Forensic science courses after 12th | Career, Courses, eligibility, colleges, and so on

Forensic science courses after 12th | Career, Courses, eligibility, colleges, and so on

What’s next? Once you complete class 12 and you are out of your school, the world suddenly widens. You have bundles of opportunities and you have to make your choices wisely. Selecting a traditional option like engineering and medicine is a safe play. However, if you want an opportunity that is quite demanding as well as exciting then Forensic Science would be a great option. Although, it is a great option for only those students who get fascinated with crime investigation. If you are looking ahead to a career in forensic science then this blog is for you. 

Forensic Science is a lucrative career option that comes with lots of high-paying job opportunities. You can opt for forensic science courses after 12th and have a bright career in this field. This course is not for such students who don’t get fascinated with crime investigation. So, whether this course is for you or not completely depends on the fact that you are interested in such a profession or not. Hence, for making the right career choice make sure to consult career experts on SeekEx. The experts will help you understand the pros and cons related to forensic science career options and thus guide you throughout the entire career map. Continue reading for getting brief information on a career in forensic science. 

What is Forensic Science?

What-is-Forensic-Science-

Forensic Science can be defined as an interdisciplinary branch of science that is used to identify, examine and testify to various pieces of evidence found at crime scenes. Basically, it is an amalgamation of different science subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Mathematics. To become a forensic scientist you have to pursue forensic science courses after 12th. Upon completion of the course, you are expected to work in a domain that combines both criminal cases as well as law enforcement. In our modern judiciary system, the forensic department has a vital position. With their abilities and expertise, forensic scientists determine the details efficiently. 

Career in Forensic Science

Career options in Forensic Science are extensive and there are lots of forensic courses after 12th offered by different universities/colleges. Why opt for a forensic science course? The simple answer is opportunities! These days careers in forensic life science, information security, and private investigation are in high demand. In these career options, you can experience exponential occupational growth. Thus, it’s clear that choosing a career path in forensic science can render you a successful career. Let’s check out the courses, requirements, job roles, and specialisation of each field in detail:

1. Arson Investigator: As the name suggests an arson investigator is one who deals with arson cases. They use their in-depth knowledge of fire chemistry and mechanics to aid in the investigation process of arson cases. They are the ones who gather evidence and eyewitnesses and have a conversation with the insurance companies and thus provide expert testimony in the court proceedings as well. 

2. Computer Forensics Examiner: These days computer forensics has become a popular forensic science course. Upon completion of this course, you will be able to analyse the ways criminals use technology and digital devices to commit crimes. A forensic specialist will use computer hardware and software for recovering information that has been used in criminal trials. With the help of careful documentation and evidence analysis, computer forensic examiners play an important role in most criminal trials to recognise the real culprit. 

3. Criminalist: Another popular forensic science course after 12th is criminalist. Being a criminalist, you can apply scientific and investigative methods for finding out how the crime took place. Although these days modern tools such as DNA sequencing and 3D imaging have fastened the process. Still, the role of a criminalist is quite vital. 

4. DNA Analyst: The one who is responsible to collect samples of human tissues like blood, hair, or semen to analyse the genetic code is known as a DNA Analyst. This forensic science course after 12th helps to identify victims and perpetrators of violent crimes. A DNA Analyst is one who doesn’t get involved in the crime scenes rather their job is primarily in the labs. 

5. Forensic Accountant: When criminal activities are related to finance then forensic accountants are the ones who are responsible to make use of basic accounting and investigative skills for analysing the financial statements. On the financial and legal files, they conduct the audits and present their findings in the respective trials. 

6. Forensic Anthropologist: Among various other forensic science courses, the course forensic Anthropologist is the least known one. They are the ones who are responsible to diagnose posthumous death by violent force or trauma. Their key areas of study include skin tissue, demographics, and bone observation. 

7. Forensic Autopsy: The technicians use certain methods and examination techniques to detect the cause of death of a person. If you are interested in human anatomy and are not squeamish about dissecting bodies, then you can pursue this forensic science course after 12th. Once you complete this course, you don’t need any other extensive postsecondary learning. 

