Career in Forensic Science

What: ‘Jasoos’ or detective the word itself have fascinated a number of minds for a number of years. We can’t forget our very own Karamchand and Byomkesh Bakshi who made investigations ever so fascinating. The crime shows on various Indian TV channels have only added to the popularity of investigative sciences like forensics. Forensic science is the application of science to the investigation of a crime.

When a crime is committed, there are different types of evidence found at the crime scene. It could include traces of an object, paint, soil, blood, saliva, body fluids, digital evidence, plant material, bones, documents, fingerprints. Forensic science uses physical science such as chemistry, biology, physics to analyse the evidence found at the crime scene and uses that analysis to help the law enforcement to catch the criminal and most importantly, present that evidence in court.

With recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission accepted by the government, the salaries are sky high. Moreover, those who have postgraduate qualification in forensic science earn very high salaries. Private laboratories offer handsome salaries to experienced candidates.

How: Medical science students have higher advantage in becoming forensic scientists as a significant part or portion of the subject is related to medical science and analysis. However, forensic science course is also open for students of BA and BSc who can do post-graduation in forensic sciences. Those who are MBBS can specialise in forensic science and become eligible for doing post mortem on dead bodies. Law students can do various diploma or certificate courses offered in forensic science and can work in Research and Analysis Wing, or crime branch of state police or CBI or Intelligence Bureau.

Where: Crimes have been committed from time immemorial and continue to happen in today’s world. With the increasing need for effective measures to stop and prevent crime, forensic science and criminology have become a necessity. This field is constantly evolving with the development of new technology and new ways of investigations.

Agreeing upon the fact that India has dearth of forensic scientists, it cannot mean that anyone with average skills can get a job in forensic science departments of government agencies as it requires confident and skilled professionals.

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