12 Best Forensic Science Courses In India Everyone Should Know

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Overview Of Forensic Science Courses In India

Forensic science courses in India have been attracting a lot of public interest in recent times. There are multiple reasons for this astonishing attention from people. let’s discuss these courses in full detail in this article. 

Who Should Do this Course?

If you are interested in the main ground of something mysterious. If and are relentless until you solve these mysterious puzzles through scientific means, then forensic science is a great career option for you.

Check out the “Fundamentals Of Forensic Science” book to gain a basic understanding on forensic science.

What is Forensic Science? 

By definition, forensic science is a concoction of Psychology, Biology, Mathematics, Medicine, and Chemistry. It’s a study that uses the knowledge of these fields to probe, uncover and present scientific evidence on legally execrated activities in the court of Law. The experts who do this are called forensic scientists.

Forensic scientists collect pieces of evidence from the scene of a crime and further examine them and present results in a court of law.

Lately, these scientists are extending their helping hands in detecting financial crimes as well. In this type of crime, forensic scientists examine humongous volumes of data and track illegitimate transactions that are alarming in the eyes of law.

Different Types of Forensic Science Courses In India

Now that you know what forensic science is and what forensic scientists do, let’s spend some time exploring the top 12 best forensic science courses in India.

1. B.Sc in Forensic Science

Eligibility Criteria – 

First, on the list of the top forensic science courses in India is B.Sc in Forensic science. This is the initial step you need to crack for a better career in forensic science. To be eligible for BSc forensic science you should complete 10+2 years of education with +2 in chemistry, physics, and biology.

• The primary criterion is to achieve a minimum aggregate of 60% marks in +2 subjects.
• Secondly, you need to clear JET and SUAT to get into some of the best universities in forensic science.

Course Fee – 

The fee for this course depends on the university you choose to apply to. The fee may range from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 per year.

Course Overview –

The duration of this course is 3 years. Let’s examine the next big question, “What do you get from this course?”. This course covers a range of concepts from behavioral science, and toxicology to criminology, etc. Students learn to analyze psychological and socio-economical facts that lead to criminal behaviors. They also learn scientific tests and techniques such as

• DNA Profiling 
• Fingerprint Analysis
• Bloodstain Analysis
• Saliva and Bone analysis, etc.

Other forensic science-related BSc specializations are:

• Criminal Justice
• Accident Forensics
• Criminology
• Forensic Investigation
• Applied Science In Forensic Studies 

Career Opportunities – 

After successful completion of this course, you can apply for jobs such as:

• In charge – Forensic Lab
• Forensic Expert
• Medical Officer
• Investigation Expert

If you are keen on getting a government job, then this course can help you land a job in

• Police Department
• Central Bureau of Investigation
• Forensic Laboratory
• Government Hospitals 
• Crime Branch

Salary – 

You may expect compensation of Rs. 40000 / month to begin with. It would go higher with experience and expertise.   

Institutes Offering This Course –

Let’s look at the list of some of the most famous universities/institutes that offer a B.Sc in forensic science in India. They are as follows:

• GalgotiasUniversity 
• Osmania University
• Dr. Hari Singh Gour University 
• Gujarat Forensic science university
• Institute of forensic science (Mumbai), etc.

2. M.Sc in Forensic Science 

Eligibility Criteria – 

Second, on the list of top forensic science courses in India is M.Sc in forensic science. Since it’s a master’s degree, you need a degree in science or a relevant field with an aggregate of a minimum of 60%marks to be eligible to perceive this course.

Course Fee – 

Generally, course fee varies from institute to institute or university to university. However, on average, the fee may range anywhere between Rs. 30000 – Rs3,00,000.

Course Overview – 

This is a two-year full-time course. Compared to B.Sc in forensic science, M.Sc in forensic science has a greater preference and value in the job market. In this master’s course you will learn:

• In-depth knowledge of forensic and criminal investigation techniques
• Advanced DNA Finger Printing techniques 
• Gain expert knowledge in forensic ballistics

Also, you would learn about firearms and the science behind the shooting. You will learn the science behind analyzing and detecting the use of prohibited drugs and poison used in crimes.

 Using this knowledge, detecting the effects of these harmful chemicals on human bodies would be the major subject of your course.

You can pursue specialized forensic courses such as

• Serology
• Chemistry
• Toxicology

Career Opportunities – 

With an M.Sc degree in forensic science, you can expect to get into forensic roles such as:

• Architect
• Toxicologist
• Scientist
• Serologist
• Crime Laboratory analyst, etc.

