Forensic Science courses are a multidisciplinary field that involves the application of scientific principles and techniques to solve crimes and legal issues. Forensic Science courses encompass a wide range of scientific disciplines and methodologies to collect, preserve, analyze, and interpret evidence related to criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
To enrol in Forensic Science courses, candidates must have passed Class 12 with the Science stream. However, most colleges offer Forensic Science admission on the basis of merit, but there are also some popular entrance exams whose scores are accepted by many universities. Some of the popular entrance exams for Forensic Science courses are CUET, CUET PG, GATE, JEE Main, GPAT, etc.
The average Forensic Science courses fee is up to INR 2 Lakh. The popular colleges that offer Forensic Science courses are Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Aligarh Muslim University, Bharathiar University, etc. On graduating, Forensic Science graduates earn up to INR 14.8 LPA. Candidates can continue reading further to know more about the details about Forensic Science courses.
Forensic Science Highlights
Forensic Science courses are an interdisciplinary field of study that encompasses the essence of all science courses, including Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics. Forensic Science courses are mostly used to recognise, identify, analyse, and testify to any type of physical evidence uncovered at crime scenes.
Candidates can check key points related to Forensic Science courses in the table below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Undergraduate & Postgraduate |
| Duration | 3-4 years |
| Course fee | Up to INR 2 lakh |
| Entrance Exams | CUET, CUET PG, GATE, JEE Main, GPAT, etc. |
| Popular Colleges | Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Aligarh Muslim University, Bharathiar University, etc. |
| Average Salary | Up to INR 14.8 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Hospitals, Police Departments, Law firms, Defence/Army, Central govt., Forensic Science Labs, Private Detective Agencies |
| Job Positions | Forensic Expert, Investigative officers, Crime scene Investigators, Forensic Scientists, Crime Reporters, Handwriting Experts, Fingerprint Experts |
Also Read:
Top 7 Forensic Science Universities in India
All About Forensic Science
Forensic Science courses are a field of Science that studies the examination and gathering of information or evidence for the investigation of crime using scientific methods. Forensic Science courses are based on scientific disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Forensic Science courses are a two-to-three-year curriculum that focuses on the investigation of simulated crime scenes as well as the collecting, handling, and analysis of evidence for the purposes of criminal investigations.
Why Study Forensic Science?
- Contribute to Justice: Forensic Science courses play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by helping to identify, apprehend, and convict criminals while also exonerating the innocent. By studying Forensic Science courses, candidates can directly contribute to ensuring a fair and just legal process.
- Varied Career Opportunities: Graduates of Forensic Science courses can work in a variety of settings, including crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, medical examiner’s offices, research institutions, and private consulting firms. This diversity of Forensic Science career options allows candidates to choose a path that aligns with their interests and strengths.
- High Demand: There is a consistent demand for skilled forensic scientists to assist in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. This demand can lead to stable and fulfilling career opportunities.
- Exposure to Diverse Fields: Forensic Science courses cover a wide range of specialities, from DNA analysis and toxicology to digital forensics and forensic anthropology. This exposure can help candidates discover areas of interest you might not have considered before.
Forensic Science Entrance Exams 2024
To pursue a course in Forensic Science, candidates must take relevant entrance examinations that are conducted by several universities offering Forensic Science courses. With the general eligibility criteria of passing the Class 12 board examination, candidates are advised to pass such exams which are conducted at the university, state, and national levels for the Forensic Science courses.
A list of entrance examinations whose scores are accepted for Forensic Science courses admission is given in the table below.
| Entrance Exams | Exam Dates | Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| CUET | 15 May ’24 – 31 May ’24 | CUET Schedule |
| CUET PG | 11 Mar ’24 – 28 Mar ’24 | CUET PG Schedule |
| GATE | 3 Feb ’24 – 11 Feb ’24 | GATE Schedule |
| JEE Main | 24 Jan ’24 – 1 Feb ’24 | JEE Main Schedule |
| GPAT | May ’24 | GPAT Schedule |
Forensic Science Eligibility Criteria
It is critical to thoroughly review the qualifying criteria for Forensic Science beyond the Class 12 grade that you intend to apply for. To assist you in understanding what is required before applying for Forensic Science courses, the list of courses in Forensic Science along with their eligibility criteria is listed below:
| Course Levels | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| UG | Class 12 in the Science streamA minimum of 50 per cent in Class 10 and 12 |
| PG | Completed Class 12 in the Science stream with a minimum of 50%.A minimum of 55% at the undergraduate level is expected. |
Top Government Colleges for Forensic Science Courses
There are 57 government colleges for Forensic Science courses in India.
Banaras Hindu University, Panjab University, University of Madras, and Cochin University of Science and Technology are some of the popular government colleges offering Forensic Science in India. Candidates can check other popular government colleges that offer Forensic Science courses in the table below.
| College Name | Tuition Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Banaras Hindu University | 11,000 |
| Panjab University | 12,000 – 28,000 |
| University of Madras | 1 Lakh |
| Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi | 8,000 |
| Jamia Hamdard | 2 Lakh |
| Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow | 1 Lakh |
| Gujarat University | 15,000 – 27,000 |
| Bangalore University | 50,600 |
| Pondicherry University | 6,000 |
Top Private Colleges for Forensic Science Courses
There are 132 private colleges for Forensic Science courses in India.
Amity University, Chandigarh University, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, and Lovely Professional University are some of the popular private colleges offering Forensic Science courses in India. Candidates can check other popular private colleges that offer Forensic Science courses in the table below.
| College Name | Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Amity University, Noida | 3 Lakh – 6 Lakh |
| Chandigarh University | 50,000 – 13 Lakh |
| Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education | 4 Lakh |
| LPU – Lovely Professional University | 3 Lakh – 5 Lakh |
| UPES | 3 Lakh – 7 Lakh |
| Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana | 2 Lakh |
| Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences | 2 Lakh – 4 Lakh |
| Amity University, Gurugram | 2 Lakh – 4 Lakh |
| Galgotias University | 1 Lakh – 2 Lakh |