Do you love watching crime and detective series like CSI, Bones or even our own Indian CID series and always wanted to be part of the team? A degree in forensic science might just help you do that.
Forensic Science is the meeting point of science, logic and law. Forensic Science can be considered as one of the interesting and adventurous discipline of science. With significant growth in crime rate and criminals becoming smarter, the role of forensic scientists has increased exponentially.India is facing an acute shortage of forensic scientists. Forensic scientists need training in both law enforcement and science. Being a multidisciplinary subject, it has aspects of biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, social sciences, etc. Forensic scientists look at evidence with scientific principles in mind. Though much forensic work applies to criminal cases, sometimes it applies to civil proceedings as well.
Skills Required
- Knowledge of various fields of science
- Technical Skills
- Intelligent
- Strong Analytical Skills
- Keen Observation
Scope of Forensic Science
The scope of forensic science study is vast. You can get jobs in various governments & private sectors. The study will improve your skills and knowledge. After completing your degree, you can open your own forensic practice or might be employed in Forensic Laboratories, Detective Offices, Banks and other Govt. and private agencies.
Designations in the field of forensic science:
- Investigative officers
- Legal counselors
- Forensic Expert
- Forensic Scientist
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Teacher / Professor
- Crime Reporter
- Forensic Engineer
- Law Consultant
- Handwriting Expert
Recruiters of forensic science graduates:
- Intelligence Bureau (IB)
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Central Govt. Forensic Sciences Labs
- Hospitals
- Private Detective Agencies
- Law Firms
- Police Department
- Quality Control Bureau
- Banks
- Universities
- Defense/Army
Courses & Duration
Various universities in India offer certificate, bachelor and master and Doctoral degree courses in Forensic Sciences.
Undergraduate Course (3 years):
- B.Sc in Forensic Science
Post Graduate Courses (2 years):
- M.Sc in Forensic Science
- PG Diploma in Forensic Science
Doctoral Course (3 years):
- Ph.D in Forensic Science
- M.Phill in Forensic Science
It’s also possible to become a Forensic Scientist with an MBBS background. After finishing MBBS, students can pursue MD in Forensic Science.
Top Colleges for Forensic Science in India
- IFS Indian Education Department, Pune
- Department of Forensic Sciences (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University), Agra
- Institute of Forensic Science, Mumbai
- Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science (LNJN NICFS), New Delhi
- Institute of Forensic Sciences (Gujarat Forensic Sciences University), Gandhi Nagar
- Centre for Cyber Forensics and Information Security (University of Madras), Chennai
- Government Institute of Forensic Science, Aurangabad
- Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences (SHIATS), Allahabad
- St. Xavier’s College (University of Mumbai), Mumbai
- Bundelkhand University, UP
- Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi
- Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar
- Institute of Forensic Science & Criminology (Panjab University), Chandigarh
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
- Amity University (Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences)
Jothsna is the co-founder of Academy One, a career guidance and study abroad counseling venture. Prior to founding Academy One in 2005, Jothsna worked as an IT and business consultant with companies like Motorola and Trajen Inc. in the USA. She holds an engineering degree in computer science from Andhra University and a MS from the University of Texas. She also received her MBA from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, USA.