If you are a fan of crime shows or detective series, you must have observed a character who collects evidence and probes. They are Forensic Scientists. They play a prominent role in investigative authorities like State Police, CBI, NIA, CID, etc. They play a major role in finding culprits and also removing suspects. If you are too much into crime series, you must have thought “How to become a Forensic Scientist in India?”.
This article provides you with all the details about forensic scientist qualifications, eligibility, salary, forensic science career scope, top forensic science colleges in India, and pros and cons.
Who is a Forensic Scientist?
Forensic Scientists are professionals who gather, preserve and analyze evidence scientifically during the course of an investigation. They work across different specialities like biological evidence, autopsies, digital footprint, ballistics, chemical analysis, etc. They should have great attention to detail which can prove to be crucial in investigation. They must conduct scientific tasks on the evidence collected from the crime scene to corroborate or eliminate a working theory, thereby, potential suspects. Sometimes, they must work in a disturbing environment. They have great power to convict or acquit a suspect.
Types of Forensic Scientists
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Evidence Technicians
They work at crime scenes to collect potential evidence. They are responsible for logging and handling every piece of evidence.
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Crime Scene Technician
They mainly collect photographic evidence and assist in finding crucial pieces of evidence at a crime scene.
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Computational Forensics
These forensic experts employ technology and digital tools to analyse the evidence such as audio-visual reconstruction.
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Financial Forensics
They specialize in finding financial frauds and irregularities in accounts and filings.
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Biological Forensics
They investigate biological evidence such as blood, fingerprint, saliva, semen, etc found at crime scenes.
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Digital Forensics
These forensic experts specialize in finding evidence in digital devices.
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Forensic Art
Forensic Artists specialize in finding incriminating evidence in artworks, archaeological preservations, etc.
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Forensic Entomology
They specialize in analyzing biological and chemical agents found in the corpse or crime scenes.
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Forensic Chemistry
They analyze non-biological evidence found at crime scenes. They determine the makeup of unknown objects or substances found during the investigation.
Skills Required to be a Forensic Scientist
- Great attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- Exceptional oratory skills
- Ability to handle work pressure
- Confidence and trust in investigative conclusions
- Patience and Consistency in work
- Must cope with psychological stress
- Be discreet and unbiased while dealing with confidential and sensitive content and evidence.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Forensic Scientist
- Gather evidence from the crime scene and probe them.
- Test the collected objects for incriminating evidence.
- Test Biological samples like saliva, blood, semen, etc, and for chemical substances.
- Analyse biological evidence against digital records and databases.
- Investigate financial records for fraud and irregularities.
- Employ and use legal and efficient means to conduct analysis of evidence.
- Establish digital footprint and records of potential suspects to corroborate with other evidence.
How to Become a Forensic Scientist in India? A Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a Forensic Scientist in India:
- After completing the 10th standard, students should take Science for +2 or 12th in the science stream.
- Upon successful completion of the 12th, aspiring forensic science candidates must enrol in Bachelor’s program in science specialization as mentioned below.
- After completing the bachelor’s program, they should enrol for a Master’s in Forensic Science.
- Upon completion of the master’s program, they can find employment opportunities in different government departments and private companies.
- The popular Bachelor’s and Master’s courses for becoming a Forensic Scientist are:
- Bachelor of Science (Microbiology)
- Bachelor of Science (Genetics and Biochemistry)
- Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)
- Bachelor of Science (Anatomy and Human Biology)
- Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry)
- B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce)
- BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
- Master of Science (Forensic Science)
Career Scope for Forensic Science
If you wish to pursue a career in forensic science in India, here are the most popular career options in Forensic Science:
- Forensic Pathologist
- Crime Scene Examiner
- Forensic Serology Experts
- Crime Laboratory Analyst
- Forensic Psychologist
- Forensic Chemists
- Forensic Linguists
- Toxicologists
- Forensic Pathologists
- Forensic Anthropologists
- Clinical Forensic Medicine Experts
- Forensic Experts/Scientists
- Forensic IT Specialist
Salary of a Forensic Scientist in India
The average Forensic Scientist salary in India is INR 4.2 LPA. Depending upon the experience and employer, the salary can range upto INR 9 LPA with 8-10 years of experience. Most Forensic scientists are employed by government departments and authorities. There are very less opportunities in the private sector for forensics.
Top Forensic Science Colleges in India
The top colleges in India to study Forensic Science is
- National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhi Nagar
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
- Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi
- Institute of Forensic Sciences, Mumbai
- IFS Indian Education Department, Pune
- Lok Nayak Jayaprakash National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Sciences (LNJN), New Delhi
- Jain university, Bengaluru
- Galgotias University, Noida
Pros and Cons
Pros of Becoming a Forensic Scientist:
- Exciting career opportunity
- Positively impact society
- Highly paying job profile
- A new learning experience every day
Cons of Becoming a Forensic Scientist:
- Highly stressful job
- Less private employment opportunities
- Irregular work hours
- Potential hazards at work
Summary
- Forensic Scientists work with enforcement and investigative departments. They collect, preserve, and analyse evidence to support the investigation.
- They play a vital role in the investigation. Their work proves to be the primary factor that drives the path of investigation. They employ legal, appropriate, and scientific means to analyze collected evidence.
FAQs
Is it Hard to Become a Forensic Scientist?
Forensic science is a multi-disciplinary subject bringing together different scientific specialties. It is neither easy nor hard but is exciting for sure.
How to Join the Police Forensic Department?
B.Sc or M.Sc in Forensic Science is mandatory to join the Police Forensic department. From time to time, state police conduct recruitment in colleges or give open calls to hire.
What are the Educational Requirements for a Forensic Scientist?
B.Sc or M.Sc in Forensic Science is the basic education requirement for aspiring Forensic Scientists. Depending upon specialization, the UG program can vary. BE (Information Science), MBBS, B.Sc (Biochemistry), etc are also considered for forensics departments.
What is the Average Salary of a Forensic Scientist in India?
The average salary of a Forensic Scientist is INR 4.2 LPA.
How Many Years does it Take to Become a Forensic Scientist?
Depending upon specialization, it takes 5 – 10 years to become a forensic scientist.
Is Forensic Science a Good Career?
Forensic Science is a great career choice. However, there is a lot of competition in the field.
Is B.Sc Forensics Easy to Study?
Subjects in B.Sc Forensics may seem unique and new when starting. It will be hard and exciting as well.
Can I Become a Forensic Scientist Without MBBS?
Yes, MBBS is not necessary to become a Forensic Scientist.
Do I Need Math for Forensics?
Not every specialization in forensics needs Mathematics. However, it will help in specialities like financial and accounting forensics.
Which Stream Is Best to Become a Forensic Scientist?
Financial Forensics is gaining momentum in the private sector. It can be considered the best option to specialize in.
Is Forensic Science an In-demand Career?
Since there are very less institutions in India offering Forensic Science courses, it is an in-demand career option.
What Does a Forensic Scientist do at a Crime Scene?
A Forensic Scientist collects different biological evidence like blood, semen, saliva, fingerprint, etc along with some physical evidence like photographs, bullet casings, weapons, etc. Read our article above to understand more about how to become a forensic scientist in India.
About the Author: Sanjay Hota
