Diploma in Forensic Science – A Complete Guide

Forensic Science is emerging as one of the top career options. Those who are fascinated with criminal mysteries should go for this course. As a forensic student, you will be gaining knowledge and training in diverse subjects related to criminology and its investigation. The diploma program will enhance your knowledge about the techniques used in crime scene investigation, evidence analysis, forensic accounting, etc. According to the media reports, this field is considered to be the 6^th fastest growing field among others in the world. Here in this blog, we have given the complete details about the Diploma in Forensic Science, its scope, jobs, etc.

Forensic Science Diploma:

A diploma in forensics is a course of 9 months to 2 years. Candidates can opt for any of the courses depending on their interests. Students with Science and law backgrounds can pursue this course to start their crime investigation career. Students get to learn criminology, psychology, psychiatry, the criminal justice system, and civil and criminal laws. Diploma courses are provided to candidates after class 12^th at UG, and PG levels.

Eligibility Criteria for Diploma:

To get admission in the desired course candidates need to fulfill the basic eligibility criteria of the respective course. Generally, class 12^th marks are considered for admissions, but some courses require a degree as well. Here we have mentioned the eligibility conditions for admission:

• Candidates must have passed class 10^th and 12^th with 50% minimum marks from a recognized board.
• For admission to the PG Diploma, candidates should have a bachelor’s degree with 50% aggregate marks.

Forensic Science Diploma Courses:

Candidates have a lot of options available to choose from. Most universities offer a diploma program of 1 year duration but certain universities are there that offer a diploma program for 2 years as well. The course curriculum and forensic science subjects vary from college to college. However, for your convenience, we have mentioned some of the top diploma courses here.

1 Diploma in Forensic Science:

Diploma in Forensics course teaches the candidates techniques involved in crime mystery solving. For example, it teaches the art of evidence collection, examination, and analysis. Apart from this candidates also get to learn forensic accounting, toxicology, forensic pathology, etc. After completion of this course, candidates can work with private and government sectors both. They can work with the banks, detective agencies, crime branches, etc.

2 Diploma in Fingerprint Examination:

Under this program, candidates are taught how to collect fingerprint evidence, their analysis, and examination. These people study the fingerprint patterns with those already stored in the database. Candidates are taught the relevance of fingerprints in solving civil and criminal cases. Being the unique feature of every human present on this earth, this field requires expertise hence it is one of the most important courses.

3 Diploma in Document Examination:

Under this program, candidates learn the art of distinguishing between actual and forged documents. We have often seen people cheating by falsifying documents and turning them in their favor. Even there are cases when people submit forged documents in the courtroom. To ensure justice delivery, these people verify the documents and know their authenticity. People who pursue this course advise law enforcement agencies on the question of the authenticity of documents presented to them.

4 Diploma in Criminal Law:

This course particularly targets the laws related to crimes. It teaches the students laws such as CrPC, IPC, Cyber Laws, etc. These people assist in the police investigation and advise the law enforcement agencies. After completion of the diploma course, candidates can either join a law firm or simply start working independently by setting up their own firm.

Forensics Diploma Course Subjects:

Depending on the specialization opted by the candidates for their diploma courses, the syllabus and subjects vary. These subjects not only enhance your theoretical knowledge base but also help you gain practical knowledge. However, some of the common subjects are mentioned by us below.

The diploma subjects list is as follows:

• Foundations of Criminal Law and Crime Scenes,
• Forensic Ethics & Research Methods,
• Forensic Legal Investigations,
• Forensic Science Trends,
• Criminal Investigation Procedures,
• Moot Courts,
• Forensic Biology,
• Forensic DNA & Immunology,
• Basic Concepts of Forensic Document Examination,
• Conventional Techniques of Document Examination And Verification,
• Advanced Techniques Examination of Documents,
• Dissertation / Project Work.

Why FS Diploma?

If you are someone who loves challenges and wishes to work in an exciting and thrilling environment then you should opt for a diploma course. This field gives lots of opportunities to its students. This field is expected to grow by 14 % in the upcoming 4 years.  This is a challenging career and these experts need to play a critical role in crime investigation. Hence you should be mentally prepared before entering this field. However, this profession provides amazing perks as well for the experts. The perks of doing a diploma in forensic science are given below:

Salary: The forensic scientist job is a well paid job. You will never see a downfall in your career once you enter this field. Because of less availability of experts in this unique field, people working in this domain get good packages. Though the starting salary might be less for you initially when you start your career after completing the diploma course, it will always increase. You can expect a salary of INR 3 LPA to 15 LPA. So financially, you will be settled and need not worry.

Job Security: As the crime rate is really high and we can’t see a downfall in the number of crimes in the near future, the demand for these experts is high. Both the government and private sector seek their advice to move further in the investigations. Apart from working for someone else you can also start your own firm and can work independently. So, as far as job security is concerned you don’t need to worry about it, as once you complete your studies you can get a job as a forensic expert easily.

Forensic Science Diploma Jobs:

After completion of a diploma in forensics course, candidates can get entry level jobs in both the private and public sectors. The demand for these experts is high in the market as there is less availability of specialists. Diploma holders also get good high paying jobs at reputed companies. Candidates will be getting a starting salary of INR 3.5 Lakhs per annum which can go up to 20 Lakhs per annum with working experience in this particular field.

Diploma Government Jobs:

The demand for forensic experts is high in the government sector and it is a really good opportunity for candidates to join the public sector and showcase their expertise in it. Candidates with diplomas in this field can work in the following government organizations:

• Directorate of Forensic Science Services,
• Central Bureau of Investigation,
• Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited,
• Intelligence Bureau,
• Forensic Labs,
• Police Departments,
• Crime Branches,
• Security Service Agencies,
• Research Centers,
• Narcotics Departments,

Diploma Private Jobs:

Private organizations are also offering hefty amounts to forensic experts and candidates can go for them without giving a second thought. Candidates with forensics diplomas can work in following private organizations:

• Accenture,
• Brand Protectors India Pvt. Ltd,
• Deloitte,
• HP,
• Arete Incident Response,
• SysTools,

Forensic Science Diploma Salary:

These experts earn good salaries even after doing a diploma course. Because of their demand in the industry, companies hire them at good packages. The minimum starting salary of a diploma holder is INR 3 LPA and this can be as high as 15 LPA. Here we have mentioned the salaries for different job profiles for your reference. As the salary packages vary for the profiles you will be working as. While the pathologists earn less, medical examiners earn really well.

Serial No.	Job Role	Salary (LPA)
1.	Crime Scene Examiner	INR 6 - 8
2.	Forensic Pathologist	INR 3 - 4.5
3.	Crime Laboratory Analyst	INR 4 - 6.5
4.	Forensic IT Specialist	INR 4 - 6
5.	Forensic Psychologist	INR 3.5 - 4.5
6.	Cyber Consultant	INR 7 - 8
7.	Research Assistant	INR 3 - 4
8.	Security Auditor	INR 5 - 6
9.	Network Administrator	INR 3 - 4
10.	Cyber Advisor	INR 6 - 7
11.	Forensic Medical Examiner	INR 10 - 15
12.	Forensic Accountant	INR 8 - 10

 

Working in an emerging field is always beneficial and this is what we suggest to you. Before getting admission go through the entire blog and clear your all doubts.

References:

1. https://collegedunia.com/courses/forensic-science/diploma-in-forensic-science
2. https://www.shiksha.com/science/forensic-science-chp
3. https://lifs.co.in/courses/pg-diploma-in-fingerprint-science.html
4. https://rimt.ac.in/school-of-allied-healthcare-sciences/pg-diploma-in-forensic-science/

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