What Can You Do to Be the Best Criminologist? A Complete Guide for Indian Aspirants

Do you ever watch crime thrillers and ask yourself how investigators find the answers to the toughest crimes? What causes a person to commit a crime in the first place? If reading about these questions gets you excited, a career in criminology could be ideal for you. Criminology is more than solving criminal cases; it means learning about society, aiding people and making the nation a safer environment. That being said, what must you do to rise above all and be known as the top criminologist? Continue reading to find out.

Understanding the Role of a Criminologists

A criminologist is much like a doctor in his work on society’s issues. Much like how a doctor deals with diseases, a criminologist looks into the problem of crime by seeing what causes it, how it spreads, and possible ways to curb it. This means you will connect with police, courts, researchers and, at times, with those who have broken the law to understand the issue and look for solutions.

India needs criminologists in a variety of places, such as police departments, research labs, universities, NGOs and big companies. What you do might change laws, make police work better or assist people and communities affected by crime.

Steps To  Be a Criminologist in India

Step 1: Decide on what School Subjects are Best for You

For those who are still studying (in 10+2), Sociology, Psychology, Political Science and even fundamental Law will be valuable subjects. They allow you to find out about human thoughts and how society operates which forms the basis of criminology.

Step 2:Pick the best college course.

You will have to earn a bachelor’s degree after finishing high school. Criminology, Sociology, Psychology or Law are some of the courses available for B.A. or B.Sc. in India. 

Step 3: Take Forensic Science Entrance test

To get admission in a good college, you need to take their entrance test or a national-level entrance test. This can be a daunting process because finding and passing the appropriate exam for the college to which you want to apply is not easy. However, AIFSET (All India Forensic Science Entrance Test) has made it easier by allowing aspirants to take one exam and be eligible for admission at 170+ top private universities in India.   

Step 4: Gain Expertise by Focusing on a Specific Area

For a clear advantage, consider enrolling in a master’s degree program in Criminology or a similar area. Going for a Ph.D. might be a good choice if you enjoy researching or if you wish to be a teacher. You can also choose short-term courses on forensic science, cybercrime or digital forensics, those add something extra that can impress employers.

The skills you must have

Being skilled in criminology is just like being an experienced driver, you follow the rules and prepare for anything unexpected on the way. There are a few key skills that you should have if you aspire to be a criminologist in India:

1. Analytical Thinking: It is important to understand how everything comes together, how the dots are connecting, and why something was done in a certain way. 
2. Communication: Reports will be your main task, but you may also talk to people affected and give testimony in court. Being able to communicate well keeps you ahead.
3. Tech: Crime has moved into the digital world. It is just as important to know about cybercrime and digital investigation tools as to know how a smartphone works nowadays.
4. Ethics and Integrity: As an author of a cricket report, just like a referee at a game, you have to behave honestly and impartially.
5. Attention to Detail: A case can be solved by something as small as a fingerprint or a phone record.

The real experience of knowledge comes from working and not just by studying the books. They help you get ready for your professional life. You should try to complete an internship with a police force, a forensic lab, an NGO or legal aid groups. You may learn how academic theory applies to the work environment and experience what happens at the job.

Cybercrime and technology in India

As there are more cybercrimes in India, criminology is shifting and developing swiftly. Single-handedly in 2025, cybercriminals in India are anticipated to rob companies of ₹20,000 crore, where brand name scams are expected to reach ₹9,000 crore. The main impact is felt by banking and financial services which could experience losses of more than ₹8,000 crore, while both the retail and e-commerce sectors are projected to lose around ₹5,800 crore.

According to estimates, there will be more than 25 lakh cybercrime complaints by the end of the year, of which 5 lakh concern brand impersonation. There are many digital risks: India recorded over 369 million cases of malware and 702 new cyber threats per minute on their endpoints. Healthcare, hospitality and banking sectors are at the highest risk of cyberattacks.

What factors are responsible for its rapid rise? 

Malware, ransomware, and complex AI-powered scams are being used by attackers to target businesses and their users via cloud and social platforms. According to the survey, three-fourths (62%) of cyber incidents are found in the cloud, proving that digital progress is bringing new security issues. So, current criminologists have to be competent in investigative methods and technology, as well as understanding people’s behaviors and the field of cybersecurity.

Today’s aspiring criminologists should give as much importance to cyber risk as they do to criminal psychology. The success of crime-fighting in India will rest on experts who connect law, technology and society which makes this a rewarding area to enter. 

Being part of social organizations can show you how crime powerfully affects members of a community, their families and their youngsters. Try to be involved in research by joining projects or look for opportunities to publish in scientific journals. This step can strengthen your CV and let you meet people working in the field.

Career Options After B.sc/  M.sc in Criminology 

More criminologists are needed in India. You can explore the following options for your career:

• Criminologist: Examine patterns in crime, provide police and government with helpful advice.
• Forensic Science Technicians: Test and analyze different pieces of evidence in a laboratory setting.
• Detective/Investigator: Support the police or private companies in solving cases.
• Criminal Lawyer:Use your knowledge to fight cases and be a part of justice system.
• Lecturers and professors: Help the next generation learn.
• Social Worker: Offer aid to the victims and help offenders return to society.

The typical starting salary for first-time employees is between ₹3 and ₹5 lakh every year. After gaining experience and choosing a specialty, you may earn over ₹10 lakh each year. Specialists or consultants are sometimes paid much more, especially when they work with important international organizations or think tanks.

The Way to Outshine the Competition

1. Gaining experience outside the classroom matters a lot.
2. Go to seminars, join organisations in your field and get a mentor.
3. Because laws, crime trends and technology develop fast, you should continue to learn.
4. Post your work and share it during academic conferences.
5. Try to obtain a certificate in cybercrime, forensic psychology or data analysis for added benefits.

Frequently asked questions 

1. Is having a legal degree needed to pursue a career in criminology?

Still, understanding legal rules is useful. Criminology looks at crime from every viewpoint, including social, psychological and legal.

2. Is it possible for an Indian degree holder to work overseas?

Possibly, as in some countries, you’ll need extra certifications.

3. Is criminology a field with demand in India?

Absolutely! Due to an increase in cybercrime, financial crimes and social matters, the need is increasing in both government agencies and private industries.

4.What amount of income can I achieve?

Freshers make about 3–5 lakh rupees per year and with additional experience and skills, you may earn a lot more.

Tips and secrets from the top professionals in criminology

• Wonder About Things: Try to learn more by always experiencing the reason behind them.
• Remain Honest and Fair: Your choices can influence many people, so make good decisions.
• Use Technology: Take time to understand digital forensics and how to investigate cybercrimes.
• Be Clear: In presentations or courtroom discussions, your message needs to be easy to understand.
• Continue Learning: Being a criminologist means never stopping your education.

Now Is the Time to Get Started

Working towards being known as a top criminologist in India takes time and effort, like training for a marathon, not a race that lasts seconds. Being patient, willing to work hard and truly caring about society is needed. Additionally, if you work on the right areas, learn new things and don’t lose hope, you will achieve a lot. If you wish to investigate crimes, assist crime victims or create new policies, the field of criminology is accessible to you.

So, if you are passionate about being a criminologist or an expert in this field, you can start making a difference in crime and justice by jumping in as an active member, not as an observer. Start the process today, and you may be surprised by what you learn. You could end up being a star in the field of Indian criminology. Take AIFSET today to start your journey.