Forensic Science Courses in India: High Salary Jobs & Scope

Last Updated on July 29, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

Are you a forensic science aspirant from India? If yes, this article will be of help to you. Here, I’ve listed down some of the best forensic science courses available in India!

How’s this article of help to me, you may ask. Before choosing an academic program, it’s better to be knowledgeable about its alternatives, availability of PG courses and other important details. These details will help you make an informed choice!   In this post, readers will find the following details –

• List of forensic science courses (after 12th, after graduation & Doctoral Degree)
• Course-details (duration, eligibility, format etc)
• Forensic science colleges
• Jobs, scope, salary and prospects

  In short, this article will help you make an informed choice! It has a list of forensic science programs. You may go through the list and choose the best one!   This article has got something for everyone! You may be a 12th pass student, a graduate or even a postgraduate degree holder! Whatever the case may be, you will find a relevant forensic science course here! That’s my promise!   What’s Forensic Science all about? What’s the scope and potential associated with this domain? Is pursuing a career in this sector worth the effort? What’s the career prospects like? You will find answers to these questions in the next section. Here they are –

Forensic Science: Basic Details

In simple terms, forensic science is the application of scientific methods and techniques to matters under investigation by a court of law.   Haven’t you seen forensic experts in action in popular TV shows and movies? They jump into action after the crime is committed. They can be seen collecting evidence at crime scene, analyzing it and obtaining results that ultimately aid in progression of the investigation!   Forensic Science is a very vast field. With time, this field has evolved noticeably. It has got influenced by technology all this while. For example, Cyber forensics is a relatively new sub-branch.   As I mentioned before, forensic science is a very vast field. It consists of numerous sub-branches. Some of the popular ones are –

• Digital Forensics
• Computational Forensics
• Forensic Accounting
• Forensic Chemistry
• Forensic Microbiology
• Forensic DNA Analysis
• Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
• Forensic Engineering
• Forensic Linguistics
• Forensic Pathology
• Forensic Psychiatry
• Forensic Psychology
• Forensic Toxicology

Forensic Science experts can be seen working at crime scene and their respective laboratories. At crime scene, they can be seen working in tandem with Police force. At crime scene, their main aim is to –

• Analyze and study the crime scene
• Collect crucial evidence
• Mark and label the evidence properly
• Store and preserve the evidence safely

At their respective laboratories, they perform the following tasks –

• Keep record of all the evidence collected
• Analyze the evidence using scientific methods and equipment
• Arrive at conclusions after analyzing
• Prepare reports related to their findings

Apart from lab and crime scene role, forensic experts may also be asked to testify as a witness in Court of Law!   The tasks performed by a forensic scientist or professionals depends upon his/her specialization and educational qualifications. For example, a Digital Forensics expert is not the best guy to analyze bloodstain patterns!   Similarly, a forensic chemistry expert is not the best guy to analyze evidence related to financial fraud! In short, there are specializations within this discipline!   At the end of the day, forensic experts play a huge role in crime solving. Thanks to their inputs, the investigating agency gets crucial inroads and clues related to the crime!   Before heading to the meat of the matter – list of forensic science courses in India – let us check out some basic facts about these academic programs. Here they are –

Forensic science course formats

In India, forensic science programs are available at undergraduate level, post graduate level and doctoral level. Thus, based on the ‘level’ of the academic degree, these courses can be classified into the following types –

• UG (Undergraduate) level courses
• PG (Postgraduate) level courses
• Doctoral level courses

Apart from that, there also exists no-credit forensic science programs as well as workshops related to this subject. But I haven’t included them in the article.   UG, PG and Doctoral Degrees – these are types of courses based on the ‘level’ of the Degree! If we analyze each type of Degree, we will be able to find that there exists multiple course type/format within each level!   Trouble grasping the above mentioned line? What I want to say is that UG level programs consist of certificate, Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma courses!   Similarly, PG level courses consist of PG Certificate, Master’s Degree and PG Diploma courses. Doctoral level programs consist of PhD programs!   Come, let us check out the list of courses now. Here they are –