8. Forensic Biologist: A forensic biologist is one who is responsible to examine bodily fluids, plants, insects, hair, and animals that are present at the crime scenes. According to their findings, they prepare a detailed analysis report which is further used in the legal proceedings to determine the cause of the crime. This is a course that renders a rewarding career in Forensic Science

9. Forensic Nurse: One of the popular career options in the field of forensic science is a forensic nurse. They are the ones who identify as well as treat the victims of violent crimes such as abuse and rape. They are trained for collecting evidence of such crimes and thus present them in court. 

10. Forensic Psychologist: The study of a forensic psychologist is one of the forensic science courses after 12th that trains the candidate about the forensic psychology of criminals as well as victims. They analyse the ways the victims behave and how well they are emotionally and mentally affected by the incident. Upon analysing the crime and mental conditions, forensic psychologists present their findings in court. Their role is quite important, especially in such cases where mental illness is the main cause of certain violent acts. 

These are only a few of the top career options available in the field of forensic science. There are numerous other specialisations and courses that candidates pursue for a successful career. Although the qualification for forensic science courses is the same that requires the candidates to pass class 12ṭh. Continue reading the blog to check out the eligibility criteria in detail. 

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Eligibility for Forensic Science Courses

Eligibility for Forensic Science Courses

Before you think of pursuing forensic science courses, you must check out whether you meet the eligibility criteria. Below mentioned are the eligibility criteria that you must have for pursuing forensic science courses after 12th:

  • Pass class 12th in science from a recognised board
  • Have Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as subjects in class 12th board
  • Obtain a good score in English Language Proficiency Tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc. 
  • To get admission to Indian Universities, you must qualify for some of the entrance exams for forensic science after 12th
  • Eligibility for the Forensic Science course includes qualifying in entrance exams like BHU UET, NEST, GSAT, QUAT, etc.

Apart from basic eligibility requirements, there are certain skills that are required to be successful in the field of forensic science. The candidate needs to be passionate about the subject and have the desire to build up a strong career in this field. This course enables the candidates to learn the techniques to investigate and resolve crimes. Here are the skill sets that they must possess:

  • Candidates must remain attentive and meticulous in the procedure. 
  • Besides a keen eye for details, a candidate must have a logical and independent mind to identify the purpose. 
  • Excellent Communication Skills
  • Maintain sensitivity, objectivity, and discretion while handling confidential information. 
  • Ability to handle the work pressure considering the deadlines
  • Patience and concentration to perform minute tasks
  • Ability to handle stressful situations 
  • High level of self-confidence that allows them to make independent decisions and judgments. 

Types of Forensic Science Courses

Types of Forensic Science Courses
CoursesEducation Level Duration
Diploma in Forensic MedicineDiploma3months-1year
Forensics Diploma (Online)Diploma3/6/12 months
Bsc Forensics ScienceUndergraduate3 years
Bachelor of Accident ForensicsUndergraduate3 years
Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice-Forensic ScienceUndergraduate3 years
Bachelor of Forensic Science Undergraduate3 years
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)Undergraduate3 years
 Bachelor of CriminologyUndergraduate3 years
Bachelor’s in Forensic InvestigationUndergraduate3 years
Bachelor of Applied Science in Forensic StudiesUndergraduate3 years
 Msc ForensicsMasters2 years
Master of Forensic Behavioural ScienceMasters2 years
MSc in Forensic PsychologyMasters2 years
Masters in Forensic AnthropologyMasters2 years
Master of Philosophy in Forensic ScienceMasters2 years

Forensic Science Courses after 12th

Forensic science courses after 12th

1. B.sc in Forensic Science

B.sc in Forensic Science is the most common course that students prefer to undertake for a career in this field. This is an undergraduate degree program that renders scientific information to conduct research in the concerned field. It is the forensic science course after 12th that includes everything from DNA analysis to blood traces, fingerprints traces to mobile data recovery. 

