Forensic Science
Out of the many disciplines of science that you could pursue a career in forensic science is the one you should go for if you have a knack for solving or investigating crimes. It is also known as criminalistics and it makes science applicable to certain legal and civil laws to solve crime. Being a multidisciplinary subject, it has aspects of biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, social sciences, etc. The term forensic is derived from the Latin word ‘’forensic’’ which translates to “of or before the forum”.
There are a lot of ethical implications in this field as it deals with science and law. It is also an extremely interesting and adventurous domain to opt for. There are several governments as well as private colleges that provide you with courses in Forensic Science. Some of these colleges are Punjab University, Anna University (Chennai), Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) (Delhi), University of Delhi, Amity University, etc.
In order to work in this field, you should have a focused mind with keen observation and analysis skills being a necessary aspect. Good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team are also required for Forensic Science.
- Courses in Forensic Science
- Specialization Courses Offered
- 2.1 Eligibility Criteria for courses in Forensic Science
- 2.2 Duration of courses in Forensic Science
- 2.3 Fees of Courses in Forensic Science
- Syllabus of courses in Forensic Science
- Career in Forensic Science
- Recruiters for Forensic Scientist
- 5.1 Pay Scale of Forensic Scientists
- FAQs for Forensic Science
Courses in Forensic Science
You can go for Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, Diploma and Certificate courses in the field of Forensic Science. The courses include:
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science | Master of Science in Forensic Sciences |
PG Diploma in Forensic Science | PhD in Forensic Science |
M.Phil. in Forensic Science |
Specialization Courses Offered
There are various specializations that one can take up while opting for Forensic Science. The available specialization courses are listed below:
Forensic Biology | Forensic Serology |
Forensic Ballistics | Forensic Chemistry |
Forensic Botany | Forensic Entomology |
Forensic Toxicology | Forensic Psychology |
Clinical Forensic Medicine | Cytology |
Dactyloscopy |
Eligibility Criteria for courses in Forensic Science
The list of courses in Forensic Science along with their eligibility criteria are listed below:
Course | Eligibility Criteria |
---|---|
B.Sc.(Forensic Science) | Eligibility: 10+2 with a minimum aggregate of 70% in the science stream. |
B.Sc.(Hons.)(Forensic Science) | Eligibility: 10+2 with a minimum aggregate of 70% in the science stream. |
M.Sc.(Forensic Sciences) | Eligibility: A graduate degree in science with relevant subjects from a recognised board and should have secured a minimum of 55% marks. |
M.Sc.(Forensic Science and Criminology) | Eligibility: A graduate degree in science with relevant subjects. |
M.Sc.(Information Security and Cyber Forensics) | Eligibility: A graduate degree in science with relevant subjects. |
PhD (Disciplines of Forensic Sciences) | Eligibility: Post Graduation degree in the field. |
M.D.(Forensic Medicine and Toxicology) | Eligibility: M.B.B.S. or B.D.S. degree in relevant subjects. |
Advanced Diploma Course Certification in Forensic Sciences and Criminology | Eligibility: A graduation degree in the relevant field with an aggregate of 50% marks. |
Diploma in Document Examination | Eligibility: 10+2 pass |
Diploma in Fingerprint Examination | Eligibility: 10+2 pass |
Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Crime Investigation and Computer Forensics | Eligibility: A graduation degree in the relevant field. |
Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology | Eligibility: A graduation degree in the relevant field. |
Certificate Course in Forensic Science | Eligibility: 10+2 with interest in the relevant field. |
Certificate Course in the Basics of Diet Therapy | Eligibility: 10+2 |
Duration of courses in Forensic Science
The duration of courses in Forensic Science ranges from three years to a few months depending on the type of course that you have opted for. Below is the list and duration of full time, diploma and certificate courses in Forensic Science:
Full-time degree Courses in Forensic Science
Course |
Course Duration |
---|---|
B.Sc.(Forensic Science) |
3 years |
B.Sc.(Hons.)(Forensic Science) |
3 years |
M.Sc.(Forensic Sciences) |
2 years |
M.Sc.(Forensic Science and Criminology) |
2 years |
M.Sc.(Information Security and Cyber Forensics) |
2 years |
PhD (Disciplines of Forensic Sciences) |
3 years |
M.D.(Forensic Medicine and Toxicology) |
2 years |
Diploma Courses in Forensic Science:
Course |
Course Duration |
---|---|
Advanced Diploma Course Certification in Forensic Sciences and Criminology |
6 months |
Diploma in Document Examination |
6 months |
Diploma in Fingerprint Examination |
6 months |
Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Crime Investigation and Computer Forensics |
1 year |
Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology |
1 year |
Certificate Courses in Forensic Science:
Course |
Course Duration |
---|---|
Certificate Course in Forensic Science |
1 year |
Certificate Course in the Basics of Diet Therapy |
6 months |
Fees of Courses in Forensic Science
Different colleges have a different fee structure for the various courses provided in the field of Forensic Science.