List of Forensic Science Courses in India

Sr No	Name of the course	Type of the course
1	B.Sc. Forensic Science	Bachelor’s Degree
2	B.Sc. Forensic Science and Criminology	Bachelor’s Degree
3	B.Tech. Computer Science (IT Security and Forensics)	Bachelor of Technology
4	B.Sc. + M.Sc. Forensic Science	Dual Degree (Integrated)
5	M.Sc. Forensic Science	Master’s Degree
6	M.Sc. Digital Forensics and Information Technology	Master’s Degree
7	M.Sc. Forensic Odontology	Master’s Degree
8	M.Sc. Forensic Chemistry	Master’s Degree
9	M.Tech. IT Security and Forensics	Master of Technology
10	PG Diploma in Forensic Document Examination	Postgraduate Diploma
11	PG Diploma in Fingerprint Science	Postgraduate Diploma
12	PG Diploma in Forensic Management	Postgraduate Diploma
13	PG Diploma in Forensic Accounting	Postgraduate Diploma
14	PG Diploma in Forensic Toxicology	Postgraduate Diploma
15	Forensic Science Certification programs	Certification
16	PhD Forensic Science	Doctoral Degree
17	PhD Digital Forensics	Doctoral Degree
18	PhD Forensic Pathology	Doctoral Degree
19	PhD Forensic Chemistry	Doctoral Degree

List of forensic Science courses after 12th

1. B.Sc. Forensic Science
2. B.Sc. Forensic Science & Criminology
3. B.Tech. Computer Science (IT Security and Forensics)
4. B.Sc. + M.Sc. Forensic Science

1 B.Sc. Forensic Science

B.Sc. stands for Bachelor of Science. B.Sc. Forensic Science is a Bachelor’s Degree course. This forensic science program belongs to the UG (undergraduate) academic level.   The course is three years long. Students who have passed 12th standard with science stream subjects are eligible to pursue this course.   B.Sc. Forensic Science program deals with subjects such as – basics of forensic science, forensic science tools and equipment, communication skills, digital forensics, criminal law, chemistry, physics, computer science, criminalistics, botany, zoology, forensic psychology, forensic chemistry, forensic biology, forensic ballistics, forensic toxicology, forensic medicine, computer forensics, biometry and more.

2 B.Sc. Forensic Science and Criminology

This is a Bachelor of Science course. The course duration is three years. Students who have passed 12th standard with science stream subjects are eligible to pursue B.Sc. Forensic Science and Criminology course.   As the name suggests, this program deals with forensic science and criminology. Unlike the regular B.Sc. Forensic Science program, this course gives special attention to the domain of criminology.   In short, the curriculum deals with core forensic science subjects (listed above) as well as criminology subjects (criminal law and jurisprudence, victimology, police science, basics of criminology, field work etc).

3 B.Tech. Computer Science (IT Security and Forensics)

This is a Bachelor of Technology program. In other words, this program belongs to the field of engineering and technology. To be precise, this program belongs to the discipline of computer science and technology.   This computer science and technology program deals with IT security and forensics. IT stands for information technology. The course duration is four years. Students who have passed 12th Science with mathematics group subjects are eligible to pursue this course.   In digital age, crimes are not just limited to ‘real’ or ‘physical’ world! The internet or cyberspace is also used to committing different types of crimes. Financial fraud, identity theft, selling illegal goods and services through the internet – these are some such ‘web-based’ criminal activities.   ‘Regular’ forensic science techniques and practices won’t be of much help, when it comes to internet-based crimes. This is where digital forensics comes handy! And this is a digital forensics program. Actually, this program deals with digital forensics and IT security.

4 B.Sc. + M.Sc. Forensic Science

This is an integrated program. Integrated programs are also known as dual degree programs. In this case, the program combines two degrees – Bachelor of Science and Master of Science.   The course duration is five years. Students who have passed 12th standard with science stream subjects are eligible to pursue this integrated program.   After completing the entire course, a candidate will be able to walk out with two degrees – a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree! Since the program deals with UG and PG level curriculum, it deals with core forensic science subjects as well as advanced forensic science subjects.

