What is Forensic Science?: Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

Forensic Science courses usually deal with areas like Crime scene investigation, techniques to handle the evidence, maintaining a chain of Custody, handling and packaging of evidence, and Toxicological, Biological, and Chemical are the practical subject areas of the course, including forensic equipment used to process samples and evidence to solve crimes. Forensic Science is composed of different branches of Criminal Law, Crime and Society, Forensic Psychology, Crime Scene Management, Biometrics, Questioned Documents, and Forensic Dermatoglyphics.

Opt for a BSc Forensic Science course. It's a UG-level degree that'll give you the basic theoretical and practical know-how of the Forensic Science field. After that, you can take your own decision on whether to go for higher studies or start your career in the same field. But for this course, you need to have PCB subjects in Class 11 and 12. So, if you're already a PCB student, start prepping for the entrance exams.

Here are some of the government organization options you can choose as a career path in India:

• Intelligence Bureau
• Central Bureau of Investigation
• Government Forensic Laboratory
• Income Tax Department
• Crime Branch
• Quality Control Bureau
• Government Hospitals

The theory and practice of examining and reporting case samples and exhibits in a scientific way are known as Forensic Science. It necessitates following guidelines and having a thorough understanding of scientific methods. It is undoubtedly laborious and careful work. To a certain extent it is also dangerous.

To become a successful Forensic Scientist you should possess certain skills required in investigation. These skills will help you get a good position in the organization. Some are mentioned in the table below:

• Organization skills
• Research skills
• Analytical skills
• Technical skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Time Management skills
• Evidence skills
• Problem-solving skills

As far as my opinion stands, the scope of forensic science abroad is fairly decent. Many colleges offer programs with good facilities. Though the scope of a certain course highly depends on the area we're talking about. Students also tend to get greater international exposure if they choose this course abroad. But, do note that things like student loans, accommodation, and scholarships are to be taken care of on a prior basis.

The particular requirements of the university or educational institution offering the programme usually determine eligibility for a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. You should confirm the particular requirements for the forensic Science programme you are interested in, even though an open intermediate may meet general admission requirements.

Hi, yes, you are eligible to pursue a BSc in Forensic Science with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths in Class 12. However, without Biology, doors to specific career options in this field may be close for you.

BSc Forensic Science course merit-based admission consists of some steps:

• Complete the BSc Forensic Science application form online.
• Pay the registration fee and any additional fees that may apply if admission is granted on the basis of merit.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the next stages of the selection process, such as individual interviews or counselling.
• Candidates must submit all required documents and fees in order to be admitted to the BSc Forensic Science program.

Here's the list of some common documents you should keep handy to complete a seamless admission process for Forensic Science course:

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheet.
• Relevant degree according to the course level.
• Passport-sized photographs.
• Migration Certificate.
• Valid ID Proof.

While some Forensic Science Colleges offer Forensic Science admission on a merit basis, there are other colleges that require students to take Forensic Science Entrance Exams such as CUET, CUET-PG,  JEE MAIN, GPAT,  MHT CET, etc.

Entrance exams for Forensic Science courses can range from medium to advanced in terms of their difficulty level. The difficulty level of such exams are broadly based on several other factors like: Individual capabilitites, Prior knowledge of the concepts, Syllabus for a particular exam as well as the time frame dedicated towards the preparation. It is important for the candidates to understand the syllabus properly in order to keep their preparation on point and save their time and efforts for topics with more weightage and importance. 

Also, the candidate population estimated to take that particular exam also plays a role in determining your rank and chance in the competition to get into the top colleges of the country.

• M.Sc. Forensic Science and Criminology: .
• Masters in Forensic Psychology: .
• MSc Information security and cyber forensic: .
• MD Forensic medicine and Toxicology: .
• Ph.D. .
• Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Law: .
• PG Diploma in Finger Print Expert:

BSc Forensic Science is the widely chosen course in the Forensic Science stream since it is the foundational course to becoming a Forensic Scientist or any other relevant career in the Forensic Science field.

Here are some of the best certificate course options in the Forensic Science field:

Note: The information is sourced from the official/ counselling body and may vary.

If a candidate is interested in Forensic Science, they can pursue courses in Forensic Sciences such as Forensic Analysis and Forensic DNA Analysis. The bachelor's courses for Forensic Science are for three years, while the master's level programme is for two years. During the course, the students are provided with training to become forensic scientists.

Students learn how to analyze various situations. They are trained on how to organize their work. They learn to observe the scene of the crime. They are made to interrogate the accused and the victims. Students also learn how to communicate in such situations and manage the case very carefully.

