The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is set to establish an advanced forensic auditing laboratory in Hyderabad to support small and medium chartered accountant firms in building forensic audit capabilities, IChttps://edinbox.com/index.php/news/sustainability/7556-government-moves-to-make-sustainable-education-central-to-employment-strategyAI President Prasanna Kumar D has said.

According to Kumar, the proposed facility will operate on a “pay and use” model and provide assignment-specific forensic auditing tools to practitioners who may not have access to expensive technologies independently.

Speaking in a recent interview to PTI, Kumar said many small and medium CA firms are currently unable to participate in large forensic audit assignments due to the lack of specialised infrastructure and technical expertise.

To address this gap, ICAI plans to launch the advanced forensic auditing lab at its Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Hyderabad within the next two to three months.

“Forensic audit is an emerging area, and many smaller firms do not have the necessary capabilities to undertake large assignments. The new lab will help bridge that gap,” Kumar said.

The initiative comes at a time when the accounting profession is undergoing rapid transformation with growing emphasis on forensic auditing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, ESG disclosures, and non-financial reporting.

ICAI, which has more than five lakh members across India, is also working to modernise its education and training framework in response to evolving industry requirements.

The institute recently constituted the Committee for Review of Education and Training (CRET), which is expected to recommend major curriculum updates in the coming months. The revised curriculum is likely to integrate emerging subjects such as AI, data analytics, and forensic auditing into chartered accountancy education.

Meanwhile, the institute has also introduced global networking guidelines aimed at enabling the creation of large home-grown accounting firms capable of competing with international players and collaborating with global networks.

Officials believe the new forensic auditing lab will not only strengthen the professional capabilities of smaller CA firms but also create better opportunities in India’s expanding financial and compliance ecosystem.

The University Grants Commission has asked universities and colleges offering law programmes to strengthen forensic-focused legal education in line with India’s new criminal law reforms under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The move is aimed at promoting a more scientific, evidence-based justice system and improving the quality of criminal investigations across the country.

In a letter dated May 12, the UGC directed law institutions to study the transformative impact of the new criminal justice framework and integrate forensic investigation components into teaching, research, and academic programmes. Institutions have also been asked to submit compliance reports detailing the steps taken for implementation.

The directive follows recommendations made during the 2025 Director Generals of Police and Inspector Generals of Police Conference, where senior officials called for greater reliance on forensic evidence, scientific investigation, and structured criminal case documentation for academic and training purposes.

India’s new criminal law framework — comprising the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) — seeks to modernise criminal justice by embedding forensic science more deeply into investigation and evidence collection processes.

Among the major reforms introduced under the BNSS is Section 176(3), which makes crime scene investigation by forensic experts mandatory in serious offences punishable with more than seven years of imprisonment. The BSA also strengthens the legal framework governing digital and electronic evidence, aligning India’s cybercrime investigation standards more closely with international practices.

Additionally, Section 349 of the BNSS allows investigating authorities to collect voice samples, fingerprints, and handwriting samples even before arrest in specific cases, expanding the scope of scientific evidence gathering.

Experts say the reforms could significantly increase demand for trained forensic professionals in India. According to P Madhava Soma Sundaram, India currently has only around 3,000 to 4,000 active forensic scientists against an estimated requirement of nearly 90,000 professionals.

“This gap can only be addressed if universities adopt structured, internship-oriented forensic education backed by qualified faculty and well-equipped laboratories,” Sundaram said. He also warned against poorly designed forensic programmes that could create “pseudo-experts” and weaken the justice system.

Amol Deshmukh described the reforms as a positive shift toward evidence-based justice, emphasising that forensic science and forensic medicine must work together in criminal investigations.

Meanwhile, Aditi Suresh Mane said law schools must now prepare students in areas such as cyber forensics, DNA jurisprudence, chain-of-custody protocols, and medico-legal documentation to improve investigative accuracy and conviction rates.

However, experts also cautioned that implementation challenges remain significant. Sonali Kusum noted that India continues to face shortages of forensic laboratories, trained personnel, and infrastructure, even as demand for forensic examinations rises in cases involving cybercrime, organised crime, and laws such as the POCSO Act.

Educationists believe the UGC’s push reflects a broader transformation in India’s legal education system, where future lawyers, investigators, and judicial professionals may increasingly require interdisciplinary training combining law, science, technology, and digital investigation skills.

