Forensic Science Entrance Exam | Prepare with AIFSET

If forensic science fascinates you and you dream of solving crimes with science, the next big step is choosing the right entrance exam. Two well-known pathways exist, one is the Government Forensic Science Entrance Test and second is the All India Forensic Science Entrance Test (AIFSET). Aspirants should not just consider government universities because private universities have their own advantages. 

What is AIFSET?

AIFSET is a national-level online exam designed to test your knowledge in forensic science, biology, chemistry, physics, and logical reasoning. It’s held once a year and accepted by over 180+ top universities across India, making it a gateway to quality education and exciting career prospects in forensic laboratories, law enforcement, and criminal investigation.

Is AIFSET Easy?

Unlike some government exams that can be highly competitive but limited in opportunity, AIFSET offers a transparent, straightforward process and examination tailored for students who want hands-on forensic learning. Its syllabus covers essential forensic topics such as crime scene investigation, physical evidence analysis, fingerprint detection, and forensic biology subjects that ignite curiosity and develop skills needed in real crime-solving scenarios.

What is the AIFSET Examination Format?

With an easy online format, you can take the exam from anywhere using a laptop or smartphone. The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions to be solved in 60 minutes, balancing challenge with accessibility. Also, AIFSET has no negative marking which makes it easier to score well. 

So, are you ready to join a field where your keen eye and scientific mind can make a life-changing difference? If you said yes, AIFSET gives you the best chance to build a career in forensic science with confidence and skills.

To conclude, choosing AIFSET means choosing a future where your talent helps uncover truth and justice without making the admission process challenging for the aspirants. So, don't just dream of becoming a forensic expert, make it happen with AIFSET 2026. Register now via its official website or call @8035018480 for free consultation.

Forensic science demand in India is skyrocketing like never before. As cybercrimes rise 63% yearly, and new laws such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) are enforced to compel scientific evidence to be considered, universities are under tremendous pressure to initiate forensic science courses. India needs to train 30,000 forensic professionals annually, yet the provision is significantly less than that; therefore, it's time for universities to come forward.​ This article will help you understand why forensic science should be introduced in the top universities by deans and policymakers. 

Forensic Science Demand Surge

Forensic science demand is reaching record highs due to increased creative crimes like murdering and chopping the body, refrigerating the fragmented body, storing the body in a drum and cementing it, etc. Apart from this, social media crimes and AI influenced crimes are also increasing, making the demand for experts stronger. India's digital forensics market grows at 40% CAGR and is expected to hit ₹1.39 billion by 2029-30. Cyber frauds, financial scams, and terrorism cases need forensic science experts for DNA analysis, cyber tracking, and toxicology reports. BPRD reports a 30,000 forensic professional shortage; courts reject 12% cases yearly without proper evidence. States like Maharashtra (₹1,300 crore for 254 mobile vans) and Bihar (₹190 crore labs) invest heavily, which  is a clear sign of forensic science growth in India

New Legislations enhance Forensic Science Mandate.

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 requires video/digital evidence in the courts - forensic science becomes the legal support. BNSS puts pressure on zero FIRs and timely forensic reports, refusing manual investigation; mobile forensics alone captures half the market share. India cannot address judicial requirements without the courses of forensic science. To keep pace with the international standards, universities will have to educate specialists in AI-based triage, cloud forensics and quick DNA analysis.  

Why are Forensic Science Jobs High Paying?

The salaries in forensic science paths are the highest ones- 6-15 LPA on joining, 25 LPA on seniority. Posts in CBI, IB, NIA, cyber wings, banks, insurance, and private labs. Cyber forensics, wildlife forensics, and narcotics are some of the specialties such that 12% increase in jobs annually. The Indian talent is also pulled away to abroad. Toppers are attracted to BSc/MSc Forensic Science universities with placements reaching 95% at NFSU. Deans, that is revenue and reputation upsurge!​

Why Universities Must Establish New Forensic Science Departments

1. Fill the Massive Expert Gap: By providing the talent pool that is much required, universities can serve the void of 40 percent vacancy rate and decreasing cases of forensic cases backlog, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
2. Align with NEP 2020 and Government Mandates: Implementation of forensic science lectures is a supplement of multidisciplinary approach that NEP applies to its work, which involves science, law, technology, and moral judgment.
3. Boost the Revenue and Goodwill of the University: The provision of state of the art forensic science programs brings talented students, enhances the institution's ranking, and creates access to industry collaborations and government subsidies.
4. Help National Justice and Security: Graduates contribute to the provision of faster and more precise evidentiary assistance that will maximize the efficiency of law enforcement and improve the fairness of the courts.
5. Increase Research and Innovation Opportunities: New departments may also translate into native-forensic R&D, AI incorporation in solving crime and partnership with national crime labs and agencies.