- Bachelor’s course in Forensic Science is a three-year course with average fees ranging from INR 30,000 to 2,00,000.
- Master’s course in Forensic Science is a 2-year course with the average fees ranging from INR 20,000 to 2,00,000.
- PhD in Forensic Science is a three-year course with average fees charged ranging from 45,000 to 1,50,000.
Syllabus of courses in Forensic Science
There are mostly skill development based subjects in Forensic Science. Apart from theoretical knowledge, it is necessary for the person to have practical knowledge as well. Thereby, all subjects include lab practices. The syllabus of some courses in Forensic Science includes:
-
B.Sc.(Forensic Science): The subjects included are Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Behaviour, Law and Criminal Behaviour, Introduction to Forensic Science, Crime and Socio-Cultural and Psychological Factors, English, Blood Analysis, Blood Pattern Analysis, Benzidine Test, Species Identification, Grouping, Behavioural Science, Introduction to Toxicology, Spectrophotometry, etc.
-
M.Sc.(Forensic Sciences): The subjects include Forensic, Crime and Investigative Techniques, Questioned Documents, DNA isolation, DNA profiling, Forensic Ballistics, Fingerprints and Impressions, Forensic Photography, Forensic Toxicology, Forensic Pharmacology, Forensic Biology, Forensic Physics, Forensic Serology, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Photography and Dissertation.
-
M.D.(Forensic Medicine and Toxicology): The subjects included are Basics of Medical Science, Autopsy Case, Procedure, Injury Case, Sexual Offence Case, Interpretations, Observations, Making of Report, Age Determination Case, Spots, Poisons, Weapons, Slides, Bones, X-ray films, Forensic Toxicology, Forensic Medicine and Forensic Medicine.
-
Advanced Diploma Course Certification in Forensic Sciences and Criminology: The subjects included are General Forensic Science, Crime Law, Criminology, Fingerprint Science, Forensic Toxicology, Drug of Abuse, Documents, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Computer Forensics, Forensic Audio and Video Analysis, Case File Projects, Advanced DNA Methods, Microbiology and Biochemistry.
-
Diploma in Fingerprint Examination: The subjects included are Introduction to Science of Fingerprint, Fingerprint Development Techniques, Fingerprint Record and Taking, Identification and Comparison of Fingerprints, Computer-Aided Techniques that involve identification, Comparison and Analysis of Fingerprints.
Career in Forensic Science
There are endless career prospects in Forensic Science. You can join the government, as well as private services. Some job profiles in the field of Forensic Science are listed below:
Forensic Expert | Investigative Officers |
Crime Scene Investigator | Forensic Scientist |
Teacher/Professors | Law Consultant |
Crime Reporter | Forensic Engineer |
Handwriting Expert | Fingerprint Expert |
Forensic Linguists | Forensic Chemists |
Forensic Pathologists | Forensic Anthropologists |
Forensic Geologists | Forensic Photographer |
Forensic Artists and Sculptors |
Recruiters for Forensic Scientist
A few recruiters for Forensic Scientist are as under:
Intelligence Bureau(IB) |
Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) |
Hospitals |
Police Departments |
Law Firms |
Defence/Army |
Central Govt. Forensic Sciences Labs | Private Detective Agencies |
Quality Control Bureau | Banks |
Universities |
Pay Scale of Forensic Scientists
Forensic Science is a field that requires a lot of skills if you wish to succeed. Even if you are a fresher, you can yield a job with a salary ranging from INR 3,00,000 to 4,00,000 Lacs per annum. However, this is a domain where you can polish your skills and gain enough experience to advance to a level where you may get a hike up to INR 6,00,000 to 8,00,000 Lacs per annum. You can also apply for jobs abroad. As much as it will benefit you economically, it will also help in your all-around development.
