If you are passionate about human anatomy and forensic studies, then a career in forensic science is what you should opt for. With the increasing criminal activities and rising crime rate, the field of forensic science has gain impetus. The scope in the field of forensic science has intensified exponentially and opened up immense career prospects not only in India but abroad. The jobs in forensic science can be secured after doing graduation in the field. You can also go for post-graduation, diploma and specialization courses to get better job opportunities in terms of remuneration and position.
To go further in detail about career prospects and courses available in forensic science, firstly, it is important to understand what exactly defines forensic science? In simple words, Forensic Science is the science which deals with the investigation of any crime or the analysis of crime. It always works under the framework of the law. Forensic science is the Criminalistics and found proof by using various tests like DNA test analysis, Fingerprints, Toxicity test, etc. By utilizing the science and technology skills, it allows gathering the evidence against the person who has committed a crime. It helps in getting hold of a real criminal by analyzing evidence.
Mostly it is a crime-scene-based science, but professionals of forensic science are also consulted in civil cases such as proving the validity of any documents or verification of signatures.
Key skill required for forensic science
Forensic science expert must meticulously analyze every small detail of a crime and must be good in collecting as much evidence he/she can. The expert needs to have in-depth knowledge and understanding of statistics and natural sciences to be able to analyze the evidence of a crime scene.
If you aspire to build a career in forensic science, you should possess the following specific must-have skills:
| Logical and analytical mind | Critical thinking | Decision making |
| Excellent communication skills | Good laboratory practices | Interpersonal skills |
| Attention to detail | Understanding of Law and Criminal Investigation | Problem-solving skills |
Basically, to take admission in any college offering forensic Science courses, you must complete your 10+2 from a science stream with Maths & Physics as mandatory subjects. Apart from regular courses at graduation, post-graduation, and doctorate level, many specializations, diploma, and certification courses are also available in forensic science subdivided into many categories. Following are available courses and eligibility criteria to get admission to any institutions that offer forensic science courses:
| Programmes | Eligibility | Duration |
| B.Sc. (Forensic Science) | 10+2 with a minimum aggregate of 70% in the science stream. | 3 years |
| B.Sc. (Hons.) (Forensic Science) | 10+2 with a minimum aggregate of 70% in the science stream. | 3 years |
| M.Sc. (Forensic Science) | Graduation in science with relevant subjects and should have secured a minimum of 55% marks. | 2 years |
| M.Sc. (Forensic Science and Criminology) | Graduation in science with relevant subjects. | 2 years |
| M.Sc. (Information Security and Cyber Forensics) | Graduation in science with relevant subjects. | 2 years |
| Ph.D. (Disciplines of Forensic Sciences) | Post-graduation in the forensic science field. | 3 years |
| M.D. (Forensic Medicine and Toxicology) | M.B.B.S. or B.D.S. degree in relevant subjects. | 2 years |
| Advanced Diploma Course Certification in Forensic Sciences and Criminology | Graduation in the relevant field with an aggregate of 50% marks. | 6 months |
| Diploma in Document Examination | 10+2 completed | 6 months |
| Diploma in Fingerprint Examination | 10+2 completed | 6 months |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Crime Investigation and Computer Forensics | Graduation in the relevant field. | 1 year |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology | Graduation in the relevant field. | 1 year |
| Certificate Course in Forensic Science | 10+2 completed | 1 year |
| Certificate Course in the Basics of Diet Therapy | 10+2 completed | 6 months |
Specialization Courses available in Forensic Science
| Forensic Biology | Forensic Botany | Forensic Ballistics |
| Cytology | Forensic Entomology | Forensic Toxicology |
| Dactyloscopy | Forensic Chemistry | Clinical Forensic Medicine |
| Forensic Psychology | Forensic Pharmacology | Forensic Serology |
The admission procedure for the B.Sc. Forensic Science course is done either on a merit basis or on the basis of the qualifying test score. In addition to the entrance examination, candidates must meet the minimum eligibility criteria, including a 10+2 and an entrance exam score.
A merit list for admission is prepared on the basis of the candidate’s performance in the qualifying examination and entrance exam.
Here are some of the entrance examinations conducted by universities to get admission in forensic science programmes:
The courses in forensic science are mostly designed for skill development which includes both theoretical and practical knowledge-based subjects. Hence, apart from theory, lab practices are also included in the subjects.
The syllabus of some courses in Forensic Science comprises:
B.Sc (Forensic Science):
M.Sc (Forensic Sciences):
M.D. (Forensic Medicine and Toxicology):
Advanced Diploma Course Certification in Forensic Sciences and Criminology:
Diploma in Fingerprint Examination:
The fee structure varies for different courses provided in the field of Forensic Science in different colleges.
This course has a great career scope and prepares you for endless opportunities in the field. This course is one of the best choices for science lovers who have dreamt of their career in white attire and resolving criminal conspiracies by utilising their knowledge gained from the course in forensic science.
With criminal cases rising rapidly in our country, there is a huge demand for professionals in the field. For various roles like working in government labs to act as counsellors or investigators, the country is in a dire need of well-trained forensic experts.
| Forensic Scientist | 4 to 5 lakhs per annum |
| Drug Analyst | 3 to 4 lakhs per annum |
| Forensic Toxicologist | 10 lakhs per annum |
| Crime laboratory analyst | 7 to 8 lakhs per annum |
| Forensic Serologist | 4 to 6 lakhs |
| Forensic Investigator | 3 lakhs per annum |
| Forensic Lab Assistant | 3 lakhs per annum |
| Analyst of Drug | 3 to 4 lakhs per annum |
| CIO | 4 to 7 lakhs per annum |
| ACIO | 3 to 4 lakhs per annum |
Vast opportunities are waiting for the right candidate in the field of forensic science. This career option is exciting for those interested in forensics, crime, and law. If crime mysteries fascinate you, you have a curiosity to analyse crime scenes then this is a viable career option for you. Both governments & private sectors have scope in this field and offering an abundance of opportunities for diverse roles. Also, the other advantage of acquiring a degree in forensic science is, you can start your forensic practice independently & open up forensic service offices of your own.
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