APG Shimla University, in collaboration with All India Forensic Science Entrance Test (AIFSET), organised a Forensic Science Immersive Experience Program aimed at providing students with practical exposure to forensic science and modern crime investigation systems. The initiative sought to help students make informed career decisions in the rapidly growing field of forensic science.

During the program, students were introduced to real-world forensic investigation procedures through live crime scene investigation simulations, evidence collection techniques, scientific documentation processes, forensic testing methods, and laboratory-based demonstrations. Participants also attended specialised academic sessions on cyber forensics, digital evidence analysis, toxicology, and modern investigative techniques.

The chief guest at the event, Mahesh Pathania, highlighted the growing importance of forensic science in ensuring impartial and accurate criminal investigations in the modern era.

He stated that advanced technologies such as DNA profiling, cyber forensics, fingerprint analysis, and digital evidence examination have significantly strengthened crime investigation systems, making them more effective and reliable.

Pathania further noted that scientific investigation methods have reinforced the justice system and that forensic experts now play a crucial role in law enforcement and judicial processes.

The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, forensic experts, faculty members, and media representatives. Journalist Parveen Mangta and Dainik Bhaskar representative Deepika were also present at the event.

Among the dignitaries attending the program were APG Shimla University Pro-Chancellor Ramesh Chauhan, Registrar R. L. Sharma, Dean Academics Anand Mohan, Dean Faculty Ashwini Sharma, and EdInbox AVP Vikas Dhaka.

The program concluded with practical demonstrations, academic discussions, and deliberations on emerging opportunities in the field of forensic science.

A Spain-based institution specialising in forensic science and criminology education has expanded its online training programmes to meet the growing demand for professionals skilled in cybercrime investigation, digital forensics, and criminal profiling.

Academia Internacional de Ciencias Criminalísticas, which has been offering online forensic education since 2012, announced an expansion of its curriculum as criminal investigations increasingly intersect with digital technologies and cyber-enabled offences.

The move reflects a broader shift within global forensic education, where institutions are adapting programmes to prepare professionals for modern investigative challenges involving digital evidence, online fraud, cyber harassment, and data-related crimes.

Online forensic education expands beyond traditional classrooms

Founded in 2012, the academy was created to provide accessible forensic science education to students and professionals unable to attend full-time, in-person programmes.

Operating entirely online from Spain, the institution offers courses in criminal investigation, victimology, criminal profiling, forensic psychology, toxicology, and judicial expertise.

Its latest curriculum expansion introduces a stronger focus on cybercriminology and digital forensic practices, areas that have become increasingly important for law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, and investigative experts worldwide.

According to the institution, the courses are designed around applied learning and case-based training rather than purely theoretical instruction.

Rising demand for cybercrime and digital forensic skills

The expansion comes at a time when cybercrime investigations are becoming central to modern policing and judicial systems.

From digital fraud and financial scams to online abuse and data breaches, investigators are increasingly required to handle electronic evidence alongside conventional forensic methods.

The academy said its cybercriminology modules were introduced in response to changing professional requirements across investigative and legal sectors.

“Since we launched in 2012, we have trained professionals across more than 15 forensic and criminological disciplines, and the addition of cybercriminology content reflects what our enrolled professionals are encountering in active cases,” said Rafael Barba Montijano.

Flexible model targets working professionals

One of the defining features of the institution’s model is its asynchronous online learning structure, which allows students to complete coursework alongside professional responsibilities.

The programmes are aimed at a wide range of learners, including law enforcement personnel, lawyers, social workers, forensic analysts, security professionals, and students seeking specialised criminology training.

The academy stated that its online format has enabled enrolment from Spanish-speaking regions across Latin America and Europe, extending access to forensic education beyond traditional university settings.

Judicial expertise training gains relevance

A major focus area within the academy’s offerings is judicial expertise training, which prepares professionals to function as expert witnesses and technical consultants during court proceedings.

The training includes report writing, evidentiary standards, courtroom procedures, and technical testimony requirements applicable across Spanish and Latin American legal systems.

As criminal investigations become increasingly dependent on specialised evidence analysis, institutions offering forensic and judicial training are seeing growing interest from professionals seeking interdisciplinary legal and investigative expertise.