List of forensic science courses after graduation

1. M.Sc. Forensic Science
2. M.Sc. Digital Forensics and Information Technology
3. M.Sc. Forensic Odontology
4. M.Sc. Forensic Chemistry
5. M.Sc. Forensic Toxicology
6. M.Tech. IT Security and Forensics
7. PG Diploma in Forensic Document Examination
8. PG Diploma in Fingerprint Science
9. PG Diploma in Forensic Management
10. PG Diploma in Forensic Accounting
11. PG Diploma in Forensic Toxicology

1 M.Sc. Forensic Science

M.Sc. stands for Master of Science. It is a Master’s Degree program. In other words, this program belongs to PG academic level. PG stands for postgraduate level.   The course duration is two years. Graduates who have completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree program (like B.Sc. Forensic Science) or possess equivalent qualification are eligible to pursue M.Sc. Forensic Science course.   Since this is an M.Sc. program, the curriculum deals with advanced forensic science subjects and topics. The program also involves practical classes (computer classes, field work and project work).

2 M.Sc. Digital Forensics and Information Technology

This is a Master’s Degree course. As the name suggests, this program deals with various aspects of digital forensics.   The course is two years long. Students who have completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree course are eligible to pursue M.Sc. Digital Forensics and Information Technology course.   Digital forensic techniques, tools and practices come handy while dealing with crimes that are internet-based. These techniques also come handy while solving many ‘real-world’ crimes and criminal activities.   For example, digital communication or signals from a device like mobile phone can be used to track down a suspect. Similarly, digital evidence can be collected from a suspect’s laptop, computer system or hard disc!

3 M.Sc. Forensic Odontology

This is a Master of Science course. The program is two years long. Candidates who have completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree program or possess equivalent qualification are eligible to pursue this course.   As the name suggests, this program deals with the discipline of forensic odontology. This discipline is also known as forensic dentistry.   What’s this discipline all about, some of you may ask. Dental forensics primarily deals with the collection, handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence in cases.   The curriculum deals with elements of dental science and forensic science. The main aim of this program is to train students to apply concepts of dental science to solve forensic science based problems.   Forensic dentists are capable of performing the following task – collecting dental evidence from crime scene, handling evidence and samples, evaluating it (through tests, radiography, physical examination etc and preparing reports based on his/her observations and tests. Through evaluation, he/she may obtain the following results – age, race, gender and dental history of the victim.

4 M.Sc. Forensic Chemistry

This Master of Science course lasts for a period of two years. The course belongs to PG academic level. Graduates who have completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree program are eligible to pursue this course.   This program deals with the domain of forensic chemistry. In simple terms, forensic chemistry deals with applying concepts of chemistry in a legal setting. Forensic chemistry is closely related to forensic toxicology. This discipline deals with methods such as – spectroscopy and chromatography.   Forensic chemists play an important role at crime scenes. For example, in case of an explosion, they are able to collect samples and evidence from the crime scene. Later, they use these samples and evidence to find out the type of explosive or chemicals used to cause that explosion! Similarly, they also come handy while carrying out poisoning investigations.

5 M.Sc. Forensic Toxicology

This program is two years long. Candidates who have completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized college or university are eligible to pursue this course.   This program deals with forensic toxicology. Forensic toxicology is an important part of forensic chemistry. Toxicology consists of elements of biology, pharmacology, medicine and chemistry. This discipline deals with the study of toxins and toxicants, their effects on living organisms, diagnosis and treatment of exposure to toxicants.   Forensic toxicology deals with applying concepts of toxicology to aid legal case investigation (death, poisoning, drug use etc). Postmortem toxicology, human performance toxicology and forensic drug testing – these areas form the core of forensic toxicology.

6 M.Tech. IT Security and Forensics

This is a Master of Technology program. In other words, it is a Master’s level engineering and technology program. The course is two years long. Graduates who have completed relevant B.E. or B.Tech. program are eligible to pursue this course.   This technology program deals with internet security and forensics. To be precise, this program deals with various aspects of digital forensics.

