03,July 2023
Introduction
The fascinating series, Dexter, attracted viewers around the world with its brilliant lead forensics specialist of the Miami Metro Police Department, who was also, unusually, the criminal. The protagonist, Vincent Masuka, is a forensics expert who is fluent in all the primary forensic methods. Forensic science investigations form an essential part of law enforcement. Over the past three decades, the domain of forensic science has expanded by leaps and bounds. The growing significance of forensic science can be attributed to its immense utility in diverse sectors. The interface of forensic science and technology also offers promising results in the sphere of cyber security and computer forensics.
In the judicial domain, forensic science puts to use the natural, social and physical sciences to iron out legal complexities in criminal cases. The collection, analysis, evaluation, interpretation, and presentation of forensic evidence is essential for making sense of a situation and providing leads for further inquiry. Hence, the growing demand for forensic scientists all over the world makes this field a potentially rewarding one.
Realising the need to strengthen the criminal justice system of India by boosting conviction rates, the Government of India is dedicated to building the world's best forensic science universities in India. Starting from the National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujrat, and the Union envisions filling in the gaps in forensic science professionals in India.
This blog unveils the numerous forensic science courses that can be chosen after class 12th. It provides an overview of the eligibility, syllabus, colleges and fee structures of the various courses. Finally, it touches upon the scope and potential career benefits of studying forensic science courses in India at the undergraduate level.
What is Forensic Science?
Known as criminalistics, the field of forensic science deals with applications of scientific methods to the study and acquisition of information or evidence in criminal investigations. This multidisciplinary field applies scientific methods from physics, chemistry, and biology to specific areas of the law in order to convict criminals.
Students who earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Forensic Science are prepared to collect, process, and analyse evidence for use in judicial proceedings. Forensic science is crucial to advancing research and development in the STEM as well as legal fields.
Why Must You Study Forensic Science?
The Forensic Science stream offers a range of interesting course combinations. It opens up new and challenging learning opportunities. The career prospects in this field are not only rich but also socially instrumental and relevant. Studying a forensic science course can open up many doors, and here are a few of them:
- National Forensic Science University (NFSU): Established as an Institute of National Importance in Gandhinagar, Gujrat, the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) is the world's first university dedicated to forensic science education. Since then, several branches and centres of the university have been opened in Bhopal, Manipur, Guwahati, Tripura, etc. The university's consistent expansion has put it in a position to become the best in the world within the next decade. The Lloyd Institute of Forensic Science (LIFS) is one such ultra-modern and scientifically well-equipped center officially affiliated to NFSU Gandhinagar. In the next five years. The union government has a vision of training forensics professionals over the next five years so that they can help strengthen the country's justice system. Therefore, in all instances involving offences carrying a jail term of more than six years, forensic visits and the use of forensic evidence will become obligatory and legally binding. As a result, employment opportunities for qualified forensic scientists are predicted to rise exponentially in the government and private sector.
- Social Contribution: If you want to make a difference in the world, forensic science is the field for you. The goal of the NFSU is to produce professionals who can assist law enforcement in protecting the public by identifying criminals and solving cases.
- Vast and Lucrative Career Opportunities: Since the NFSU was established to meet the increasing need for forensic experts in India and abroad, pursuing a degree in forensic science after 12th can boost your work prospects. In fact, ,in 2021 four NFSU graduates found work as Microsoft security analysts, receiving an annual package worth 48 lakhs. Other recruiters included Salesforce and Qualcomm, Reliance Industry Limited, McAfee, HDFC Bank, Accenture, Adani Group, Colgate Palmolive, etc. A career in forensic science can offer important jobs in crime scene investigation, fingerprint science and processing evidence, among other exciting opportunities.
- Hand-On Training Facilities: Forensic science education in India provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and materials. By creating realistic simulated crime scenes, students are well prepared for the challenges they will face when entering the workforce.
- Multiple Career Prospects: Experts in forensics are in demand across numerous industries, including justice, medicine, finance, and technology. Graduates of Forensic Science degrees in India can choose from several different career paths. Crime scene investigators, DNA experts, fingerprint experts, toxicologists, and criminal intelligence analysts are all potential careers for forensic scientists.
