Forensic Science Education and Career Opportunities in India

Today, the profession in forensic science is coming up as one of the fastest-growing areas in India, since there is high demand for criminology and the government is keen on modernising law enforcement. With the establishment of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) combined with the introduction of AIFSET as a national-level entrance examination, students have been opened up with opportunities in good numbers to pursue a fine career in forensic science.

Growth of Forensic Science Education

The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), having its base in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is the first such university in the world that is devoted exclusively to forensic and allied sciences. NFSU has played a major role in bringing effective change in forensic education in the country by offering a whole range of courses that go beyond the theoretical approach and demand practical training in the field. The curricula are updated on a regular basis in consonance with current scientific advancements in domains such as digital forensics, forensic psychology, nanotechnology, DNA fingerprinting, toxicology, ballistics, etc. This makes the students fit for the challenges one would face in real life - that is, in crime investigations and court matters. 

The leadership of NFSU under the eminent forensic scientist, Dr. J.M. Vyas, made NFSU a forerunner in research and international collaborations. The university's efforts synergised with national law enforcement agencies, resulting in innovations such as fluorescence-based nanoparticles for better crime scene evidence collection.

Courses and Entrance Exams

Forensic science students are offered several undergraduate and postgraduate courses in different parts of India. 

Prominent undergraduate courses are listed below:

• B.Sc Forensic Science
• B.Sc Cyber Forensic
• B.Sc Forensic Science and Criminology
• B.Sc Cyber Security

The postgraduate level courses have the following options:

• M.Sc Forensic Science
• M.Sc Cyber Forensic
• M.Sc DNA Fingerprinting
• M.Sc Chemistry & Toxicology
• M.Sc Questioned Documents & Fingerprints
• M.Sc Criminology
• M.Sc Digital & Cyber Forensic Science

Sometimes entry to these courses is only accepted when the aspirant takes an entrance exam like the All India Forensic Science Entrance Test (AIFSET). The AIFSET or forensic science entrance exam assesses the student on subjects including general science, forensic principles, logical reasoning, and general knowledge. It is conducted in an online format and lasts for a duration of 60 minutes, consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions with no negative marking for wrong answers. The registration process is simple and hassle-free through an online platform, which is accessible for students in every nook and corner of India.

Government Initiatives and Career Prospects

In recognition of the need to train professional forensic personnel, an assortment of government initiatives have been developed in India to develop forensic infrastructure and training. The Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) operates 7 Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) in the country for 11 scientific disciplines. Meanwhile, state NFSU branches are being established; the government extended approval to the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme, which envisages the establishment of nine more NFSU campuses by 2029 with a budgetary provision exceeding Rs 1,300 crore.

Out of this intention, every year, at least 36,000 forensic professionals are expected to be trained to meet the foreseeable demand in law enforcement, legal, and private sectors. This growth is set to open many thousands of opportunities for forensic laboratory personnel, cyber-forensic personnel, and other allied professionals.