Forensic Science Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2026 & Future Scope

Diya NihalaniContent Author
Forensic science has evolved over the years. Today, this field has grown and there are lots of students who are applying their skills in this field and making a career in this field. Crime has always existed, but over the years, the method of investigation has changed. Forensic Science is a branch of Science that offers the required knowledge and skills of scientific principles and techniques to analyze physical evidence in legal investigations and criminal cases.
Forensic Science courses are offered at various levels like UG, PG, Diploma, Certification and Doctorate. After completing the Forensic Science course, candidates can either go for government agencies like the Intelligence Bureau, Criminal Investigation Department, Central Bureau of Investigation etc. or can opt for Forensic science jobs in private sectors like Hospitals, Banks etc.
Some popular Forensic Science career options in India include Forensic Scientist, Lab Technician, Investigation Officer, Field Investigator, Crime Reporter and more. The average Forensic Science salary in India is INR 3.5 LPA.
Interested candidates can continue reading the article to get more Forensic Science scope and salary details.
Links relevant to Forensic Science Career:
What is the scope for Forensic Science in India?
Forensic Science Career Scope: Quick Facts
Here are some important statistics and data which the aspiring candidates who wish to pursue a career in Forensic Science need to be aware of:
- The digital forensic market has been witnessing a high growth rate, with a market value of 4.95 Billion USD between 2016 - 2022.
- Around 9,970 Forensic Science Technicians were employed in the US government during the year 2020.
- Total number of autopsies conducted in Portugal was estimated to be around 6.74 thousand from 2010 - 2019.
- Forensic Experts in the US are known to earn around 103,940 US Dollars every year, where the revenue made was highest in 2019.
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Career as a Forensic Scientist
Why Pursue Forensic Science?
The field of Forensic Science has evolved. Scientists are always looking for ways to make the research process better because some of the current methods and procedures are ineffective. In this field, psychology is being introduced. Psychologists are urged to question accused people and criminals to comprehend their goals and state of mind.
To solve crimes, Scientists are even attempting to explore other facets of Forensic Chemistry and Biology. It appears like a very promising field. Many students choose this field and course. It is one of those fields that challenges people's thinking; it will always be fascinating.
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Forensic Science Online Courses & Certifications
Top Career Profiles in Forensic Science
Forensic Science students can work in numerous organizations and job roles. However, the salary is generally based on various factors including job profile, job location, skills, and abilities of the candidate. With gaining experience, the job position and salary also get higher. Interested candidates can take a look at the table below to find Forensic Science scope and salary options:
|
Job Profiles |
Job Description |
Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
|
A Forensic Scientist identifies, collects and examines physical evidence found at a crime scene. |
INR 4.8 LPA |
|
|
Investigation Officer |
Investigative officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for conducting investigations into various types of crimes, incidents, or events to uncover the truth, gather evidence, and build a case for prosecution if necessary. |
INR 4.5 LPA |
|
Field Investigator |
Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) are professionals who are trained to collect, analyze, and preserve physical evidence from crime scenes. |
INR 2.5 LPA |
|
Forensic Expert |
A forensic expert is an individual with specialized training, education, and expertise in applying scientific principles to the analysis of evidence related to criminal investigations, legal cases, or other matters that require scientific analysis. |
INR 3.5 LPA |
|
Crime Reporter |
A crime Reporter is a journalist or reporter who specializes in covering news and stories related to criminal activities, law enforcement, and the justice system. |
INR 2.6 LPA |
|
Drug Analyst |
They ensure that the quality of all the drugs produced in the pharmaceutical industry, whether it is for domestic or export, is up to the mark. |
INR 2.6 LPA |
|
Custom Agent |
They calculate customs duties and taxes, arrange insurance coverage for goods, estimate costs of goods or services, etc. |
INR 2.2 LPA |
Note: The salary information is taken from Ambitionbox.com.
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Emerging Trends in the Forensic Science Field
Here are some recent emerging trends and latest technologies in the market which have impacted the forensic science field:
Digital Forensics: New computer aided technologies used for investigation purposes and to collect meaningful evidence.
Artificial Intelligence: Used in combination with forensic techniques to create a visual representation of the crime scene.
DNA Analysis: Study the blood samples collected from the crime scene to analyze the DNA and collect useful insights.
Fingerprint and Facial Recognition: These age-old techniques have evolved over the time with latest technologies and have helped the scientists gain relevant insights and evidence within a shorter span of time.
Forensic Toxicology: Helps study the drugs, poison and chemical elements found at the crime scene to conclude how they contributed to the crime scene.