Forensic Science Course after 12th
Forensics has been applied in many fields, including pathology, economics, engineering, dentistry, entomology, toxicology, computer science, psychology, anthropology, accounting, etc. The theoretical, analytical, and practical aspects of forensic science include a wide range of disciplines and fields, including but not limited to crime and investigation, toxicology, fingerprints and impressions, DNA analysis, and questioned document examination.
Following are the courses offered in India for forensic science after class 12th
Undergraduate Courses
| Course | Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Accident Forensics | 3 years |
| B.Sc. Forensic Accounting | 3 years |
| B.Sc. (Hons.) Forensic Science | 3 years |
| Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice-Forensic Science | 3 years |
| B.A. Criminology | 3 years |
| BSc Forensic Science | 3 years |
The following are the 5 Year Integrated Courses Offered at NFSU:
- Sc. - M.Sc. Forensic Science
- Sc. - M.Sc. Criminology and Forensic Science
- Tech - M.Tech. Computer Science & Engineering (Cyber Security)
- BBA-MBA (with Specialization in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation / Financial Management/ Business Analytics and Intelligence)
- B.A. - M.A. Criminology
Diploma Courses
Most forensic science Diploma programmes span between 9 months and 2 years. Following are some popular options for high school graduates interested in forensic science diploma programmes:
- Certificate Course in the Basics of Diet Therapy (after 10+2)
- Certificate Course in Forensic Science (after 10+2)
- Diploma in Fingerprint Examination (after 10+2)
- Diploma in Document Examination (after 10+2)
Masters Courses
Following is a list of the myriad Master’s level course options available in the field of forensic science. Most of the following courses are offered by the NFSU, Gandhinagar, and many are available in the various centres of NFSU in India. The list is as follows:
| Course | Duration |
|---|---|
| M. Sc. Forensic Science | 2 years |
| M. A. Mass Communication and Forensic Journalism | 2 years |
| M. A. Criminology (with specialization in Forensic Psychology) | 2 years |
| M. Sc. Clinical Psychology | 2 years |
| M. Sc. Digital Forensics and Information Security | 2 years |
| M. Sc. Cyber Security | 2 years |
| M. Tech. Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (Specialization in Cyber Security) | 2 years |
| M. Sc. Digital Forensics and Information Security | 2 years |
| LL. M. (Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Administration) | 1 year |
| M. Sc. Environmental Science (with specialization in Environmental Forensics) | 2 years |
| M. Sc. Homeland Security | 2 years |
| M. Sc. Neuropsychology | 2 years |
| M. Tech. Robotics and Automation | 2 years |
| M. Tech. Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 2 years |
| M. Sc. Food Technology (Specialization in Forensic Food Analysis) | 2 years |
| M. Sc. Nanotechnology (Specialization in Forensic Nanotechnology) | 2 years |
| M. Tech. Civil Engineering (Specialization in Forensic Structural Engineering) | 2 years |
| MBA Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation | 2 years |
| MBA Cyber Security Management | 2 years |
| MBA Business Analytics and Intelligence | 2 years |
| MBA Hospital and Healthcare Management | 2 years |
| M. Sc. Forensic Nursing | 2 years |
| M. Sc. Forensic Dentistry | 2 years |
| M. Sc. Toxicology | 2 years |
| M. Pharm. Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance | 2 years |
| M. Sc. Environmental Science (with specialization in Environmental Forensics) | 2 years |
| M. Sc. Pharmaceutical Chemistry | 2 years |
| M. Sc. Chemistry (with specialization in Forensic Analytical Chemistry) | 2 years |
| M. A. Police & Security Studies | 2 years |
| Master of Science (MSc) in Toxicology | 2 years |
| Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Science and Psychology | 2 years |
| Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Science and Cybersecurity | 2 years |
| Master of Science (MSc) in Digital Forensics | 2 years |
| Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Science and Serology | 2 years |
| Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Science and DNA Fingerprinting | 2 years |
| Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Science and Ballistics | 2 years |
Eligibility
Following are the eligibility criteria for the forensic science courses after class 12th:
| Course | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Courses |
Studied Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in their intermediate (10+2) education Passed 10+2 exams Appeared in the entrance test for admission to the course Fulfill any additional regulations set by the college/university for admissions |