Broader trend in global forensic education

The expansion by Academia Internacional de Ciencias Criminalísticas reflects a wider international trend in forensic and criminology education.

With cybercrime evolving rapidly and digital evidence becoming central to criminal investigations, educational institutions are increasingly moving toward flexible, specialised, and technology-focused training models.

The growing popularity of online forensic programmes also highlights how professional education in criminal justice and investigative sciences is becoming more accessible to working professionals seeking career advancement without leaving their existing roles.

University of Gloucestershire has received national recognition for its contribution to forensic psychology education after winning the Academic Excellence Award 2026: Forensic Psychology Education and Research at the UK Legal Awards.

The award was presented to the team behind the university’s MSc Forensic Psychology programme, recognising excellence in teaching, research and professional training within the field of forensic psychology. The achievement marks the second time in three years that the programme has received the honour, underlining its growing reputation within the criminal justice and psychology education sectors.

Dr Amy Grubb, associate professor of forensic psychology and academic course lead for the MSc programme at University of Gloucestershire, said the recognition reflected the dedication of the faculty in delivering a consistently high-quality learning experience. She noted that the programme focuses on equipping students with specialised skills and knowledge through both research and teaching, helping prepare them for careers in forensic psychology and the wider criminal justice system.

The MSc Forensic Psychology programme at University of Gloucestershire is accredited by the British Psychological Society and is designed to help students understand offender assessment, behavioural treatment approaches and the broader role forensic psychologists play within legal and correctional systems.

The recognition comes at a time when interest in forensic psychology education is rising globally, driven by increasing awareness around mental health, criminal behaviour analysis, rehabilitation and evidence-based approaches within justice systems. Universities offering specialised programmes in forensic psychology are increasingly integrating practical training, research exposure and interdisciplinary learning to prepare graduates for careers in prisons, law enforcement agencies, rehabilitation services and criminal investigation units.

From decoding DNA samples to reconstructing crime scenes, forensic scientists play a crucial role in modern criminal investigations. They help law enforcement agencies solve crimes, identify suspects and, in many cases, even prove the innocence of wrongly accused individuals. As crime-solving increasingly relies on scientific evidence and technology, forensic science is emerging as one of the fastest-growing and most exciting career fields worldwide.

Forensic scientists use scientific methods to analyse evidence collected from crime scenes, including fingerprints, blood samples, weapons, digital records and toxic substances. Their findings are often presented in detailed reports and can even become key evidence in courtrooms.

The field offers diverse career opportunities, including roles such as forensic science technician, crime scene investigator, toxicologist, forensic anthropologist, medical examiner and forensic psychologist. Professionals may work in government laboratories, police departments, hospitals, universities or investigative agencies.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step toward becoming a forensic scientist is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a natural science discipline such as chemistry, biology or physics. Many universities also offer specialised forensic science programmes. Students are encouraged to study statistics, mathematics and scientific writing, which are essential for laboratory analysis and report preparation.

Certain advanced roles may require a master’s degree in forensic science or a related discipline.

Step 2: Choose a Specialisation

Forensic science is a broad field with multiple specialisations, including ballistics, toxicology, digital forensics, trace evidence and DNA analysis. Some careers, such as crime scene investigation, may require additional police or field training.

Step 3: Gain Practical Experience

Most graduates undergo supervised on-the-job training to learn practical laboratory procedures, evidence handling and courtroom protocols. Hands-on experience is critical because forensic work demands precision, attention to detail and strict ethical standards.

Step 4: Earn Professional Certification

Although certifications are not always mandatory, they can significantly improve career prospects. Organisations such as the American Board of Criminalistics, American Board of Forensic Toxicology and International Association for Identification offer specialised certifications in DNA analysis, toxicology and crime scene investigation.

Skills Needed for Success

Successful forensic scientists require strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, mathematical aptitude, communication skills and the ability to work carefully with highly sensitive evidence. Many employers also require background checks, drug testing and laboratory experience.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, forensic scientists earn a median annual salary of $67,440, with top professionals earning more than $110,000 annually. The field is projected to grow by 13% between 2024 and 2034—far faster than the average for most professions—driven by advances in forensic technology and rising demand for scientific investigation.

As technology transforms crime-solving methods, forensic science is no longer just a television fantasy. It is becoming one of the most dynamic and impactful career options for students passionate about science, investigation and justice.