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Forensic laboratories worldwide are under mounting pressure to keep up with the growing volume of chemical analysis cases. Controlled substance analysis is among the most affected areas, with case volume often hampering justice and affecting the validity of results. A recent study by the Forensic Laboratory of the Federal District Civil Police in Brazil examined more than 11,000 marijuana samples and concluded that storage time and conditions played a significant factor in result consistency.

What generates the Backlog?

A "backlogged case" is one which is not reported beyond a lab's usual handling time. But what is a lab's usual handling time varies from lab to lab. Budget cuts, a flood of new psychoactive substances (NPS), and more casework have overwhelmed forensic chemists globally. Every new synthetic compound takes specialized apparatus, reference material, and experienced analysts — all of which contribute to test time. Budgetary constraints and a lack of staff in most countries mean that evidence sits untested for months or even years, at the expense of both quality and credibility.

THC Degradation and Its Impact

It was seen that poor storage conditions significantly reduce THC levels, with that of cannabinol (CBN) rising. Such conversion affects thin-layer chromatography (TLC) findings, a common test in forensic laboratories under limited resources.

This previous work confirms that THC breakdown is faster with light and higher temperatures but is retarded under lower and darker conditions. The longer that a case remains in backlog, the higher the likelihood of inconclusive or confusing results when analyzed.

Challenges in Analytical Methods

Even decades after research, there is no one common standard for marijuana identification. Laboratories utilize different methods like GC-MS, HPLC, and TLC, each having advantages of its own. TLC remains popular in low-resource settings because it is simple, cheap, and useful for screening multiple samples at the same time. The accuracy of TLC, however, depends largely on the chemical stability of stored samples, which backlog conditions can readily infringe.

The Way Forward

To lower forensic delays, professionals suggest enhancing evidence storage procedures, investing in new analytical equipment, and adding more trained analysts. The research points out that clearing backlog is not just about speed — it's also about maintaining evidence integrity. Timely testing and right handling are necessary, or forensic results can be scientifically inconclusive, compromising the quest for justice.

Backlogs in case-files were found to be one of the reason factors impacting the competitiveness of the forensic science laboratory (FSL). Backlogs are case-files that are unreported or unprocessed within a chosen time frame (year, week or month) which results in higher customer complaints, rework, analysis cost, deterioration of biological samples, etc. Backlogging of case-files was measured in three successive years (2014 to 2016), employing the following parameters: case-files processed and case-files received, subtraction of which results in case-files backlogged. 

There was a requirement to establish time period within which a case-file should be considered as backlogged (i.e., one week), findings of which can be interpreted as backlogged case-files per month or year. A data collection instrument was developed and applied to three workstations (forensic chemistry, biology/DNA and toxicology labs). The instrument has beginning and ending date for every time frame in which numbers of received and processed case-files were recorded and then calculated backlogs. It was noted that, case-files reported increased from 2014 to 2016 resulting in a reduction in backlogged case-files. 

The percentage backlogged annually for the case-files was highest in the case of forensic toxicology. Forensic chemistry had the maximum backlogged case-files, followed by forensic biology/DNA. The maximum number of backlogged case-files per analyst per annum was in 2014 and declined steadily up to 2016, being relatively higher in the case of forensic biology/DNA and chemistry. Probability density functions (PDFs) and cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) of backlogs data revealed that most of the backlogs formed in prior weeks were removed. It was deduced that the impact of case-file backlogging towards FSL competitiveness can be reduced by sustained management effort for backlog removal.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated a new Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Rajarhat, close to Kolkata, which he said heralds a new era in India's criminal justice system. The spanking new complex, constructed at a cost of approximately ₹90 crore, is designed to speed up investigations, make them more accurate, and evidence-based, instead of being dependent on courtroom proceedings.​

Shah asserted that the government will make a "holistic, evidence-based" shift towards justice from January 2026. In other words, from investigation to final judgment, cases will be dependent on data and forensic evidence. In essence, police will increasingly use science — from DNA matching and cyber forensics to analysis of call data and psychological profiling — to crack crimes and prosecute them more effectively.

Spread over an area of six acres, Rajarhat CFSL will serve not just West Bengal but Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, and Sikkim as well. It has state-of-the-art labs for DNA analysis, narcotics examination, computer forensics, serology, etc. Shah stated that in the very near future, every district will be equipped with a forensic mobile van and that each police station will be able to make use of the facilities provided by CFSL, leading to faster and more reliable investigations.​

The seven additional CFSLs in India and new campuses for the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) have also been announced by the minister, where thousands of students will be trained to specialize in forensic studies. Another national forensic data center worth ₹200 crore will utilize artificial intelligence to examine digital and bio-evidence.

This is the start of an evidence-based justice system wherein the guilty will not be able to escape and victims won't be kept waiting for eternities for justice," Shah stated. He added that the coming reforms under the new criminal laws such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita will ensure forensic science becomes the focal point in all criminal investigations.".

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday dedicated the new complex of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Rajarhat on the outskirts of Kolkata, claiming that it will assist in adopting a holistic approach to investigation of complicated cases in eastern and northeast states.

Shah expressed that the inauguration is a historic milestone in the Centre's enduring drive to construct a safe, transparent and evidence-based criminal justice system.

"It is a moment of tremendous fulfillment as we go on consolidating every link in the chain of contemporary forensic and investigative infrastructure," he added.

"This will go a long way in fortifying the criminal justice system in West Bengal and the Northeast," Shah added.

The home minister also mentioned the effect of recent criminal law amendments and said that since the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was introduced, "in 60 per cent cases, we have seen chargesheets filed within 60 days".

He said the centre is going to establish seven additional CFSL labs in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Kerala and Bihar.

