AIFSET 2026 Boosts Forensic Talent Pipeline

Centre Approves ₹244.89 Crore for Cyber Forensic Labs Expansion Under Nirbhaya. Though matters relating to policing and public order are still considered as State subjects under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, the Central government goes on to assist States and Union Territories (UTs) in developing their forensic capabilities, especially in cyber forensics, so that criminal investigation and prosecution can be facilitated.

Within the framework of the Nirbhaya Fund scheme for the enhancement of DNA analysis and cyber forensic capacities, projects totaling 244.89 crore have been sanctioned for 30 States and UTs for the upgradation of their respective State Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs). Several States and UTs have either established or are in the process of setting up dedicated cyber forensic divisions, according to official data.

In addition, the Government of India has set up a National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Evidentiary) at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Hyderabad, with a total financial outlay of ₹37.34 crore. To further augment national capacity, the Centre has approved ₹126.84 crore under the umbrella scheme ‘Safety of Women’ for the establishment of six additional NCFLs (Evidentiary) at CFSLs located in Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Kamrup (Assam), Bhopal, and Pune. Of the sanctioned amount, ₹22.51 crore has been utilized so far.

As of now, 181 cyber forensic cases are pending examination at the NCFL (E), Hyderabad. The laboratory is currently staffed by four in-house experts, supported by five contractual personnel. However, the Centre does not maintain consolidated data on the total number of pending cases, sanctioned posts, or vacancies across State and UT cyber forensic laboratories.

According to officials, reskilling and upskilling of cyber forensic professionals are a never ending process and mostly done through on the, job training. The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) being the foremost institute has conducted 66 training programmes during the last five years that have benefited 1, 852 officers from various government departments and law enforcement agencies, which reflects the significant role it has in capacity building.

Scaling up cyber forensic facilities is considered an imperative step while the number of cybercrimes is going up and there is a growing dependence on digital evidence in criminal investigations nationwide.