Salary – 

Again, salaries depend on the role you get into. For instance, salaries for forensic laboratory analysts and forensic scientists may range between 4 – 6 lakhs per annum. Likewise, salaries for forensic serologists, toxicologists, and architects may range between 3 – 5 lakhs. 

Institutes Offering The Course – 

Below is the list of top institutes/universities that offer an M.Sc in forensic science. Let’s have a look: 

• National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science 
• Parul University
• Amity University
• Bundelkhand University
• Dr.Bhim Rao Ambedkar University

3. M.Sc in Forensic Science and Criminology

Eligibility Criteria – 

Third on the list of top forensic science courses in India is M.Sc in forensic science and criminology. Students with a degree in any of the streams such as Biology, Physics, Botany, Chemistry, Pharma, and/or applied sciences are eligible to perceive this course.

If you are someone from any of these backgrounds and have an aggregate of a minimum of 50% marks or above then you are a good fit to apply for this course.

Course Fee – 

Usually, the course fee range from Rs. 20000 – Rs. 2,00,000 depending on the university you are applying to.

Course Overview – 

As the name of this course suggests, it covers in-depth concepts of criminology. This course is considered to be the only course in India that deals with concepts such as forensic team safety, criminal justice, and criminal Law.

You must be of utmost courage and should be a better risk taker to perceive this prestigious forensic science course in India. This is often considered a dangerous field as it involves investigating high-profile crimes where yellow color professionals are involved. 

Career Opportunities – 

With a master’s degree in forensic science and criminology, you can expect to get into the following roles:

• Crime laboratory analyst
• Drug Policy Advisor
• Criminologist
• Forensic Expert 
• Crime Scene Analyst, etc.

Salary – 

This course is a heartthrob for many forensic science aspirants. Likewise, the salaries offered do not disappoint the qualified ones. The initial compensation range between 6 to 8 Lakhs per annum

Institutes Offering The Course – 

The top institutes that offer this course are:

• Nimbus School of Technological Management
• National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science 
• Gujarat Forensic Science University

4. Masters in Forensic Psychology

Eligibility Criteria – 

Fourth on the list of top forensic science courses in India is a master’s in forensic psychology. This is a two-year full-time master’s program. 

If you are a graduate from any one of these backgrounds i.e, Botany, Chemistry, Psychology, Physics, or B. Pharma with a minimum aggregate of 60% marks, you are eligible to perceive this course.

Course Fee –

The fee for a master’s in forensic psychology may range anywhere from 1,35,000 – 2,00,000 based on the institute.

Course Overview – 

This course is focused on gaining expert knowledge about the psychology of criminals. It also deals with:

• Using psychology aspects to study the criminal justice system.
• Understand the fundamentals of key concepts such as forensic psychology and legal matters.
• Find and analyze pieces of evidence of criminals and present the finding in a court of law.
• Understand various aspects of suspects such as the mental mindset of the accused.
• Understand and apply new policies and laws in criminal investigations
• Learn, analyze, and interpret human psychology at its core.

Students study psychological disorders, and personality assessments by employing techniques such as

• Brain profiling
• Therapy involved behavior patterns
• Interview techniques, etc.

Career Opportunities – 

After the successful completion of this course, you can apply to roles such as

• Senior Investigation Expert
• Forensic Psychologist 

Salary – 

You can expect a minimum package of  3.5 – 4.5 lakhs per annum to begin with.

Institutes Offering The Course – 

Here are the institutes/universities that offer master‘s in forensic psychology

• Christ College
• Dr. Hari Singh Gour University 
• National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science 
• Gujarat Forensic Science University

5. M.Sc in Information Security and Cyber Forensic.

Eligibility Criteria – 

Fifth on the list of top forensic science courses in India is an M.Sc in information security and cyber forensics. This is a two-year master’s course. This course accepts applications from graduates with tech backgrounds and has a minimum aggregate of 50 – 60% marks. 

Apart from graduates, professionals from crime investigation/police department / Law and/or defense with a minimum of two years of work experience are eligible to perceive this course as well.

Course Fee – 

You have the flexibility to perceive this course either on a full-time or part-time basis. If you would like to perceive this course in distance mode then the fee you can expect would be around Rs. 23000.

Further, students who wish to study full-time can expect a fee of Rs. 2,00,000 approximately.

Course Overview – 

As the name suggests this course deals with technological aspects involved in investigations. In this course you would learn about:

• Understanding to defend against unauthorized access and use of the information such as tinkering with critical pieces of evidence. 
• Learn key concepts such as Cyber Security, Organizational Behavior, Technology, Cyber Law, etc.

Career Opportunities –

Here is the list of roles you can apply for once you complete your M.Sc in information security and cyber forensics.