FAQs for Forensic Science
Q. Is pursuing a career in forensic science as fun as it sounds?
Q. What is the scope of forensic science in India?
Q. Which books I can read to study Forensic Science?
- Physical Evidence in Forensic Science – Henry C
-
The Essentials of Forensic medicine & Toxicology – K.S.N Reddy
- Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation & Trials – B R Sharma
Q. Which are the major subjects taught in BSc Forensic Science?
-
Forensic Biology
-
Forensic Chemistry
-
Forensic Psychology
- Cyber Forensics and Law
Q. What’s the difference between Forensic Science and Forensic Medicine?
Q. What does a Forensic Scientist do or what is the job description of a Forensic Scientist?
A. Forensic Science technicians or scientists typically work in crime labs and aid criminal investigations by collecting and analysing the available pieces of evidence. They assist in conducting post-mortem investigations, interpret blood spatter patterns, trace substances in the fluids and tissues of the body and more.
Q. Are there any other specialised forensic science careers outside the crime laboratory?
A. Yes, there are many more career options like one can apply for Forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, forensic entomology, forensic psychiatry, forensic ontology, forensic engineering and so on.
Q. What are the basic skills and qualities required to be a Forensic Scientist?
A. Forensic Science technicians must have good investigating and research skills. They should possess qualities like strong communication skills, problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills. They should keep their composure, must be detail-oriented and good with Math & Science subjects.
Q. How long does it take to earn a forensic science degree?
A. In India, a bachelor level forensic degree might take up to three years. Moreover, a Postgraduate degree in Forensic Science is two years long in most of institutes.
Q. How do I get a job in forensics?
A. Grab a Bachelor of Forensic Science degree and then you can either start applying for jobs as freshers of Forensic Science, or you can pursue a Postgraduate degree first and then apply for jobs.
Q. How much does a Forensic Scientist earn?
A. As per the PayScale, the average salary of a Forensic Scientist in India is Rs 4.89 lakh per annum.
Popular Forensic Science Colleges in India
Popular Private Forensic Science Colleges in India
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- M.Sc. in Forensic ScienceChandigarh University (CU)
- B.Sc. in Forensic Science (Professional)SOGS, Jain (Deemed-to-be University)
- B.Sc. in Forensic SciencesLPU - Lovely Professional University
- B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forensic ScienceAmity University, Noida
- B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forensic ScienceBundelkhand University, Jhansi
- B.Sc. in Forensic ScienceParul University
- B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering (Cyber Security and Forensics)MIT School of Engineering, MIT-ADT University
- B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forensic ScienceAmity University, Gurugram
- B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forensic ScienceGalgotias University
- B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering (Digital Forensics and Cyber Security) with IBMFaculty of Engineering and Technology, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies
Popular Forensic Science UG Courses in India
UG Courses
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- BCA
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- B.Voc
1 College
Popular Forensic Science PG Courses in India
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News & Updates
Comments
N
Can you suggest some colleges in Pune for B.Sc in forensic Science?
H
I want to know about the latest cutoff information for B.Sc. in Forensic Sciences at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences.
You can check out the following for more information - https://www.shiksha.com/college/institute-of-technology-and-sciences-haryana-other-46928
A
Which are the colleges in Pune for forensic science with good placements?
Kindly checkout this link for your query
https://www.shiksha.com/science/colleges/forensic-science-colleges-Pune.