Challenges & Solutions for Universities

• Problem: Overburdened lab (e.g. 50,000 cases in Delhi?) 
• Solution: AI labs, mobile units Partner NFSU/RRU. 
• Faculty shortage? MHA training- Short term. 
• High setup cost? Central schemes cover 70%. 

Deans, begin with BSc Forensic Science + cyber add-ons for ROI in just 2 years.​ However, if setting up this department and getting admissions is a lengthy process for you, partnering with AIFSET will be the best solution. It is one of the top forensic science entrance tests in India hosted by Edinbox, and our team will assist you from scratch. 

To conclude, in India, forensic science courses are not a requirement, but a national priority according to BNS/NEP 2020 to produce skilled forensic experts. Universities, deans, policymakers: Introduce forensic science classes now to close 30,000 professional gaps, place big, and bring justice. Maharashtra-Andhra models attest to that. NFSU contact ties-ups; safeguard the future of forensics in India! By 2030 India will require 1 lakh forensic pros and your university can be at the forefront.

An undergraduate degree in Forensic Science, B.Sc. (Hons.), is the gateway to an essential science which is both instrumental in the areas of criminal justice and safety. Forensic science is an amalgamation of biology, chemistry, and methods of investigation to examine tangible evidence at the crime scenes and assist law enforcement in resolving crime and administering justice. Government laboratories, police departments, private forensic firms, and research institutions require graduates with this degree as they are nimble in analytical abilities and scientific aptitudes. 

As technology improves and more and more people are in need of forensic professionals, the field has a bright employment future, a wide range of specialisations and it allows one to create a difference in the real world through their scientific discoveries. The following are the broad career prospects on graduation with a B.Sc. (Hons.) degree in Forensic Science at ITM University in a dynamic career building block. 

1. Government Forensic Laboratories: After graduating, graduates are able to work in some of the most prestigious organisations like the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), State Forensic Science Laboratories (SFSL), and other police crime laboratories. In this, they examine crime scene physical, chemical and biological evidence in order to support law enforcement agencies. 
2. Law Enforcement Agency: Forensic Specialists are also found in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and local police forces in career positions. Duty encompasses investigation at the crime scene, collection of evidence, and witnessing in courts.
3. Cyber Forensics: As cybercrime is on the rise, graduates are being hired to work in digital forensics departments and perform analysis of cyber-attacks, fraud, and data breaches. This new area has good growth and specialisation opportunities.
4. The Opportunities in the Private Sector: The private forensic laboratories, security agencies, pharmaceutical companies (drug testing), insurance companies (detection of fraud) and law consultancy firms require the applicant to have expertise in forensic science. Examples of roles are Forensic Consultant, Crime Analyst, and Toxicologist. 
5. Research and Academia: Graduates have access to higher education (M.Sc. Ph.D.), become university and research-institute lecturers and research scholars and are employed to drive innovation in forensic technologies and methodologies.
6. Niche Roles: Various divisions such as forensic toxicology, forensic biology (DNA analysis), forensic anthropology, ballistics, and handwriting analysis provide niche career opportunities. Such specific abilities are required in different agencies and laboratories worldwide.

Salary and Job Prospect: The initial salary is usually INR 3.5 to 6 LPA in government and commercial laboratories, with individualised employees earning more than INR 10 LPA, particularly in cyber security and consultancy positions. It is projected that the forensic science field is going to expand at a high rate due to the available technology and the complexity of crimes, which will expand the job opportunities and pay rates.

Why Choose B.Sc. (Hons.) ITM University Forensic Science?

ITM University offers an advanced curriculum with practical lab work training, internship with police and forensic departments and professional faculty mentorship. The presence of an excellent placement network and industry partnerships also means that students are better exposed and equipped to work in the industry, which makes the graduates very employable in various fields.