7 PG Diploma in Forensic Document Examination

This is a postgraduate level diploma program. In other words, it is an advanced diploma program. The course duration is one to two years. It may slightly vary from one institute to another.   This PG level forensic science program deals with forensic document examination. In simple terms, a forensic document examiner systematically evaluates the attributes and characteristics of a document. This program deals with subjects such as – seals and stamps, indented impressions, writing, printing inks, handwriting examination, handwriting comparison etc.   Forensic Document Examiners are usually asked to test the authenticity of documents, check for forgery, check for unwanted modifications, match handwriting etc.

8 PG Diploma in Fingerprint Science

This is a postgraduate level diploma course. The course duration could be anywhere between one to two years. It may vary slightly from one institute to another.   This forensic science program deals with fingerprint science. It is a branch of forensic science that deals with fingerprint analysis. We touch different things in our day to day lives. For example, while I’m typing this on my keyboard, my fingers are touching different keys on the keyboard. Similarly, while driving, my fingers are touching the steering wheel. These activities leave my fingerprints on the surface (of keyboard and steering wheel respectively).   The same theory applies in case of a crime scene! Fingerprints obtained from a crime scene can lead the investigators to the criminal! Yes, it can help solve the crime! Fingerprint samples form powerful pieces of evidence in the court of law!   A fingerprint analyst is capable of performing the following tasks – collect fingerprints from crime scene, analysis of the print, comparison of the print, evaluation and verification of the print.

9 PG Diploma in Forensic Management

This PG level diploma course may last for a period of one to two years. The course deals with the domain of forensic management. Candidates who have completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree program are eligible to pursue this course.

10 PG Diploma in Forensic Accounting

This program is one to two years long. It belongs to the PG academic level. PG stands for postgraduate level. In other words, it is an advanced diploma program. Bachelor’s Degree holders (relevant programs) are eligible to pursue this course.   This program deals with forensic accounting. It is also known as forensic accountancy. This is a branch of forensic science that deals with investigating financial misconduct and fraud.   Money laundering, tax fraud, insurance fraud, faulty audit reports – these are some of the popular forms of financial misconduct. Looking from legal point of view, these are considered to be violation of the law.   This is where financial accountants come handy. They are trained accountants who are trained in areas such as – financial accounting, business information, economic theories, data management, fraud detection, investigative techniques etc.

11 PG Diploma in Forensic Toxicology

This is a postgraduate level diploma program. The course duration could be anywhere between one to two years. Candidates who have completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree program are eligible to pursue this course.   Forensic toxicology is an important part of forensic chemistry. Toxicology consists of elements of biology, pharmacology, medicine and chemistry. This discipline deals with the study of toxins and toxicants, their effects on living organisms, diagnosis and treatment of exposure to toxicants.   Forensic toxicology deals with applying concepts of toxicology to aid legal case investigation (death, poisoning, drug use etc). Postmortem toxicology, human performance toxicology and forensic drug testing – these areas form the core of forensic toxicology.

List of Doctoral Degree forensic science courses

1 PhD Forensic Science

PhD Forensic Science is a Doctoral Degree course. It is a research-oriented program. The course duration is three years. Candidates who have completed relevant Master’s Degree course are eligible to pursue this program. This program deals with the domain of forensic science.

2 PhD Digital Forensics

PhD in Digital Forensics is a Doctoral Degree program. This research program is three years long. Master’s Degree holders (relevant discipline) are eligible to pursue this program. After completing PhD program, one may don the role of lecturer at relevant educational institutes. One may also build a career in the R&D sector (digital forensics field).

3 PhD Forensic Pathology

This Doctoral Degree program deals with the domain of forensic pathology. The program is three years long. Candidates who have completed relevant Master’s Degree program are eligible to pursue this course.

4 PhD Forensic Chemistry

Have you completed Master’s Degree in Forensic Chemistry? Do you want to pursue an advanced program after Master’s Degree education? If yes, you may pursue PhD in Forensic Chemistry program. This program is three years long. It is a Doctoral Degree program. This program will open doors of new opportunities (lecturer and R&D careers) in front of you!