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Forensic Science Core Industries
Forensic Science has career scope in both government and private sectors. Forensic scientists make significant contributions to criminal investigation and prosecution. As a result, it provides students with a variety of job prospects. Some areas of Forensic Science course graduate recruitment include:
|
Forensic Science Core Industries |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Intelligence Bureau (IB) |
Central Government Forensic Sciences Labs |
Hospitals |
|
Private Detective Agencies |
Law Firms |
Police Department |
|
Quality Control Bureau |
Banks |
Universities |
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
Forensic Science Top Recruiters
Once the candidates get admission to a Forensic Science course, they get to unlock lots of career profiles related to the field. Many renowned top recruiters hire candidates who have studied Forensic Science and who have experience in the related field. Some of the top recruiters are mentioned below:
|
Forensic Science Top Recruiters |
|
|---|---|
|
Intelligence Bureau |
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre |
|
Criminal Investigation Department (India) |
Central Forensic Science Laboratory |
|
Central Bureau Of Investigation |
National Forensic Sciences University |
|
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) |
| Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) |
National Investigation Agency (NIA) |
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
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Forensic Science Colleges for Placements in India
College placements are a great opportunity for students to get hands-on experience with companies and kick-start a professional career. Several Forensic Science colleges are offering great placement opportunities to the students. Candidates can find the best Forensic Science colleges for placement along with average package details in the table below:
| Forensic Science Colleges for Placements | Average Salary Offered |
|---|---|
| Delhi University (DU) Placements | INR 15.5 LPA |
| Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Placements | INR 11.68 LPA |
| Srinivas University Placements | INR 10 LPA |
| JSS Medical College Placements | INR 9.54 LPA |
| Lucknow University Placements | INR 9 LPA |
| Aligarh Muslim University Placements | INR 8.65 LPA |
| Gujarat University Placements | INR 8.55 LPA |
| School of Sciences, Bangalore Placements | INR 5.15 - 7.78 LPA |
| Garden City University, Bangalore Placements | INR 4.5 - 7.5 LPA |
| Graphic Era University Placements | INR 4.75 - 7.75 LPA |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counseling body and may vary.
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News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered a week ago
Forensic Science is a relatively new domain in India. Students have been increasingly drawn to this field in recent times. When it comes to a career, the most prevalent options are research and teaching. Other than that, one can either work in private labs/ agencies or clear various government exams
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Colleges in India generally accept both of these streams for admission in forensic Science courses. Each stream has its advantage. For instance, biology shall help making foundation in study of biological evidence like DNA, serology, toxicology, etc. and a background in maths can make data-heavy sub
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
If you wish to go into the field of forensic Science after your 12th, make sure you focus on PCM/PCB subjects and score well as many colleges take admissions based on that merit or appear for the accepted entrance exam. You can aim for a reputed college to pursue a BSc in Forensic Science followed b
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The top entrance exams required for admission in Forensic Science UG courses are listed below -
Entrance Exams | Exam Schedule |
|---|---|
CUET 2026 | |
JEE Main 2026 | |
ICAR 2026 | |
AIFSET 2026 | |
IPU CET 2026 |
Source - Official/counselling body of the institute/exam
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, you do not need to clear NEET to get admission in a BSc forensic Science course. While a few colleges might accept it but it is certainly not the primary way to get into forensic Science courses.
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a week ago
Forensic Science courses are specialised programs that impart knowledge and skills in Criminology, Forensic Molecular Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Toxicology and more. To put it simply, forensic Science is the domain where Science subjects integrate with law to identify, analyze, and testify to phys
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, very much! Germany needs more experts. The job roles are more available in digital forensics and cybercrime. Because more crimes happen online now, both the police and private security firms are looking for people with a postgraduate degree.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, but English-only courses are very rare. Most programs, like at BTU Cottbus, are in German. Some are bilingual, but you usually still need a C1 German certificate to understand the legal system and lab rules.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
It is a top choice. You learn in advanced labs with very low fees. Since Germany is home to the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), the training is world-class and very respected by global employers.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
You will learn crime scene analysis, DNA profiling, forensic toxicology and fingerprinting in BSc Hons Forensic Science. All principles of forensic investigations are also covered. Once you complete this course, you will learn to apply scientific knowledge for contributions to law enforcement and pr
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Amity University, Mohali admit candidates to its BSc Forensic Science course based on performance in Class 12 or equivalent examination. Students who are Class 12 or equivalent pass with at least 50% aggregate with PCM/ PCB can apply for admission. The pass certificates also have to be submitted for
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
For CUET for B.Sc. Forensic Science, focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) or Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), depending on the university's specific requirement (some prefer Biology, others Math). Top colleges include National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Amity University
Answered 4 weeks ago
ICFAI Jaipur has a special provision for candidates belonging to the state of Rajasthan. There can not be less than 25% seats in any course. The candidates from this state can apply for reserved seats available for BSc (H) in Forensic Science at ICFAI University, Jaipur. However, the students need t
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
ICFAI Jaipur BSc (H) in Forensic Science is offered as a three and four year course. The scholarship amount for students with 80 to 90% is INR 22,500 for three-year and INR 30,000 for four-year course. This scholarship amount is adjusted equally in six installments for three year BSc (H) Forensic Sc
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 weeks ago
Students who secure 126 credits are awarded a three-year BSc degree in Forensic Science. ICFAI Jaipur awards BSc (H) degree in Forensic Science to students who secure 166 credits. These candidates can also opt for BSc (H) degree with Research.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
The admission fees for BSc (H) in Forensic Science at ICFAI Jaipur is INR 10,000. It is a one-time fees. Candidates who get finalised have to pay this amount for seat confirmation. This fee amount is taken from the official website. Hence, is indicative. The fee structure is inclusive of other compo
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The fees increases with the increasing demand of the course and the number of students are also increasing. Last year it was 60,000 per semester- Tution fees and the other charges are applicable only during admission but if you are eligible for their scholarships you get a lot of discount.
A
Beginner-Level 1
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What is the scope of Forensic Science in India?