Major in Forensic Science B.Sc (Hons) at the ITM University provides interdisciplinary scientific knowledge and investigative skills to students, which are essential when it comes to crime solution and delivery of justice. This degree is a strategically significant investment in a fulfilling and influential career in forensic science because of the increasing demand of forensic professionals both in the government and the private sector in India.

The degree not only provides a career but also an opportunity to serve law enforcement, safety and justice in a more complicated world- that is why it is the best career decision that science majors are able to make.

To find out more about course curriculum, internships, and the service of placement at the ITM University, future students may refer to the official university website.

In movies and television series, forensic science tends to be glamorised as a perfect detective device that automatically solves the most challenging cases. This is why there are a lot of misconceptions about this highly interesting yet complicated sphere. Let’s debunk 7 common misconceptions that have long persisted and reveal the reality of forensic science.

Myth 1: All Forensic Work Happens in Government Labs

Reality: Although most people may believe that forensic scientists work only in government- or law-enforced crime laboratories, most of them are employed in private laboratories, universities, hospitals, and even businesses. Forensic toxicology is only one of the many fundamental examinations that are performed by private forensic experts, making the field extend past the crime scene.

Myth 2: Forensic Evidence Is Always Admissible in Court

Reality: Collection and analysis does not mean court acceptance. To be considered as evidence, it must have met high legal requirements using rules such as the Indian Evidence Act or the Daubert standard in the US. The way the evidence was handled, tested, and presented, and the credentials of the experts can affect the admissibility such that an evidence could be scientifically valid and not allowed in court.

Myth 3: DNA Testing can Complete Investigations in a flash.

Reality: DNA is not a magic bullet. It needs good samples, good laboratory conditions and interpretation in a wider context of investigation. Incomplete or contaminated samples may be misleading and there are cases when forensic teams have to use other types of evidence in order to prove the case such as trace evidence or witness testimonies.

Myth 4: Forensic Science Is All about Solving Crimes.

Reality:Many overlook that forensics is used in civil cases, disaster victim identification, historical research, and even wildlife protection. The use of forensic science in document authentication, paternity, environmental sample examination, and combating fraud exemplify how the field of forensic science can administer justice in a much more significant way than in law enforcement.

Myth 5: Forensic Experts Do Not make errors.

Fact: Forensic scientists are human. Cognitive biases, procedural errors, and equipment failures occur. To reduce errors, modern forensic science uses strict peer reviews, accreditation, and quality controls, nevertheless, it is essential to recognise the fallibility to deliver just justice.

Myth 6: Crime Scene Investigators Always Collect Perfect Evidence

Reality: Real crime scenes are disordered. Evidence collection is challenged by weather, contamination, time delays and human error. Collection quality can be patchy as some evidence can be lost or destroyed before being analysed. Under harsh environments, investigators need to record and retain what they have meticulously.

Myth 7: The CSI Effect Reflects How Trials Work in Reality

Facts on the ground: There is a widespread perception that a jury anticipates dramatic forensic evidence in any trial, which puts strain on prosecutors and creates confusion in determining the decision regarding the judge. The fact is that most convictions depend on conventional evidence such as witness testimonies or circumstantial connections. There is an unending need to train jurors to put forensic evidence into perspective.

Understanding the nuances of forensic science helps students, law professionals, and the public appreciate the science without false expectations. Forensics is an effective investigative tool - not a magic wand. The blend of evidence, professional examination, and legal examination are what bring about justice.

Though five years' time has been allowed under the BNSS for modernizing the forensic facilities, ongoing investment is essential to upgrade the current forensic infrastructure in states.

The new criminal statutes have placed more stress on the application of scientific evidence in the investigation of criminal cases. It is now compulsory for a forensic expert to inspect the scene of crime in the case of crimes punishable with imprisonment for seven years or more, to gather forensic evidence and arrange videography of the process on mobile phone or any other electronic evidence.

It is also necessary to make photography and videography at the time of search and seizure during investigation mandatory. Any electronic evidence of secondary in nature, now also needs certification by a cyber expert. While five years' time has been allowed under the BNSS to enhance the forensic infrastructure, there is a need for continuous investment in upgrading the existing forensic facilities in the states.

