Forensic Science

Forensic Science: Courses, Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Exams, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Forensic Science offers an intriguing career path for those fascinated by the intersection of science and criminal justice. This field applies scientific methods and techniques to investigate crimes and provide evidence for legal proceedings. Aspiring forensic scientists can pursue specialised education in areas such as biology, chemistry, or psychology, and then apply their knowledge to analyse crime scene evidence, perform laboratory tests, and provide expert testimony in court. The work is challenging and rewarding, as forensic scientists play a crucial role in solving crimes and ensuring justice. This career stream appeals to detail-oriented individuals with strong analytical skills who are passionate about using science to uncover the truth and make a meaningful impact on society.

What is Forensic Science

Forensic science is the application of scientific methods and principles to solve crimes and legal issues. The course covers a range of topics including crime scene investigation, collection and analysis of physical evidence, fingerprinting, DNA analysis, toxicology, and the interpretation of various types of forensic data. Students learn how to apply biology, chemistry, physics, and other sciences to criminal investigations and legal cases. The course emphasises critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ethical responsibilities of forensic scientists in ensuring justice.

Why Study Forensic Science Courses After 12th?

Studying forensic science courses after 12th grade can be an excellent choice for students interested in combining scientific knowledge with criminal investigation. These courses offer a unique blend of biology, chemistry, physics, and law, providing students with the skills to analyse physical evidence from crime scenes. Forensic science opens up diverse career opportunities in law enforcement, crime laboratories, and legal institutions. It allows students to apply scientific principles to solve real-world problems, contribute to justice, and make a tangible impact on society. Moreover, the field is constantly evolving with technological advancements, ensuring a dynamic and intellectually stimulating career path. For those fascinated by both science and criminal justice, forensic science provides an exciting and rewarding avenue to pursue their passions while serving their community.

Forensic Science Course Eligibility Criteria

To apply for Forensic Science courses after completing Class 12, it's essential to understand the specific eligibility criteria for each level of study. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements across different Forensic Science course levels:

Course Level	Eligibility
Undergraduate (UG)	Completion of Class 12 with a Science background (subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics). A minimum of 50% marks in both Class 10 and Class 12.
Postgraduate (PG)	A Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science or a related field. Applicants should have secured at least 55% in their undergraduate studies.
Doctoral (PhD)	A Master’s degree in Forensic Science or an equivalent postgraduate qualification.
Diploma/Certification	Completion of Class 12 with a Science background (subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics). A minimum of 50% marks in both Class 10 and Class 12.
Postgraduate Diploma	A Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science or a related discipline. A minimum of 50% aggregate score at the undergraduate level.

Note: Eligibility requirements can vary slightly depending on the institution, so it's advisable to check the specific criteria on the official website of the institution you’re interested in.

Forensic Science Course Entrance Exams 2024

To pursue a career in Forensic Science after completing the 12th grade, students are required to take specific entrance examinations, which are conducted by various universities across the country. The eligibility criteria generally include passing the Class 12 board exams. These entrance exams are essential for securing admission to Forensic Science programs offered at university, state, and national levels. Below is an overview of the entrance exams for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) Forensic Science courses.

Undergraduate Forensic Science Entrance Exams

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is currently the primary entrance exam for students who wish to enrol in Forensic Science courses after the 12th. All relevant details about CUET UG 2024, including information on the CUET admit card, are summarised below.

Entrance Exam	Exam Dates	Exam Schedule
CUET	May 2025	To Be Announced

Note: The dates and details provided above are based on the official website and are subject to change.

Postgraduate Forensic Science Entrance Exams

Admission to PG Forensic Science programs can vary depending on the specific university or country. Below are examples of entrance exams that are commonly accepted or required for these courses:

Entrance Exam	Exam Dates	Exam Schedule
CUET PG	March 2025	To Be Announced
CPGET	February 2025	To Be Announced

Note: The dates and details provided above are based on the official website and are subject to change.

Forensic Science Course Syllabus and Specialisations

Forensic Science courses heavily focus on skill development, blending theoretical understanding with hands-on experience. To ensure students gain comprehensive expertise, all Forensic Science subjects incorporate practical lab sessions alongside traditional classroom learning. Below is the outline of the BSc Forensic Science syllabus.

Semester	Subjects
1	Introduction to Forensic Science Crime and Society Environmental Science English
2	Chemistry Law to Combat Crime Criminal Law Physics
3	Criminalistics Forensic Dermatoglyphics Technological Methods in Forensic Science Zoology
4	Anthropology Computer Science Forensic Biology Forensic Chemistry
5	Economics Forensic Ballistics Psychology Introduction to Biometry
6	Computer Forensics Investigations Forensic Science and Society Forensic Medicine Forensic Anthropology

Note: This information may vary as it is sourced from external websites.

