While some universities set up cut-off marks for admission, others conduct separate entrance tests. In addition, MBBS students can also specialise in forensic science and gain eligibility for performing post-mortems on dead bodies.

Career Prospect

Students can check out the following career options that one can take up after completing either their BSc in Agriculture or BSc in Forensic Science.

After a BSc in Agriculture

A BSc in Agriculture graduate can get a wide range of career options in both the government and private sectors. BSc graduates can get job roles such as research scientists, agriculture officers, assistant plantation managers, and more. There is high demand for skilled professionals in organisations that focus on agricultural research and commercial farming. In the government sector, the major employers are the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, NABARD, various banks, the Food Corporation of India, and the National Dairy Development Board. In the private sector, well-established companies like Rasi Seeds, National Agro Industries, DuPont India, ABT Industries, National Seeds Corporation Limited, and Rallis India Limited actively hire agriculture graduates.

After a BSc in Forensic Science

Students who graduated in the field of forensic science, as professionals, can get career opportunities with both government and private organisations. Government jobs are available in law enforcement agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), forensic science laboratories handled by the central government, and state police departments. In the private sector, there are hospitals, diagnostic labs, and law firms that also hire forensic experts. Career opportunities in this field include positions like forensic toxicologist, crime laboratory analyst, forensic serologist, and others. With experience, a forensic specialist can also choose to work independently as a consultant or freelancer, or get into academia as a teacher. 

Course Fees and Salary Comparison

Pursuing a BSc in Agriculture generally costs between INR 10,000 and INR 50,000 every year. On the other hand, studying Forensic Science can be more expensive, with annual course fees varying from INR 2 to INR 3 lakhs, based on the institution. 

Agriculture graduates who are going to pursue the forensic field should know that the starting salaries usually fall between INR 2 to INR 4.5 lakh per year. With 6 to 10 years of experience, the salary range can grow to INR 6 to 10 lakh, and for those with more than 12 years of experience in this field, their salaries can reach around INR 12 to 15 lakh. Forensic Science graduates generally begin with INR 4 to 6 lakh annually, with mid and senior-level professionals earning anywhere between INR 8 to 15 lakh based on experience and performance.

Nature of Work and Opportunities

A BSc. in Agriculture comes with a wide scope of opportunities, especially for those who wish to work on sustainable farming practices, which become more important with time. Since food production is so closely connected to a country’s growth and the well-being of its people, this field continues to grow in significance. With the push for innovation, technology, and research in agriculture, students can look beyond to favourable career opportunities both in India and abroad.

People with a sharp, analytical mind and an eye for detail, forensic science could be a perfect match for them. It is a field that focuses on solving crimes through scientific methods. Right now, various job opportunities are in government agencies, but with the increasing need for forensic professionals, the future looks promising for more diverse and better career opportunities.

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