Forensic Science Course: For Those Who Are Passionate About Investigation Science

Those who have passed plus two can aim for studying forensic science course at graduation.

Scope for those interested in forensic science course is not limited to post graduation alone.

Individuals willing to pursue PhD can choose any one of the area for studying in depth.

Chief job for those who step into the realms of work after studying forensic science course is to assist in the process of investigation.

Their expertise is sought when it comes to investigation of crimes, they help the investigating agencies throw new light on crime cases.

Or, they look for any clues, evidences that have been not examined in the past, so that the investigators can get new leads.

There are more details about forensic science course for the students below, so that they can make a better decision.

Introduction

Forensic Science course is a multidisciplinary field that applies scientific principles to aid in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

In India, Forensic Science course are offered at various levels, including:

1. Bachelor’s in Forensic Science

2. Master’s in Forensic Science

3. Postgraduate Diploma

4. Certificate courses

Courses are offered as BSc Forensic Science, MSc Forensic Science. Graduation course is usually of three to four years.

Post graduation would be usually of two years. Diploma course can be from 3 months to 15 months in duration.

Where to study Forensic Science course?

There are many institutions to study forensic science course and some of the well-known ones are mentioned below:

1. National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS), New Delhi

2. Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Hyderabad

3. Indian Institute of Forensic Science (IIFS), Mumbai

4. University of Madras, Chennai

5. Punjabi University, Patiala

Candidates can also browse the online platforms for more information about the course and also the institutions that are offering them.

1. Forensic Biology

2. Forensic Chemistry

3. Forensic Physics

4. Forensic Toxicology

5. DNA Profiling

6. Fingerprints and Document Examination

7. Cyber Forensics

8. Crime Scene Investigation

Career prospects

Those who have learnt forensic science course can look for opportunities as following:

1. Forensic Scientist

2. Crime Scene Investigator

3. Forensic Expert

4. Researcher

5. Teacher/Lecturer

6. Consultant

The pay scale would start with a lower amount for juniors and then it would scale up as one’s experience and knowledge grows.

2. Stay updated with latest technologies and techniques

3. Consider specializing in a particular area (e.g., DNA analysis)

4. Network with professionals in the field

5. Prepare for competitive exams (e.g., UPSC) for government jobs

Bachelors course

Introduction

Bachelors in forensic science course is usually available as BSc and is of three year duration.

Candidates have to give one exam each every year in the normal system, in semester system, they have to appear for two exams a year.

Also Read – GATE 2025 Exam Registration From 24 August to 26 September 2024, Application Dates Announced

Yearly system will have three exams, semester system will have 6 exams.

Duration

3 years (6 semesters)

Eligibility

12th standard pass with –

– Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) or

– Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM)

Course Structure

Semester 1-2

– Forensic Biology

– Forensic Chemistry

– Forensic Physics

– Introduction to Forensic Science

Semester 3-4

– DNA Profiling and Molecular Biology

– Forensic Toxicology

– Fingerprints and Document Examination

– Crime Scene Investigation

Semester 5-6

– Cyber Forensics

– Forensic Psychology

– Forensic Anthropology

– Project/Internship

Skills Developed

– Analytical and problem-solving skills

– Observation and documentation skills

– Communication and presentation skills

– Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information

Top Institutes

– National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS), New Delhi

– Indian Institute of Forensic Science (IIFS), Mumbai

– University of Madras, Chennai

– Punjabi University, Patiala

– Osmania University, Hyderabad

Admission process

– Entrance exams (e.g., CLAT, AILET)

– Merit-based admission

– Personal interview

A few institutions may admit students into forensic science course based on entrance exams.

Couple of institutions conduct their own entrance exams. They have to pass the exams with required qualifying marks to be eligible for the next process.

The next phase after the test usually comprises a personal interview or counselling, or sometimes both.

Some of them offer admission based on merit, seats are offered based on marks in the qualifying exam.

Masters

Those who wish to pursue masters have to complete their graduation in forensic science course.

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree in

– Forensic Science

– Biology

– Chemistry

– Physics

– Zoology

– Botany

– Microbiology

– Biochemistry

– Biotechnology

Course Structure

Semester 1-2

– Advanced Forensic Biology

– Advanced Forensic Chemistry

– Forensic Toxicology and Pharmacology

– DNA Profiling and Molecular Biology

Semester 3-4

– Forensic Psychology and Criminology

– Cyber Forensics and Digital Evidence

– Forensic Anthropology and Odontology

– Research Methodology and Project

Specializations

– Forensic Biology

– Forensic Chemistry

– Forensic Toxicology

– DNA Profiling

– Cyber Forensics

– Forensic Psychology

Skills Developed

– Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills

– Expertise in specialized areas

– Research and critical thinking skills

– Communication and presentation skills

Admission Process

– Entrance exams (e.g., GATE, NET)

– Merit-based admission

– Personal interview

A few institutions may admit students into forensic science course based on entrance exams.

Couple of institutions conduct their own entrance exams. They have to pass the exams with required qualifying marks to be eligible for the next process.

The next phase after the test usually comprises a personal interview or counselling, or sometimes both.

Some of them offer admission based on merit, seats are offered based on marks in the qualifying exam.

Doctorate

Those who are interested in delving deeper into forensic science course can opt for pursuing a doctorate which is also known as PhD. More details are below:

Duration

3-5 years (full-time), 5-7 years (part-time)

Eligibility

Master’s degree in:

– Forensic Science

– Biology

– Chemistry

– Physics

– Zoology

– Botany

– Microbiology

– Biochemistry

– Biotechnology

with a minimum of 55% marks

Course Structure

– Research methodology

– Advanced forensic science topics

– Original research work

– Thesis preparation

– Defense of thesis

Specializations

– Forensic Biology

– Forensic Chemistry

– Forensic Toxicology

– DNA Profiling

– Cyber Forensics

– Forensic Psychology

– Forensic Anthropology

Research Areas

– Development of new forensic techniques

– Improvement of existing methods

– Interdisciplinary research (e.g., forensic biology and psychology)

Skills Developed

– Expertise in research methodology

– Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills

– Critical thinking and innovation

– Communication and presentation skills

– Leadership and mentorship

And, this sector too offers quite good pay prospects to those who venture into it with a motive to start a career.

However, one must remember that the figures provided here are general in nature, the exact pay packages in reality may vary due to various valid reasons.

Candidates can also conduct their own research on this aspect to know exact information. Details about the pay prospects are provided below:

Junior Forensic Experts (0-3 years of experience)

– Forensic Analyst: ₹250,000 – ₹400,000 per annum

– Junior Forensic Scientist: ₹300,000 – ₹500,000 per annum

Mid-level Forensic Experts (4-7 years of experience)

– Forensic Specialist: ₹600,000 – ₹900,000 per annum

– Senior Forensic Analyst: ₹700,000 – ₹1,000,000 per annum

Senior Forensic Experts (8-12 years of experience)

– Lead Forensic Scientist: ₹1,200,000 – ₹1,800,000 per annum

– Forensic Expert (Court-recognized): ₹1,500,000 – ₹2,500,000 per annum

Top-level Forensic Experts (13+ years of experience)

– Chief Forensic Scientist: ₹2,500,000 – ₹4,000,000 per annum

– Director of Forensic Services: ₹3,500,000 – ₹6,000,000 per annum