| Diploma/Certificate Courses |
Completed 12th class from the science stream with the required minimum percentage |
Entrance Examinations for Forensic Science Course are listed as follows:
- GITAM GAT
- NEST
- CG PET
- OUAT (Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology)
- BHU Entrance Exam
Syllabus
One of the most popular Forensic courses at the undergraduate level includes B.Sc. Forensic Science. Its course structure includes subjects such as:
- Forensic Biology
- Forensic Entomology
- Forensic Psychology
- Forensic Chemistry
- Forensic Botany
- Forensic Serology
- Forensic Toxicology
- Introduction to Forensic Science & Criminalities
- Fundamentals of Computer Science
- Basic Physics
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Practical - Forensic Science
- Practical - Organic Chemistry
- Practical - Physical Chemistry
- Instrumentation & Investigation Techniques
- Fundamentals of Math & Statistics
The Lab Subjects include:
- Forensic Audio Video Analysis Lab
- Forensic Toxicology Lab
- Forensic Ballistic and Photography Lab
- Forensic Biology Lab
- Forensic Crime Scene Management Lab
Colleges
Following are the institutions offering excellent education in Forensic Science in India:
- National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), campuses:
- Gujrat
- Delhi
- Goa
- Tripura
- Bhopal
- Pune
- Guwahati
- Manipur
- Dharwad
- Lloyd Institute of Forensic Science (affiliated to NFSU, Gandhinagar, and Gujrat)
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
- Amity University, Noida
- Amity University, Noida
- Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow
- Delhi University (DU)
- Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi
- University of Madras
- Panjab University
- Osmania University
- LPU - Lovely Professional University
- MIT-WPU
- UPES, Dehradun
- Galgotias University
Fees
The fees for forensic science courses in India vary from university to university and college to college. For government universities, the fee ranges from INR 6,000 to about INR 1 lakh. Private universities and institutes have higher fees, ranging from INR 1 lakh to INR 14 lakh.
Scope of Forensic Science Education
Courses in Forensic Science provide a unique learning opportunity. Students who have a sincere interest in forensic science can gain a great deal from intensive academic lectures and research projects. The public sector includes the police, universities, think tanks, federal agencies, and courts as potential employers. Forensic Science graduates have a variety of employment opportunities to choose from, such as:
- Forensic Scientists: Due to the increasing complexity of forensic investigations and rising crime rates, there is a high demand for forensic scientists around the globe, especially in India.
- Forensic Experts (Evidence Analysis): Forensic experts analyse evidence for the defense or prosecution in criminal and civil trials.
- Corporate Sector: In this industry, private companies also provide employment opportunities. There is a high demand for Forensic Scientists, Crime Laboratory Analysts, Forensic Experts, and Forensic Investigators, among others.
Below is a table showcasing average salaries of various career options
| Job Profile | Salary |
|---|---|
| Forensic Investigator | INR 630,000 |
| Forensic Computer Expert | INR 665,000 |
| Crime Laboratory Analyst | INR 600,000 |
| Forensic Scientist | INR 540,000 |
| Crime Scene Examiner | INR 400,000 |
| Forensic Expert | INR 400,000 |
| Forensic IT Specialist | INR 400,000 |
| Forensic Anthropologist | INR 390,000 |
| Forensic Pathologist | INR 360,000 |
| Forensic Psychologist | INR 360,000 |
Source: https://collegedunia.com/courses/forensic-science/forensic-science-courses-after-12th
Conclusion
Apart from engineering and medicine, the interesting field of forensic science offers numerous opportunities in today’s technologically advanced world. India, in particular, is an ideal location to study forensic science as it is home to the world’s first and only university dedicated to this field, the National Forensic Science University (NFSU). In the future, this field is expected to provide excellent career prospects for students interested in science, crime investigation, and related professions in cybersecurity and forensic sciences.
References
https://ahmedabadmirror.com/placements-2021/81812041.html
https://collegedunia.com/courses/forensic-science/forensic-science-courses-after-12th
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1855082
https://leverageedu.com/blog/forensic-science-course-after-12th/
https://www.collegesearch.in/articles/forensic-science-salary
https://www.collegesearch.in/articles/forensic-science-salary
https://www.galaxyeduworld.com/blogs/the-future-scope-of-msc-forensic-science
https://www.shiksha.com/science/forensic-science-chp
https://www.nfsu.ac.in/programs