• Information Security Analyst
• Information Security Specialist
• System Operation Specialist
• Quality Assurance and Information Security Manager

Salary – 

Annual compensation ranges from 4 to 11 lakhs. This is by far the only course that helps forensic aspirants get a higher package among the other forensic science courses. 

Institutes Offering the Course –

• Madras University
• Gujarat Forensic Science University 
• Centre of Excellence in Digital Forensic

These are the top three institutes that offer an M.Sc degree in information security and cyber forensic.

6. MD Forensic Science and Toxicology

Eligibility Criteria – 

Sixth on the list of top forensic science courses in India is MD in forensic science and toxicology. It is a two-year postgraduate program. This course is exclusive to MBBS students. They also need to have a year of rotating internship to be eligible for this course.

Aspirants aiming to pursue this course need to clear entrance exams such as AICET, AIIMS PG, JIPMER PG, and/ or NEET PG.

Course Fee – 

The course fee for MD forensic science and toxicology is around Rs. 3,55,000.

Course Overview – 

This course covers concepts that center around biological pieces of evidence. Because of this reason, a majority of coursework is practical. Students gain expert knowledge on a range of concepts such as

• Autopsy
• Recording observation
• Bloodstain and other stain analysis
• Detecting prohibited chemical usage
• Preparing and presenting legal-medical reports

Career Opportunities – 

This course offers lucrative career opportunities. With the compilation of this course, you can apply for the following jobs:

• Toxicologist
• Forensic Advisory
• Forensic Professor 

Salary – 

Students can easily land a job in the narcotics department, department of forensic medicine, armed forces, and/or research and analysis department with a package of 8 to 10 Lakhs per annum approximately.

Institutes Offering The Course –  

Here is the list of institutes that offer MD in forensic science and toxicology:

• Kings George Medical University 
• LTM Medical College
• All India Institute of Medical Science
• Madurai Medical College

7. Ph.D. in Forensic Science

Eligibility Criteria – 

Seventh on the list of top forensic science courses in India is Ph.D. in forensic science. Since it’s a doctoral degree and is based on research, its duration could range from 2 to 5 years. 

You need to be a postgraduate in forensic science with a minimum aggregate of 60% marks to pursue Ph.D. in forensic science. Additionally, you need to clear entrance exams like Gate, UGC-Net, etc.

Course Fee – 

Fees may range from Rs. 48000 – Rs.1,60,000 based on the university or college.

Course Overview – 

This is completely a research-based program. You will be introduced to a plethora of concepts such as

• DNA analysis and study of dear bodies
• Forensic Chemical Analysis
• Digital Imaging
• Basic to Advanced Anthropology
• Forensic Information and Technology
• Ethical practices and policies in the field of forensic science.

Career Opportunities – 

Roles you can apply after the successful compilation of a Ph.D. in forensic science are as follows:

• Professor
• Forensic Science Consultant
• Crime Scene Researcher
• Post-Mortem Expert
• Biomedical Researcher
• Forensic Pathologist.

Salary – 

With a doctorate in forensic science, you can expect compensation anywhere between 3 lakhs to 12 lakhs.

Institutes Offering The Course – 

The list of institutes that offer Ph.D. in forensic science are:

• Indra Gandhi Institute of Medical Science
• Gujarat Forensic Science University
• Chandigarh University
• Panjab University

The courses mentioned so far require proper planning right after your 10+2. Let’s say you are someone who does not have the financial support and time but still wants to perceive forensic science. 

Don’t worry, we got you covered. The next list of courses is for you. They are shorter in duration, lesser in fee, and can help you achieve your dream of pursuing a forensic science career.

8. Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Law

Eligibility Criteria – 

Eighth on the list of top forensic science courses in India is a diploma in forensic and criminal law. This is a 10-month undergraduate course. 

The minimum qualification to perceive this course is 10+2. Graduates in arts especially from psychology, law, or science with an aggregate of 60% can also apply for this course.

Course Fee – 

To perceive this course, institutes/colleges/universities may charge you close to RS. 28000 including GST.

Course Overview – 

This course is ideal for students and/or working professionals from the media and police departments. Students gain expertise by learning a range of crime-related case studies. This course covers:

• Criminal law
• Biological handling of pieces of evidence
• Fundamentals of crime scene
• Trends in forensic science 
• legal and medical investigation patterns, etc.

Career Opportunities – 

With the completion of this course, you can start your practice as a criminal law practitioner. Also, you can apply for forensic-related jobs in the police department. 

Salary – 

At an entry-level, you can expect compensation between Rs. 15000 – Rs.20000 per month.