Here are some of the best books recommended for BSc Forensic Science students:

Note: The information is taken from external sources and may vary.

• Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh
• Featured Parul University Vadodara, Gujarat
• Chandigarh University - [CU] Chandigarh
• Penn State University. .
• Loyola University of Chicago. .
• Texas A&M University. .
• Towson University. .
• Saint Louis University. .
• West Virginia University. .
• San Jose State University. .

Hi, please refer below for the top Forensic Science colleges in India along with their average placement package and their prominent recruiters:

Hope this helps!

Here are some of the best distance college options for Forensic Science programs:

Note: The information is sourced from the official/ counselling body and may vary.

The table below shows the top government Forensic Science colleges in India along with their tuition fees and exams/eligibility criteria:

Yes, here are some top options for Distance colleges for Forensic Science courses in India:

Note: The information is sourced from the official/ counselling body and may vary.

Hi, it can be observed that pursuing MSc in Forensic Science can be quite inexpensive as most of the colleges have an average tuition fee of less than INR 1 lakh.  

Listed below are some colleges along with their tuition fees:

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website/ media reports/ NIRF website and may vary.

The average salary for a Forensic Scientist in India is INR 500,000. The salary range for Forensic Science in India is between INR 3 - 5 Lacs per annum. The salary further depends on several factors including academic background, job profile, work experience, and location. The average forensic scientist salary with 1 to 4 years of experience is around INR 4.95 Lacs per annum.

Hi, an average Annual Salary of a Forensic Biologist starts from INR 3,00,000/- Onwards (approximately) and it paid more if you gain experience and passion. It is indeed a good option if you're are interested in Forensic Science, and you can also seek career opportunities in other similar professions such as Forensic Expert, Investigation Officer, Forensic Scientist, Crime Reporter, as well. 

Here are some things you'll need:

• A bachelor's degree – get a degree in science (chemistry, biology, physics, etc.), but also take courses in math, statistics, and writing skills.
• An advanced degree – some jobs, such as psychiatrist, anthropologist, or pathologist require advanced degrees and specialized training.
• Good speaking skills – take public speaking; join the drama club, toastmasters, or the debate team.
• Good note-taking and observation skills – take laboratory courses.
• The ability to write an understandable scientific report.
• The ability to be unbiased.
• Intellectual curiosity.
• Personal integrity.

Forensic Scientists work in the lab setting analyzing evidence and have a hard science background or criminalistics. Forensic Investigators, sometimes called CSI or crime scene investigators, collect evidence at the scene document everything and sometimes reconstruct the scene.

There are a wide range of job profiles for the candidates who wish to make a career in forensic Science sector, and each job role is highly respected among the masses along with high income opportunities. Forensic DNA Analyzer, Scientist, Crime investigator are among the top considered job profiles by the aspiring students in this field.

To become a Forensic Scientist in India you may need to obtain relevant degrees or certifications as required by the employer. While some organizations hire graduates, some may need postgraduates for certain roles.

Hello dear, Eligibility for B.Sc in Forensic Sciences. The basic criterion of eligibility needed to be met for admission to the course is a Higher Secondary (10+2) or equivalent qualification from a recognized educational Board, with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and/ or Math as main subjects and a minimum aggregate score of 55%. 

Hi, Biology is not compulsory for forensic Science. You should just have to pass your intermediate with Science. If you are willing to opt for cyber forensic or digital forensic then it is must for you to have a computer Science degree.

A degree in Forensic Science can be very useful. It can open up a variety of jobs in law enforcement, crime laboratories, medical examiner offices, and other related fields. Possible jobs include Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic Analyst, Forensic Scientist, Forensic Technician, and Toxicologist.

There are a wide range of recruiters which offer the aspiring candidates the opportunities they deserve so that they can learn more and rise in this field. CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) and Intelligence Bureau are known to be the highest ranking recruiters in the field of Forensic Science who look for candidates with the correct skillset and desire to learn more so that they can be offered a chance to work with professionals and experts.

A forensic expert is an individual with specialised 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. Whereas 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

The eligibility criteria for a Master's degree in Forensic Science may vary depending on the course type and the individual college offering it, but the basic conditions remain the same, i.e.,

• A bachelor's degree in BSc, BTech, etc., from a relevant discipline,
• A minimum of 60% aggregate score from a recognized university.

Hi, yes, you are eligible for MSc in Forensic Science, even if you're pursuing a BSc in Life Sciences. The eligibility criteria for MSc Forensic Science are to obtain a bachelor's degree in any relevant discipline from a recognized university.

