Forensic Scientist
Examines and analyses evidence from crime scenes; their objective findings help investigate and prosecute crimes.
Overview
Forensic Scientists examine and analyse evidence from crime scenes. Their objective findings assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime.
Where they work
- Universities
- Museums
- Research institutions
- Central or state laboratories
Work environment
You will work both indoor and outdoor. You might have to visit crime scenes. While you may not head a team, you will work in a team. You are likely to work 6 days a week and 8 to 10 hours every day. This may vary from organization to organization.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have an interest in science
- You like to analyze problems and situations
- You pay attention to details
- You are curious
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Forensic Science.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in the same or allied field.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete MBBS and follow it up with an M.D. in Forensic Medicine.
Forms, exams and applications
The card says you might have to clear competitive exams such as the All India Forensic Science Entrance Test or NEET to get admission into your choice of course. Exam names, eligibility and dates change — check the official notification.
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 Forensic Science. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
- Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Any recognised university in India
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka
- JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, Karnataka
- Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu
- Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Rabindranath Tagore University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab
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
- 1Forensic Scientist, Adjunct Scientist or Trainee
- 2Chemist, Senior Scientist or Forensic Science Technician
- 3Senior Scientist, Laboratory Manager or Forensic Science Head
- 4Principal Scientist
Related careers to explore
Criminologist
Studies crime, its root causes and society's response to it, and advises police and policymakers on prevention.
Detective
Trained professional — in the police force or as a private investigator — who solves crimes and handles criminal and civil cases.
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 Science.
- 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
Gaurav Gupta — Described in the source as the first Indian to earn a doctorate in Digital Forensics. He received the Young Scientist Award of the Indian Science Congress in 2010 from APJ Abdul Kalam. Besides serving as an additional director with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), he is a published writer. His Ph.D., from Jadavpur University, West Bengal, is on digital forensics to detect and fix computer frauds and cyber crimes, and he works to create awareness about technological fraud in society.
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 821 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/forensic-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 821; the contents list gives 823. Chandigarh University, listed under government institutes as being in Chandigarh, is a private university in Mohali district, Punjab, so it is shown under private institutes here. The card gives three growth routes — Forensic Scientist → Chemist → Senior Scientist → Principal Scientist; Adjunct Scientist → Senior Scientist → Laboratory Manager; and Trainee → Forensic Science Technician → Forensic Science Head — combined step by step here.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.