Career Guide for Forensic Science Studies

Forensic Science is a branch that deals with collecting and solving criminal evidences by applying a set of principles in a scientific way. Scientists, in this case, make use of the latest technology to convert the clues collected from a crime scene into evidence that is admissible in a court of law. It is generally a crime/laboratory-based profession, at times, dealing with civil cases like authentication of a signature on a will, claim of the products in liability et al. Forensic artists can draw a likeness of a person based solely on eyewitness accounts. They are called to identify individuals murdered or killed in disasters such as plane crashes, explosions, fires and other tragedies resulting in the loss of life and mutilation of bodies.

This field is divided into 3 parts: Medical, Field Science and Laboratory. Candidates are expected to bear an inquisitive mindset and a flair for adventure. Accounting to the ever increasing crime rates and terrorist activities, the field promises to be challenging as well as sufficing for young aspirants.

Courses and Eligibility:

You can take up a career in Forensic Science by availing any of these courses :

• B.Sc. Forensic Science
• Certificate Course in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Detection
• M.Sc. Cyber Forensics and Information Security
• M.Sc. Forensic Science
• Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Accounting
• Post Graduate Diploma in Criminology and Forensic Science
• Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Science
• Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Speech Sciences and Technology

B.Sc. Forensic Science is offered for students who have completed their +2 examination(Science Stream). One can take up a one year diploma course in Forensic Science & Criminology after graduation . A graduate is obliged to pass his graduation exams with 1st division in Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany, Biochemistry, Microbiology, B.Pharm, BDS or applied science to do a Master’s course in Forensic Science. Becoming a specialist in postmortems requires a MBBS or a MD degreee in Forensic Science.

Career Prospects:

Interest in forensic science has increased over the last few years, partly as a result of popular television crime dramas that do not always reflect the true nature of the work, and it is true that the number of posts has also risen, due largely to advances in technology. A Forensic personal has many openings in law enforcement agencies, police, legal system and in the investigative services of the government and also private agencies. Many government agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) etc recruits Forensic Scientist each year from universities and colleges.

The activities of a Forensic expert are based on these areas:

• chemistry, which is connected to crimes against property, such as burglary and arson;
• biology, which is connected to crimes against people, such as murder, assault and rape;
• drugs and toxicology

Remunerations:

Fresh graduates working in state departments can earn anywhere between Rs.5000-6000 per month. Candidates with a PG degree may receive around Rs. 7000-10000 depending on the nature of the organization.