Institutes Offering The Course – 

Xavier College, Mumbai is the college so far offering a diploma in forensic and criminal law

9. PG Diploma in Figure Print Expert

Eligibility Criteria – 

Ninth on the list of top forensic science courses in India is PG Diploma in fingerprint expert. This is a 1-year full-time course. 

Graduates from forensic science/ medicine/engineering/science/Pharma with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks are eligible to apply for this course.

Course Fee – 

Universities offering this course charge a fee of Rs. 60,000 approximately.

Course Overview – 

Students enrolled in this course would learn:

• Computer-based finger-printing techniques
• History of fingerprints
• Fingerprint analysis
• Classification of fingerprints
• Individual characteristic analysis using fingerprints. 
• Fingerprint patterns
• Recording fingerprints
• Verification and comparison of fingerprints
• Knowledge of Fingerprint expert opinion
• Fingerprints photography, etc.

Career Opportunities – 

This course helps students land a job in forensic science labs, detective agencies, and DNA test labs as fingerprint experts.

Salary – 

Typically, fingerprint experts at the entry-level, get a package of Rs. 5,00,000 per annum. 

Institutes Offering The Course – 

Gujarat Forensic science University, widely known as the hub of forensic science is currently offering this course.

10. PG Diploma in Humanitarian Forensic

Eligibility Criteria – 

The tenth on the list of top forensic science courses in India is the PG diploma in humanitarian forensics. This a 1-year full-time diploma course 

Graduates from science with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks are eligible to perceive this course.

Course Fee – 

You can expect a fee of Rs. 60000 approximately and it depends on the university/institute you are applying to.

Course Overview – 

This is the most respected course among all other forensic science courses in India. In this course, students learn

• Psycho-social levels of victims
• Apply scientific approaches to disaster management
• Techniques to handle pain, physical trauma, and grief of victim families
• Management of the dead

Career Opportunities – 

You need to be compassionate and empathetic enough to excel in a humanitarian forensics role. You can apply for a forensic advisor, humanitarian nurse, and other relevant roles after the compilation of this course.

Salary – 

You can expect a package of 3.6 lakhs per annum With this qualification, initially.

Institutes Offering The Course – 

• International Centre for Humanitarian Forensic
• National Forensic Sciences University

These are the institutes that offer PG diplomas in Humanitarian forensics.

There are two certificate courses in forensic science. They are with a duration of 3 to 12 months. 

11. Certificate in Forensic Science

Eligibility Criteria – 

Eleventh on the list of top forensic science courses in India is a certificate in forensic science. This is a basic-level certificate course in forensic science. The minimum criteria to pursue this course is 10+2. 

Course Fee – 

The course fee is Rs. 16000 approximately. It may vary from institute to institute.

Course Overview – 

This course is created for students who wish to gain a basic-level knowledge of forensic science. course curriculum covers:

• Basic knowledge of crime scenes
• Ethics in forensic science practices
• Understand the preparation and presentation of scientific pieces of evidence to arrest culprits of crimes such as rape, murder, terrorism, etc.
• Understanding the police-legal system 
• Understanding investigation processes in crime scenes

Career Opportunities – 

This certificate targets medical officer and/or entry-level roles.

Salary – 

Rs. 20,000 – Rs.25,000 per month is what you can expect with a basic-level certificate in forensic science.

Institutes Offering The Course – 

St. Xavier’s college is known for offering short-term forensic science courses in India. IFS Education Department, at Delhi university, also offers this course.

12. Certificate in Cyber forensic

Eligibility Criteria – 

Twelveth on the list of top forensic science courses in India is a certificate in cyber forensics. There are two certificates in cyber forensic one is a basic certificate and the other is a postgraduate certificate.

The minimum qualification for a basic certificate is 10+2. For a PG certificate in cyber forensics, the minimum qualification is graduation from an engineering or technology background.

Course Fee – 

Institutes offering this course charge anywhere between Rs. 5000 to Rs. 15000 based on the institute.

Course Overview – 

This course introduces students to

• Fundamentals of networking
• Legal procedures in cyber forensics
• Introduction to cybercrime and associated technological processes
• Reconstruction of damaged pieces of evidence 
• Network tracking, etc.

Career Opportunities – 

You can apply for roles such as :

• Forensic evidence examiner,
• Computer forensic trainee
• Other basic forensic science roles after the compilation of this course.

Salary – 

You can expect a minimum of Rs. 15000 to Rs. 20000 initially.

Institute Offering The Course – 

IFS Education Department and the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology are the two institutes currently offering basic and PG certificates in cyber forensics.

These are the top 12 best forensic science courses in India. You can go through these institutes/colleges/universities and embark on the journey of becoming a renowned forensic professional. All the very best for your future!

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