B
I want to know about the latest cutoff information for B.Sc. in Information Technology (Cyber Security and Forensics) at Parul University.
Get all the information in the link given below .
https://www.shiksha.com/university/parul-university-vadodara-30821/course-b-sc-in-information-technology-cyber-security-and-forensics-752375
Check the latest cutoff through the given link.
https://www.shiksha.com/university/parul-university-vadodara-30821/course-b-sc-in-information-technology-cyber-security-and-forensics-752375
V
I want to know about the latest cutoff information for B.Sc. in Forensic Science (Professional) at School of Graduate Studies.
Dear aspirant,
Kindly check the below link for information related to your query.
https://www.shiksha.com/college/sogs-jain-deemed-to-be-university-jc-road-bangalore-86879/course-b-sc-in-forensic-science-professional-277370
Hope it helps.
S
I have 73% in Science 12th with PCB. How and where can I get admission for forensic science course?
R
How is the placement for M.Sc in Environmental Science in IGNOU?
IGNOU has its own placement cell called CPC. The cell conducts on-campus and off-campus placement and employability enhancement activities at the head office and its regional centres. It can be observed that the number has grown tremendously over the years. Compared to 2018, 2019 witnessed a 2.9%...IGNOU has its own placement cell called CPC. The cell conducts on-campus and off-campus placement and employability enhancement activities at the head office and its regional centres. It can be observed that the number has grown tremendously over the years. Compared to 2018, 2019 witnessed a 2.9% increase in the number of students who participated in the placements. It can be observed that the number has grown tremendously over the years. IGNOU now Offering Master of Science Programme in Environmental Science (MSCENV) Indira Gandhi National Open University offers admission to Master in Environmental Science for the January 2022 and July sessions.
Career Scope of M.Sc. Environmental Science
Environmental Consultant. Environmental Scientist. Environmental Science Manager. Wildlife Filmmaker. Environmental Journalists. Director of Waste Management. Environmental Photographer. Lecturer and many more. IGNOU Distance M.Sc. is beneficial for students in many ways. First of all, the degree offered by the university is valuable and recognised by UGC-DEB. The degrees offered by IGNOU is valid not only in India but also abroad. In this sector, you can be employed by various organizations are such as Pollution Control Board, Water Authority and Urban Planning. Many private organizations like Food processing industries, Refineries, Distilleries and Fertilizer plants are also offering various job opportunities for the graduates in this field. Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 9,400 openings for environmental scientists and specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Hi Rama Rao
Refer to the link given below for information-
https://www.shiksha.com/university/ignou-indira-gandhi-national-open-university-Delhi-3030/placement.
t
Which are the institutes for forensic science course in Jaipur or Gandhinagar after 12th?
Dear aspirant
It's great connecting with you. Kindly checkout the below link for information related to your query. https://www.shiksha.com/science/colleges/b-sc-forensic-science-colleges-jaipur.
N
Do we have B.Sc In forensic Science at Manipal University ( Bangalore)?
Hi. For information, you can see below link
https://www.shiksha.com/college/manipal-school-of-life-sciences-manipal-academy-of-higher-education-3193/course-b-sc-in-forensic-science-435681
Thanks.
V
I want to know about the latest cutoff information for B.Sc. in Forensic Science (Professional) at Jain University.
Hello,
Kindly visit this link for information related to your query.
https://www.shiksha.com/university/jain-deemed-to-be-university-bangalore-424/cutoff
Hope this helps.
Check out the following - https://www.shiksha.com/university/jain-deemed-to-be-university-bangalore-424
A
Can I get admission to the forensic Science institute of Maharashtra college? Admission last date?
There is no specific entrance exam for getting admission to the Institute of Forensic Science, Mumbai. Admission to all the courses is based on merit in coordination with the admissions of Mumbai University. For more details, please visithttps://www.shiksha.com/college/institute-of-forensic-scien...There is no specific entrance exam for getting admission to the Institute of Forensic Science, Mumbai. Admission to all the courses is based on merit in coordination with the admissions of Mumbai University. For more details, please visit
https://www.shiksha.com/college/institute-of-forensic-science-Mumbai-fort-101345
Hope this helps.