If you are looking ahead to becoming a forensic scientist then make sure you have technical proficiency, analytical thinking, and the capacity to work long hours with patience. To pursue this course you need a minimum of 50% marks in class 12th with the science stream. This is a 3-year course that enables you to have a successful career in this field. 

2. BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

This is a 3-year honours course in Forensic Science that covers chemical and microbial analyses, crime scene investigations, and forensic anthropology. Besides that, it also includes various other specialised fields like microbiology and forensic entomology. Upon completion of this undergraduate forensic science course after 12th, you can have a defined career path.

As a graduate, you will be expected to gather evidence and analyse evidence and create the testimony. When you are hired as a forensic scientist after this course, you have to analyse, execute crime scene investigations, write reports and act as an expert witness in court. To pursue B.sc Forensic science students must score a minimum of 50% marks in class 12th with science stream.

3. Diploma in Forensic Medicine

Apart from undergraduate degree programs in Forensic Science, students also have the option to opt for diploma courses in Forensic science. In the diploma course, students learn about the science of using medical facts to fulfil various legal concerns. Usually, this type of forensic course is opted by pathologists, emergency support staff, legal advisors, and police officers. These professional people pursue a diploma in forensic medicine to gain a basic knowledge of the medical examination. 

One can opt for this forensic science course after 12th for getting core knowledge of this field and gearing up the career path. It is a two-year course that one can pursue upon completing their class 12th in the science stream with a minimum of 50% marks. However, to have better job opportunities, you must opt for further bachelor’s or Master’s degree programs. 

4. Diploma in Fingerprint Examination 

For thousands of years, fingerprint examinations have been used by human civilizations. Even to date fingerprint analysis is one of the crucial subjects of forensic science. The foundation of this course lies in the principles of originality, individuality, and stability. Anyone who is interested to pursue a diploma in fingerprint examination must pass class 12 in Science with a minimum of 50% marks. The duration of this course is only 6 months. You can opt for this course if you have to obtain a specialty in any specific subject of this field. 

5. Diploma in Document Examination

This is another forensic science course after 12th that enables you to gain the ability to examine, interpret, report, and analyse the evidence. You learn in this course the ways you can integrate related knowledge and abilities to examine a document as a forensic expert. A forensic document examiner is one who works closely with the legal system. This course also includes handwriting identification. Within a language, handwriting may appear to be similar to a certain point. However, an individual’s personality characteristics enable you to differentiate one person’s handwriting from another. A candidate pursuing a diploma in document examination learns this analysis. To pursue this 6 months diploma course, you must pass 12th class with 50% marks from any stream. 

6. Certificate Course in Forensic Science

If you are someone with a natural talent to solve or research enigmatic crimes, then you can pursue a certificate course in forensic science. This is an interdisciplinary course that includes various elements of chemistry, biology, psychology, physics, and law. Candidates can pursue this course both in full-time and part-time formats. This forensic course eligibility requires a candidate to pass class 12 with a minimum of 50% marks in any stream. Usually, the certificate course duration is 4 months to 12 months. 

Forensic Science Job opportunities in Indian Government 

Job opportunities in Indian Government

A career in forensic science in India has a lot of potential. These days a huge number of students opt for forensic science courses after 12th and get their hands on high-paying jobs in the government sector. Usually, forensic experts are hired for the criminal departments and health clinics for research.  