Here's a list of common Forensic Science Specialisations:

Specialisation	Description
Criminalistics	Analysis of physical evidence from crime scenes
Digital Forensics	Examination of digital devices and cybercrime evidence
Forensic Toxicology	Analysis of drugs and poisons in biological samples
Forensic Anthropology	Examination of human skeletal remains
Forensic Entomology	Study of insects concerning criminal investigations
Forensic Pathology	Examination of bodies to determine cause and manner of death
Forensic Psychology	Application of psychology to legal matters
Forensic Odontology	Examination of dental evidence
Forensic Engineering	Investigation of materials, products, and structures
Forensic Ballistics	Analysis of firearms, ammunition, and their effects
Forensic Biology	Examination of biological evidence (e.g., DNA, blood)
Forensic Chemistry	Chemical analysis of trace evidence
Forensic Document Examination	Analysis of questioned documents
Forensic Art	Creation of facial reconstructions and composite sketches
Forensic Accounting	Investigation of financial crimes and fraud

Forensic Science Courses After 12th

Name of the Course

Certificate Course in Forensic Science

Diploma in Forensic Science

B.Sc. in Forensic Science

B.Sc. (Hons.) Forensic Science

B.Sc. in Criminology and Forensic Science

B.Tech in Forensic Science and Technology

Integrated B.Sc. + M.Sc. in Forensic Science

B.A. in Criminology

Master of Science in Forensic Sciences

MPhil in Forensic Science

PhD in Forensic Science

Forensic Science Course Colleges in India

College Name	Average Fees (INR)

Government Colleges
Institute of Forensic Science, Mumbai	20,000 - 50,000/year
Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar	1,00,000 - 1,50,000/year
Osmania University, Hyderabad	20,000 - 40,000/year
Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar	10,000 - 25,000/year

Private Colleges
Amity University, Noida	1,50,000 - 2,50,000/year
Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal	3,00,000 - 4,00,000/year
Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar	1,20,000 - 1,80,000/year
Jain University, Bangalore	1,00,000 - 1,50,000/year
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai	2,00,000 - 3,00,000/year

Notes:

The fees mentioned are approximate and may vary based on the specific program and duration.

Additional costs like hostel, lab fees, and other charges might be applicable.

Forensic Science Job Profiles, Salary & Top Recruiters

Top Job Profiles in Forensic Science

Job Profile	Description	Average Salary (INR)
Forensic Scientist	Analyses physical evidence from crime scenes to assist in criminal investigations.	4 - 7 Lakhs
Crime Scene Investigator	Responsible for collecting, preserving, and analysing evidence from crime scenes.	3.5 - 6 Lakhs
Forensic Pathologist	Conducts autopsies to determine the cause of death and gathers medical evidence.	10 - 15 Lakhs
Forensic Toxicologist	Analyses bodily fluids and tissues to detect the presence of toxins and drugs.	5 - 8 Lakhs
Digital Forensic Expert	Investigate cybercrimes and recover data from digital devices for legal evidence.	6 - 12 Lakhs
Forensic Anthropologist	Studies human remains to identify deceased individuals and determine the cause and time of death.	6 - 9 Lakhs
Forensic Odontologist	Uses dental records to identify deceased individuals and assess bite mark evidence.	7 - 10 Lakhs
Forensic Psychologist	Assesses psychological profiles of criminals and provides expert testimony in court.	5 - 9 Lakhs
Forensic Ballistics Expert	Analyses firearms, bullets, and ammunition to link them to crime scenes and criminal activities.	5 - 8 Lakhs
Forensic Document Examiner	Examines handwriting, signatures, and documents to detect forgeries and authenticate documents.	4 - 6 Lakhs
Forensic Accountant	Investigates financial records to detect fraud, embezzlement, and financial crimes.	6 - 10 Lakhs

Forensic Science Top Recruiters

Recruiter	Sector/Industry
Central Forensic Science Labs	Government, Law Enforcement
State Forensic Science Labs	Government, Law Enforcement
Intelligence Bureau (IB)	Government, Intelligence and Security
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)	Government, Law Enforcement
National Investigation Agency (NIA)	Government, Anti-Terrorism
Directorate of Forensic Science Services	Government, Crime Analysis
Police Departments	Government, Law Enforcement
Private Forensic Laboratories	Private, Crime Investigation Services Hospitals
Hospitals	Healthcare, Medical Forensics
Insurance Companies	Private, Fraud Investigation
Cybersecurity Firms	Private, Digital Forensics

Forensic Science Colleges for Placements in India

College Name	Placement Assistance	Average Salary Offered (INR)
Amity University, Noida	Yes	4 - 7 Lakhs
Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science, Delhi	Yes	5 - 7 Lakhs
Institute of Forensic Science, Mumbai	Yes	4 - 6 Lakhs
Osmania University, Hyderabad	Yes	3.5 - 5.5 Lakhs
Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar	Yes	6 - 8 Lakhs
Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar	Yes	3 - 5 Lakhs
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi	Yes	4 - 6 Lakhs
Punjabi University, Patiala	Yes	3.5 - 5 Lakhs
Anna University, Chennai	Yes	4 - 6 Lakhs
Chandigarh University	Yes	3.5 - 5.5 Lakhs