Shah, who is on a two-day West Bengal visit, will also meet with BJP leaders and functionaries at a party convention at the Netaji Indoor Stadium here later today.

Facial recognition enabled by AI can recognize a person with distorted or obscured CCTV images and handwriting and voice through machine learning. International Conference on Forensic Science 2025 (ICFS 2025) is multidisciplinary Forensic Science research and development. It invites students, researchers, scholars, and experts to gather and present and share knowledge and advances in the field.

Forensic science in 2025 is transformed by cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS), and digital forensic technology. AI technology may be able to enable the investigator to rapidly scan massive data sets for discrepancies and patterns that it could take a human investigator months to identify. 

The conference aims to achieve the latest advances in forensic technology and determine future trends, challenges, and technological advances which are revolutionizing forensic investigation. Crime investigation and prevention will be addressed by forensic science professionals, digital forensics professionals, forensic medicine professionals, criminology professionals, cybersecurity professionals, law enforcement professionals, and psychologists. public security and support seeking justice, ICFS 2025 involves lawyers, legislators, data analysts, sociologists, legislators, and forensic experts. Information exchange and forensic practice support will be provided through keynote lectures, research papers, and panel sessions.

Sharing of knowledge and innovation in forensic practice would be facilitated by keynote addresses, panel discussions, and research papers. The conference would also address hot topics of the day on Forensic Science, where latest technologies like artificial intelligence, DNA Forensics, and Data Science application for crime investigation would come into focus. The conference will receive top-class-trained lecturing in forensic use of the justice system, crime scene analysis, and manipulation of digital evidence. ICFS 2025 will facilitate the implementation of new forensic science investigation and real implementation in practice through inter-disciplinary intervention by the police force. Finally, the conference will unite research and practice to fill the gap, delivering quality and technology-based forensic solution.

In response to a spate of drug and child abuse cases, Kerala stands at the verge of a major upscaling of its forensic science labs (FSLs). State Director General of Police (DGP) formally requested the government to introduce 31 new scientific officer posts to address growing delays in forensic analysis for NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act cases. This was suggested in an integrated meeting held between the state government and the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC), following a high court directive for accelerating forensic reporting.

The government has approved 28 more posts in different divisions last year—12 in biology, six in chemistry, and ten in documentation. However, the volume of cases being processed by forensic labs has almost doubled over the past year, exerting enormous pressure on the existing workforce. The backlog of NDPS and POCSO cases has attained a critical phase, jeopardizing swift delivery of justice to survivors and accused both despite tireless efforts by scientific officers.

In order to counter this burden, the DGP has now recommended the appointment of eight biology officers, seven chemistry officers, and sixteen documentation officers, underlining that the increase should be carried out as quickly as possible in order to meet legal and social demands.

The Kerala High Court, understanding the seriousness of the situation, instructed that the DGP submit a fresh proposal to the state government within 15 days. The official process of creating such posts is multi-phased: post-filing, the state government scrutinizes and forwards the proposal to the finance department to sanction, after which Kerala PSC will go ahead with the recruitment.

The latest appeal for increased forensic staff came on the heels of a petition laid before the government by the Kerala Legal Services Authority, which highlighted how excessive delays in forensic reports stall trials and impede the administration of justice under NDPS and POCSO Acts. With Kerala also fighting the growing pattern of crimes committed as a result of drug abuse and child welfare, the government action to strengthen forensic laboratories aims at reducing this critical arrear and providing justice on time to all.

Forensic science is an expanding and dynamic discipline that applies scientific knowledge to help in solving crimes. If you enjoy investigating crimes and wish to work in a forensic laboratory, police department or a legal agency, pursuing forensic science is the best choice. By taking the AIFSET exam you can gain admission into top universities offering forensic science courses. 

Vivekananda Global University (VGU), Jaipur, is one of the top Universities in India to study forensic sciences. VGU also has well-organised forensic science coursework, providing hands-on experience and theory. Their programs include such significant areas as DNA profiling, forensic toxicology, cyber forensics, ballistics, and the analysis of fingerprints.

Forensic Science courses at VGU.

UNDERGRADUATE

B.Sc. (H) Forensic Science (As per NEP)

POSTGRADUATE

M.Sc. Forensic Science

M.Sc. Digital and Cyber Forensics

DOCTORAL PROGRAM

Ph.D. Forensic Science

The courses emphasise practical training, research, and exposure to real-life case studies,  ensuring students have the skills and knowledge to work in the professional roles.

Views of HOD

Dr. Umema Ahmed, Head of the Department of Forensic Science at Vivekananda Global University, states, “Our department is committed to promoting quality education and enhancing employability by equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary in the evolving field of forensic science. Our curriculum integrates experiential learning to prepare students to effectively support law enforcement and deliver justice. Alongside academic training, we nurture students’ physical, mental, and emotional development so they become responsible citizens contributing meaningfully to society and the nation’s progress.”

The Role of the AIFSET Exam

The national-level entrance examination to select top forensic science courses, including VGU, is the All India Forensic Science Entrance Test (AIFSET). AIFSET is a test of forensic basics, crime scene, forensic biology, toxicology and legal procedures.

A forensic career and quality courses can be available to a person willing to prepare for AIFSET with knowledge of its syllabus and pattern.

Why Choose Forensic Science?

Forensic science is essential in criminal justice with the advancement of technology. The fields include forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic toxicologist, and cyber forensic analyst. In India, the demand in this area is increasing in government laboratories, in private investigation agencies, and research companies.

If you are passionate about forensic science, a good score in AIFSET for  VGU admission can help you create a rewarding career in the field of forensics with practical knowledge, research skills, and right mindset.