D
I want to get admission in GFSU for M.Sc. Forensic Science. What is the entrance exam for the same and what is its syllabus?
N
I want to study B.Sc. Criminology with forensic Science. What is the process?
Refer to the link given below-
https://www.shiksha.com/science/forensic-science-chp
Thank you.
S
Which are the colleges in India for forensic science graduation course?
Refer to the following link at https://www.shiksha.com/science/forensic-science-chp.
J
Which are the colleges in Mangaluru for B.Sc in forensic science?
Hi
Kindly visit this link for information related to your query. https://www.shiksha.com/science/colleges/forensic-science-colleges-mangalore.
Here is the list of colleges-
Srinivas University,
Kasturba Medical College,
Yenepoya University,
Nitte University etc.
S
How to get admission to the institute of forensic Science in Mumbai?
I think they select students on the basis of merit so apply for admission.
A
Can I get admitted for Masters degree in forensic science at Uppasala University in Sweden, after three years of Bachelors degree in India?
A
Should I pursue forensic science course from Rajasthan or Maharashtra?
Not sure because the recruitment processes of Government Investigation agencies are different. The major recruitment in CBI or CID did through deputation or through UPSC/ SSC CGL/ State Public service commission. So CBI or other Government Investigation agencies does not recruit candidates throug...Not sure because the recruitment processes of Government Investigation agencies are different. The major recruitment in CBI or CID did through deputation or through UPSC/ SSC CGL/ State Public service commission. So CBI or other Government Investigation agencies does not recruit candidates through campus placement.
A
Where do students get placed after pursuing a forensic science course from Vivekananda global University, Jaipur?
S
I want to know about the latest cutoff information for B.Sc. in Forensic Science at Parul University .
Refer the link:
https://www.shiksha.com/university/parul-university-vadodara-30821/cutoff
Thanks
D
Is there any entrance exam for M.Sc forensic science in Mumbai?
Hello!
Some colleges do take entrance tests and some don't.
You can find the list here-
https://www.shiksha.com/science/colleges/forensic-science-colleges-Mumbai-all.
n
I have completed my BDS now I want to pursue some courses in forensics so, can you please suggest better options?
Hello!
You can find the details here-
https://www.shiksha.com/medicine-health-sciences/articles/career-after-bds-scope-job-opportunities-and-salary-blogId-66519.
R
I'm looking for a college that provides M.Sc. Environmental Science in Kolkata.
University of Kalyani is the best among all the alternatives available.
O
Which are the colleges for forensic Science in Pune? Can I do M.Sc. in Forensic Science after graduation in Zoology?
Hi. For information, you can see the links given below-
https://www.shiksha.com/science/colleges/forensic-science-colleges-Pune
https://www.shiksha.com/science/forensic-science-chp
Thanks.
P
I want to know about admission to Mumbai University for B.Sc. Forensic Science.
Hi. For detailed information, you can see the below link
https://www.shiksha.com/college/institute-of-forensic-science-Mumbai-fort-101345/course-b-sc-in-forensic-science-490605
Thanks.
M
Which are the top colleges in Delhi for forensic science course? What is their admission procedure and fees?
Here is the list of colleges-Acharya Narendra Dev College.Bhagini Nivedita College. College of Art. Daulat Ram College.Gargi College.Hans Raj College. Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education & Sports Sciences.Kalindi College for Women.Lady Irwin College. Maharaja Agrasen College. P.GDA V. C...Here is the list of colleges-
Acharya Narendra Dev College.
Bhagini Nivedita College.
College of Art.
Daulat Ram College.
Gargi College.
Hans Raj College.
Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education & Sports Sciences.
Kalindi College for Women.
Lady Irwin College.
Maharaja Agrasen College.
P.GDA V. College.
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How to know 2022 National forensic Science university UG application number?
Reply to Mahesh Palwai