How to Make a Career in Forensic Science in India

Have you always been fascinated by characters like Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Karamchand and Byomkesh Bakshi? Do you also like to follow crime shows on TV channels like CID, Crime Patrol, etc. that involve crime investigations? If this is the case, then you must give a shot to a career in forensic sciences.

Forensic Science is a challenging and interesting field. It is of great importance in criminal cases and legal proceedings. It involves analysing all the physical evidence found on the crime spot and provides expert testimony in a court of law. The evidence might include traces of saliva, blood, other body fluids, hair, footwear impressions, fingerprints, explosives, specimens of tissue for poisons, blood and urine to know the level of alcohol consumed, etc. 

Based on the analysis of evidence collected, forensic experts have to prepare a report of investigation. They work closely with the police to provide scientific evidences that are acceptable in the court. Therefore, forensic experts can easily find jobs in government as well as private sector.

A number of institutes in India offer courses in forensic science at undergraduate and postgraduate level other than diploma and certificate courses. You can choose any of the above-mentioned degree or diploma course if you fulfil the eligibility criteria for the same.

Forensic Science Courses in India:

• Bachelor of Science (B. Sc Forensic Science)
• Master of Science (M. Sc Forensic Science)
• Diploma in Forensic Science
• Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Science
• Specialised Course in Forensic Science
• Certificate Course in Forensic Science

Eligibility Criteria to Forensic Science Career in India:

It is mandatory to qualify All India Entrance Exams for forensic science to get entry into a course.

• The basic eligibility criteria say that you should have passed 10+2 with science to seek admission in B.Sc. forensic science course.
• You need B.Sc. degree in any discipline to pursue M.Sc. in forensic science.
• If you who wish to pursue M.Phil or Ph.D. in forensic science, you need to secure at least 60% marks in post-graduation.

Forensic Science Careers in India:

A degree/diploma in forensic science will open numerous career options in both government and private sectors. One can seek his career in:-

• Central Government Forensic Science Labs
• Police Department
• Crime Branches
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
• Crime Investigation Department (CID)
• Regional Forensic Science Laboratories
• Intelligence Bureau
• Defence/Army
• Narcotics Department
• Hospitals

Job Types for Forensic Science in India:

• Forensic Artists and Sculptors
• Forensic Geologists
• Forensic Photographer
• Forensic Engineer
• Forensic Linguists
• Forensic Chemist
• Forensic Anthropologists
• Forensic Pathologists
• Researchers
• Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry
• Forensic Entomology
• Forensic Serology
• Dactyloscopy

Salary bracket for forensic science experts in India:

Most of the jobs in forensic science are in the government sector. Therefore, the remuneration is as per the government norms. Those with a master’s degree in forensic science earn higher salaries. However, the salaries are sky high with the recommendations and government policies. Private sector laboratories or firms offer handsome packages to experienced candidate.

Forensic Science Colleges in India:

Various universities and institutes in India offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses other than diploma and certificate courses in forensic science. Some of the top colleges offering degree and diploma courses in forensic science include:-

• Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science New Delhi
• University of Delhi-Delhi
• Anna University-Chennai and University of Lucknow