The basic criterion of eligibility needed to be met for admission to the course is a Higher Secondary (10+2) or equivalent qualification from a recognised board, with physics, chemistry and biology and/ or maths as main subjects and a minimum aggregate score of 55 per cent. However, a few private universities in India conduct their own entrance tests for evaluating and admitting students to the course.
Bachelor’s degree programme is a 3- 4 years degree programme with an average of 120 semester credit hours of work. The course curriculum includes the subjects like Criminal Procedure and Evidence, Crime Victim Studies, Constitutional Issues in Criminal Procedures, Fingerprint Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation, and Theories of Crime Causation.
MSc. or PG Diploma
Master’s degree in forensic science prepares the individuals for advanced positions in this field. It typically consists of core subjects like drug analysis, criminalistics, biological evidence, DNA analysis, trace evidence, blood splatter patterns, and toxicology.
A graduate in microbiology, biochemistry, zoology, chemistry, physics, applied science, botany or medicine can pursue a master’s degree in Forensic Science. Even law students can pursue a career in forensic science by completing a suitable certificate or diploma course.
Students have the option to choose between different specializations - forensic physics, forensic medicine, forensic biology, forensic pathology, forensic chemistry, and much more according to what interests them.
It's also possible to become a forensic scientist with an MBBS background. After an MBBS, you can pursue an MD in Forensic Science.
PhD
If you wish to get into teaching or research, a doctorate degree is mandatory. Core subjects include Forensic Instrumental Analysis, Advanced Forensics, Physical Evidence Concepts, Controlled Substance Analysis, Forensic Laboratory Management, and Research Design in Forensic Science, Pattern, and Law and Forensic Sciences. To join the doctoral courses aspirant have to complete his/her master's degree and have to get at least a 3.0 GPA. An aspirant can pursue his/her specialisation course in the fields like Forensic Biology, Forensic Serology, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Toxicology, Forensic Ballistics, Forensic Entomology, Forensic Botany in the Forensic science field.
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