Just recently, the Supreme Court (SC) suo moto took cognisance of a news report that brought to light some custodial deaths in the recent past, attributing the problem to non-functional CCTV cameras in police stations. SC in Paramvir Singh versus Baljit Singh (2020) had ordered all states to instal compulsorily and maintain CCTV cameras in police stations as a deterrent against custodial torture.

The verdict also directed to form oversight panels, at state and district levels to oversee installation, operation, budget requirements and maintenance of CCTV setups. The Court stated that CCTV recordings must be stored for at least six months, whereby a victim of violations of human rights could request access to such recordings.

The SC also issued some guidelines recently in Kattavellai @Devakar versus State of Tamil Nadu (2025) so that the DNA samples are collected and stored properly, and sent to the FSL within 48 hours of being collected while there is a good chain of custody. While the validity and reliability of a DNA profile are subject to quality control and procedure within the laboratory, the outside laboratory quality control and procedure are also critical, the Court reaffirmed. The MHA, in January 2019, under the pilot project, had distributed approximately 11,130 Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits (SAECKs) under the BPR&D for improved collection, storage and handling of DNA evidence. In fact, the states always need money to purchase such kits in order to collect scientific evidence in investigation.

The Need For Funds

These references have been provided in order to support the fact that the police modernisation funds are always needed for the capacity building of the police forces. Different police reform committees and commissions, Law Commission, and the Supreme Court have re-iterated the request to the police to utilize scientific evidence in investigation.

It would not be an overstatement to state that the cybercrime reporting portal was introduced by the MHA in 2019 at the behest of the directions given by the Supreme Court to prevent the online circulation of pornography and rape videos.

Subsequently, its ambit was broadened and it was integrated with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) so that action taken by the states is expedited on the police station level.

What Is Modernisation of Police Force Scheme

The scheme for Modernisation of Police Force (MPF) was initiated in the current shape by the MHA during the year 1999-2000 for a tenure of 10 years i.e., till 2009-10. The Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) was then requested to evaluate the effect of the scheme and provide further suggestions.

The Bureau carried out an independent analysis and also engaged the services of M/S Ernst & Young Pvt. Ltd. to draw consolidated conclusions.

Although it was widely believed that 'the MPF scheme has benefited the police like nothing else in the past', the Bureau strongly suggested 'the continuation of the scheme with more funds for the LWE and terror infested states. It also suggested inclusion of special schemes for the border and coastal areas.

Why MPF Scheme Is Important For States

It cannot be held in dispute that the MPF scheme has served the states well by enhancing the mobility of the forces, upgrading telecommunication, enhancing weapons, computerisation (including CCTNS), training and security gadgets and enhancing FSLs.

Simultaneously, it is no less true that the police forces' strength has grown and issues proliferated over the years.

As 'Police' and 'Public order' are included in the Seventh Schedule State List of our Constitution, the major responsibility is with the states to make sure that the police can perform their functions effectively in accordance with the Constitutional mandate.

But the Union also has to see that the state government of each state is conducted in accordance with the Constitution provisions.

The Allocation Of Funds

Nowadays, the modernisation funds are released to union territories and states under the 'Assistance to States and UTs for Modernisation of Police' (ASUMP) scheme which is one of the schemes under the umbrella scheme of 'Modernisation of Police Forces' (MPF) run by the Central Government.

Although the Central Government continued the police modernisation programme without interruption, yearly allocations have nearly persistently fallen. Central share that stood at around Rs. 1,558 crores for 2012-13, fell to an all-time low of around 460 crores for 2023-24.

It is only after the implementation of new criminal legislations in July 2024 that Central share in the ASUMP for the year 2025-26 has been enhanced to Rs. 1,007 crores (with total annual plan size of Rs. 1603 crores).

Why Centre Needs To Help States

Though the Central Government has brought in the Public Fund Management System (PFMS) to harmoniously monitor the movement of funds from the Centre to states, it has not been proven to be very user-friendly.

The real expenditure of money has never been up to the allocation due to several obstacles inter-alia cancellation of tender on account of low participation, inability to provide equipment in time by the vendors, delay in sanctioning of proprietary materials and delay in the completion of building activities.

Although the functioning of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal has become better after some time, most of the times Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and Startups end up being unserious bidders since they are exempted from filing Bid Security (in the form of earnest money deposit).