Initially, you may find it intimidating to choose an uncommon subject as your career. But once you are in this field you have lots of opportunities to grow yourself as the scope of forensic science as a career option is quite high. Government jobs are mainly available for students who have completed an undergraduate degree program in Forensic Science. Here is the list of government jobs for forensic science graduates:

  • Forensic Consultant Directorate of Forensic Science Services (Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India) 
  • Forensic Investigator Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science 
  • Assistant Central Intelligence Officer Intelligence Bureau, (Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India) 
  • Laboratory Assistant Forensic Science Laboratory 
  • Chief Information Officer Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

BSc Forensic Science Syllabus

1st year

English

  • English Language Letter Writing
  • One word Substitution
  • Idioms and Phrases

Inorganic Chemistry

  • Inorganic Chemistry Atomic structure
  • Hybridization and its different types
  • Chemical bonding
  • Chemistry of block elements

Physics

  • Basic Physics Mechanics
  • Thermal Physics
  • Electromagnetism
  • Waves and Oscillations
  • Optics
  • Atomic Physics

Forensic Science

  • Introduction to Forensic Science & Criminalities Introduction to Forensic Science
  • Definition and Types of Crime
  • Police Organisation
  • Crime Scene

2nd Year

Fundamentals of Mathematics

  • Fundamentals of Maths & Statistics Matrix
  • Differential Calculus
  • Statistics
  • Testing of Hypothesis

Physical Chemistry

  • Physical Chemistry Acid and Bases
  • Electrochemistry
  • Chemical Kinetics
  • Adsorption and Catalysis
  • Thermodynamics
  • Colligative Properties

Computer Science

  • Fundamentals of Computer Science History and development of computers
  • General awareness of computer hardware
  • The basic operating system concept
  • Cyber Crimes
  • Instrumentation & Investigation Techniques Crime Detection Devices
  • Microscopy
  • Chromatography
  • Documents
  • Ballistics
  • Fingerprints Examination

B.sc Forensic Science Colleges in India

  • Amity University, Noida
  • SGT University, Gurgaon
  • Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
  • University of Mumbai, Mumbai
  • St. Xavier College, Mumbai
  • National Forensic Sciences University
  • Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram
  • Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram
  • Sapthagiri Institute Of Medical Science And Research Centre 
  • Rajarajeshwari Medical College Of Allied Health Science 
  • Jain University

How can SeekEx help?

How can SeekEx help 4

Forensic Science is a great career option if you pursue the right course. Different courses lead to different professional options in this field. Hence, for a secured career in this field, you must choose the right course. Upon selecting the right course, you will be able to land job opportunities in forensic science in the Indian government. But how to choose the right course? Simple! Consult the career experts on the SeekEx app! 

The career experts are experienced and carry relevant knowledge in this field. They analyse your capabilities, preferences, and interests and accordingly suggest the course that will be appropriate for you. Apart from that they also explain the types of jobs and challenges that you may face in a particular job role. Hence, if you make your career decision regarding forensic science courses after 12th under an expert’s guidance then you will have a bright and successful future. 

Conclusion

This blog has already provided an idea about the forensic science courses and job opportunities that are available in this field. Forensic science courses after 12th enable you to have a career as a forensic technician, criminal investigator, legal advisor, forensic scientist, handwriting analyser, researcher, or investigation officer. Once you complete forensic science and criminology or any other course you have the option to work in police and intelligence departments. Also, you can choose to have a career in the research field. Hence, consult career experts on the SeekEx app and choose the best forensic science course for a bright career. 

Frequently Asked Question

Is there any good scope for a career in forensic science?

Day by day the amount of crime in India is increasing, and with that, the need for forensic science experts is also increasing. So, there is a good scope for a career in forensic science. 

Is there any difference between forensic science and criminology?

Criminology is a subject that comes under forensic science.

What is the entry-level salary of forensic scientists in India?

An entry-level forensic scientist earns around 3-4 LPA.

Can commerce or art students pursue forensic science courses?

Most of the forensic science courses allow science stream students only. However, commerce or arts stream students can opt for a certain diploma or certificate course on specific subjects of forensic science. 

Which course is the most popular in forensic science?

B.sc Forensic Science is the most popular course in the field of forensic science. 


SeekEx Team is responsible for publishing Expert's views and opinions shared with SeekEx Technologies Pvt. Ltd. We are solely focused on providing value to aspirants who want to pursue a greater career that provides self-satisfaction and standards of living. SeekEx team is heading with the approach of providing valuable Career counseling and career development tips, news, opinions, and recommendations.


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