No, there's no age limit to opt for a PhD in Forensic Science, however, you'll need to fulfil the eligibility requirements and clear the exams required to get admission to the program. 

The admissions for the MSc Forensic Science vary from college to college. The admission merit list is prepared based on the entrance examination followed by the group discussion and the personal interview of the institutes. Students must fulfil the requirements for the process of admission for the MSc Forensic Science degree:

• Students have to qualify for the entrance exam of a college or university to get admission for the course.
• Some institutes prepare merit lists based on the last qualifying exam. The score obtained in the national-level entrance examinations is also taken into consideration for the admission process.
• Students who qualify for the entrance examination and other rounds of the interview are asked to register for the course for the respective year.

Forensic Science has evolved over the years. Today, it 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. Over the years, the method of investigation has changed.

Effective methods of interaction and analysis have been implemented. The Forensic Science field seems to be growing with every passing day. Major recruiters for this field are government agencies and organisations. There are endless opportunities in India. Individuals even choose to work with private investigative companies.

Yes, you can, but for the Forensic Science scholarship, you need to maintain high academic performance, showcase your awards, research projects, or extracurricular activities, and, in the case of a special category, you’ll be eligible for a scholarship in a Forensic Science college.

The All India Forensic Science Entrance Test AIFSET is an Online-based examination test of 60 minutes duration. The syllabus of AIFSET for B.Sc. Forensic Science is given below:

Unit I: Living and Nonliving, Genetic Basis of Inheritance, Origin and Evolution of Life, Human Disorders, Animal Physiology. 

Unit II: Cell Structure and Function, Plant Physiology, Reproduction in Plants, Ecology and Ecosystem.

Unit III: Units and Measurements, Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Light and Sound, Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics.

Unit IV: The Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, States of Matter Mixtures, solutions and Solubility The Periodic Table, Water and Organic Compounds in the Environment 

Unit V: Forensic Science: Definition and history, Definition and Types of Crime, Police organisation, Crime Scene, General awareness and GK.

The following popular BSc Forensic Science specializations are available to you:

• The use of biological sciences in forensic investigations to examine biological evidence at crime scenes, identify suspects and victims, and settle paternity cases is known as Forensic Biology.
• Forensic Chemistry can be used to investigate arson cases, analyze evidence connected to drugs, and identify chemicals found at crime scenes.
• Forensic Toxicology investigates the effects of toxic substances, including drugs and poisons, on the human body by determining the cause of death, detecting substance abuse, and investigating poisoning cases.
• Forensic Anthropology examines human remains to determine identity, cause of death, and other forensic details in order to identify unknown remains, examine skeletal injuries, and assist in identifying mass disasters.
• Forensic Dentistry examines the dental remains to conduct a legal investigation.

Receiving a completion certificate in forensic Science will surely enhance your knowledge and skills which can allow you to open a gateway to wider range of opportunities and get a chance to work with experienced professionals. These certificates have a high market value and are designed with the aim of teaching students the core fundamental concepts of the forensic industry from scratch.

Yes, you can acquire knowledge at a higher level than what you studied during your bachelor's degree, and the course will help you develop the necessary skills for your field of work. After getting a postgraduate qualification on your resume, grabbing a good graduate job is easier which provides a good salary as well. Eligibility criteria for pursuing M.Sc forensic Science in most of the top universities is pass with 60% aggregate marks in B.Sc. (Forensic Science or Biology or Physics or Chemistry or Biochemistry or Microbiology or Biotechnology) or B. Pharm. or MBBS or BDS or BHMS and you might have to qualify some entrance test depending upon the university you choose.
Medical examiners' offices, Crime laboratories, Police departments, Hospital, and chemical laboratories, teaching at Different forensic Science institutes, Prosecution attorneys and criminal defense, Pharmaceutical industries, - can be considered a few of the career paths you can go for.

Forensic Sciences are study programs that teach students how to utilize the scientific methods or expertise to investigate crimes, examine evidence, etc. These courses teach students from fingerprints and DNA analysis to anthropology and wildlife sciences.

Over time, Forensic Science has been evolving. Since some cases have shown that the current methods and procedures are ineffective, scientists are always working to enhance the research process. In this field, psychology is being introduced. Psychologists are urged to question criminals and accused people in order to learn about their motivations and mental states.

In order to solve cases, scientists are even attempting to uncover additional forensic biology and chemistry facets. The field appears to have a lot of promise. Many students choose this field and course. It is one of those fields that challenges people's thinking and is always fascinating. Pupils who like to solve puzzles and handle challenging situations ought to give it a shot.