The affected LWE states are also given financial support under different schemes like Security Related Expenditure (SRE), Special Central Assistance (SCA) and Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) like fortified police stations/outposts.

Though the states' expenditure relating to the anti-Maoist operations are being reimbursed in the ratio of 60:40, the grant provided by the Central Government under the SCA for plugging gaps in key security infrastructure is 100%.

Other programs under the MPF are Modernisation of Forensics and Modernisation of Prisons. While decrease in LWE violence and number of affected districts over time is an encouraging trend, the stream of funds for police modernisation has to pick up.

It is therefore argued that the bar of allocations under the police, forensics and prisons modernisation is increased by the Central Government to address a range of challenges including those due to new criminal laws and assist the states in discharging their Constitutional responsibilities.

Section 176 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which amends Code of Criminal Procedure, makes forensic investigation mandatory in crimes carrying imprisonment of 7 years or more.

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the new procedural criminal law mandating forensic investigation of certain offences, would put "immense stress" on laboratories, the Calcutta High Court stated last week. It directed the Union government to designate a laboratory at Kolkata as a central forensic science laboratory (CFSL) to help meet the requirements.

This [amendment] would bring unprecedented pressure on the already established central forensic laboratories and state forensic laboratories to analyze forensic samples, including blood and other fluids, for DNA testing, obtained from the occurrence site," the court stated.

The court then directed the Centre-owned Union government to declare Calcutta's National Institute of Biomedical Genetics (NIBMG), entirely owned by the Centre, as a "CFSL laboratory", to which the NIMBG scientists would be accredited "government scientific experts" status according to law, making them eligible as witnesses before courts.

The BNSS, replacing the previous Code of Criminal Procedure, has been brought in to "use technology and forensic sciences" and "reform" the criminal justice system.

To be specific, Section 176 of the BNSS, providing the procedural guidelines for criminal investigations, has added a provision, to be implemented within five years, mandating forensic evidence in some offences.

Here's ThePrint explaining the provision and when and how it will be implemented.

The provisions of the Act

Section 176 of the BNSS prescribes the overall procedure that investigation agencies are to follow after a crime, and the way a police officer comes to know about a crime and acts.

Sub-section 3 mandates the forensic authorities to collect forensic evidence from the crime scene for every offence which carries more than seven years of punishment. The forensic authorities will visit the crime scene after the police have gained information regarding the crime and collect the forensic samples, which would further be used by the police in order to conduct their investigation.

Where receipt of information is concerning the commission of an offence punishable with a term of imprisonment for seven years or more, the officer commanding a police station shall…order the forensics expert to proceed to the scene of crime to collect forensic evidence in the offence as well as for video recording of the process on a mobile phone or any other digital device, Section 176 (3) of the BNSS provides.

This sub-section will be in force and effective only after the concerned state government notifies a date for the commencement of the section. Once the date is notified by the state government, it must do so in the gazette and upon such notification, the section will commence and its provision will be enforceable.

The Act remains mute on the implication of state governments that do not notify a date for the coming into force of the section. After the states have taken action, in each offence for which an imprisonment of more than seven years is provided, it will be mandatory to conduct a forensic analysis of the crime scene on a direction by a police station in-charge.

Offences such as rape, child trafficking, murder, and dowry death, all of which draw sentences of more than seven years, fall under the purview of the additional requirement of collecting forensic evidence from the site of the crime.

If a state does not have a forensic laboratory to conduct such tests, the clause in the law allows a forensic testing centre located in another state to conduct them.

The erstwhile replaced criminal law system lacked fixed legal requirements for gathering forensic evidence from crime scenes. It depended on the state police whether or not there was a requirement for this kind of evidence.

There have been several concerns raised through the law, including the extensive coverage of forensic data collection including private individuals, the enhanced coverage of personal data collection, and exemptions restraining judicial oversight in forensic reports.

To meet the infrastructural demands brought by the new law, the Centre has set up the National Forensic Science University for enhancing the number of graduating forensic science personnel and scientists every year.

Such laboratories as the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratories (CFSL) in Delhi are similarly gearing up, training and special workshops to prepare their personnel, in the wake of the massive resources and infrastructure required for the successful deployment of the new law at scale.