Criminologist
Studies crime, its root causes and society's response to it, and advises police and policymakers on prevention.
Overview
Criminology is the study of crime and deviant behaviour. It deals with understanding the root cause of the crime and its effective prevention. A Criminologist studies crime and society's response to crime. They conduct research and investigations, collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data surrounding crime, ultimately providing insights and solutions to prevent crime in a community. Criminologists work closely with the police and policymakers to offer suggestions on policing strategies and proactive policing.
Where they work
- NGOs
- Investigation agencies
- Projects for BPR&D and UNDP
Work environment
You will typically work in an office environment, but might travel occasionally.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You pay attention to details
- You have strong communication skills
- You like to analyze problems
- You have an interest in understanding society and culture
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree in Arts (B.A.) in Criminology.
- 3Complete a Master's degree in Criminology.
- 4Complete a PhD in Criminal Justice.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Criminology/Sociology. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Maharaja's College, University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi
- Patna University, Patna, Bihar
- Karnataka University, Dharwad, Karnataka
- Sardar Patel University of Police, Security and Criminal Justice, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
- Bangalore University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Institute of Research Technology and Management, Thane, Maharashtra
- Mansarovar Global University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- William Carey University, Shillong, Meghalaya
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Lloyd Law College, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern
- 2Criminologist
- 3Senior Criminologist
Expected income
₹15,000 – ₹20,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Detective
Trained professional — in the police force or as a private investigator — who solves crimes and handles criminal and civil cases.
Forensic Scientist
Examines and analyses evidence from crime scenes; their objective findings help investigate and prosecute crimes.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Arts, Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to researching.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Professor R Rochin Chandra — Described in the source as Director of the Center for Criminology & Public Policy, where he works as Chief Criminologist. Before this he worked with the Rajasthan Prisons Department on an ex-cadre post, responsible for training and capacity building of correctional officials and for reviewing prison rehabilitation policies. He has also worked with the Counter Trafficking Group (Colorado, US), International Justice Mission (Chennai), the South Asian Society of Criminology & Victimology, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and UNICEF on key policy issues.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 801 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://shorturl.at/ZRFgL
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 801; the contents list gives 803.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.