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate programs: 10+2 Science stream passed students are eligible to pursue undergraduate programs (B.Sc. and B.Tech.) mentioned above. Also check – best professional courses after 12th Science, list of courses after 12th Science Biology & Courses after 12th Science PCM group.   Postgraduate programs: Candidates must have completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree program in order to be considered eligible to pursue PG courses.   Doctoral Degree programs: Candidates must have completed relevant Master’s Degree program in order to be considered eligible to pursue Doctoral Degree courses.

Course duration

• B.Sc. program mentioned above is 3 years long.
• B.Tech. program mentioned above is 4 years long.
• M.Sc. programs mentioned above are 2 years long (each).
• M.Tech. programs mentioned above are 2 years long (each).
• PG Diploma programs are 1-2 years long.
• MBA program mentioned above is 2 years long.

Forensic Science Colleges

Science, Engineering and PG Diploma programs are offered by numerous Government as well as Self Financed Colleges across India. Such Colleges are present across all major districts in a state.   Government colleges are known to charge relatively lower fees than their Self Financed counterparts.   Gujarat Forensic Sciences University is a popular Institutes offering forensic science programs in India. This institute offers exclusive forensic science programs.   Here are some of the popular forensic science colleges in India –

• National Forensic Sciences University, Gujarat
• National Forensic Sciences University, Delhi
• National Forensic Sciences University, Goa
• National Forensic Sciences University, Tripura
• Government Institute of Forensic Science, Nagpur
• Banaras Hindu University
• Osmania University
• Karnatak University
• Gujarat University
• OMS Global University
• Parul University
• Centurion University
• CGC
• RIMT University
• Davangere University
• Singhania University
• Jain University
• JJT University

Admission Process

Reputed institutes rely on merit based admission process. Such institutes make use of relevant entrance test to select deserving candidates. Some institutes are also known to conduct their own qualifying test in order to select deserving candidates.   Some other institutes are also known to conduct direct as well as donation based admission process.

Fees

Fees charged for the academic program may vary from one institute to another. Course fees depends upon the following factors –

• Type of institute (Government, Private, Aided etc)
• Location of the college
• Status and rating of the college
• Scholarship status (of student, if applicable)

Government colleges are known to charge low fees. Average fees in private colleges could be anywhere between 60-100K INR per year.

Forensic science jobs & scope

Forensic science professionals have diverse job opportunities available in front of them. They have access to Government jobs, Private sector jobs and self-employment!   Let us talk about Government jobs first! Forensic science professionals are hired by law enforcement agencies, investigation agencies, tax authorities, forensic laboratories etc. Let us take a look at some of the main recruiters. Here they are –

• Police Department
• Government Forensic Laboratories
• Income Tax Department
• Commercial Tax Department
• Crime Branch
• Intelligence Bureau
• CBI
• Armed Forces
• Government Hospitals
• Government Banks and Finance Institutes

Let us talk about private sector jobs now. Forensic experts are hired by private investigation agencies, security agencies, consultancies, law firms and detective agencies. If you want to remain self-employed, you may start your own agency or consultancy service.

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  In the above mentioned firms, you may don roles such as –

• Forensic Expert
• Forensic Scientist
• Investigative Officer
• Forensic Accountant
• Laboratory In-Charge
• Laboratory Assistant
• Law Expert
• Cyber Forensic Expert
• Forensic drug analyst
• Forensic engineer
• Digital forensic engineer
• Forensic toxicologist
• Forensic consultant

If you are a Master’s Degree holder, you may don the role of a lecturer at relevant educational institutes. Apart from that, PhD program can help you become a professor or even build a career in the R&D sector. In other words, your job profile or post totally depends upon your academic qualification (level of education).

Salary

Starting salary of a Forensic Science professional depends upon a number of factors. Some of the prominent factors are –

• Institute from which the candidate completed the course
• His/her specialization
• The domain he/she has chosen
• Job location
• Status of the employer (Government/Private)

On an average, starting salary could be anywhere between 30-80K INR per month. In case of a Government job, the salary will be as per the pay scale and grade.