Forensic Sci: Apply science to solve crimes

FAST FACTS
Participating institutions: Amity University, Galgotias University, Noida, Bundelkhand University (Institute of Forensic Science & Criminology), Jhansi
Duration: 3 years
For: Class 12 students
Selection process: Some institutes admit students on the basis of personal interview and some on the basis of marks obtained in Class 12
Recruiters: Forensic Science Laboratories (Govt. and Private), Banks, Detective Agencies, Security and Intelligence agencies, Law firms, Pharma companies, Chemical Manufacturing Units, etc

JATIN DEWAN, a third year student of BSc (Hon) in Forensic Sciences at Amity University liked investigation and crime TV shows since his childhood, which ultimately influenced his choice for Bachelor’s.  “Forensic sciences is such a domain that everyday you learn something new and innovative,” he shares. Forensic Science has become an essential pillar of criminal investigation to solve crimes and help delivery of justice.

The context
Forensic science is basically the application of pure sciences to investigate and solve crimes. But fact of the matter is that the existing forensic services are highly inadequate to tackle the rising crime graph in India. “There is a dearth of good quality forensic scientists,” says Prof. SK Shukla, Director, Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences, Amity University, Noida.

Why a specialised course?
Some experts advise candidates to pursue an undergraduate programme in Forensic Sciences prior to joining a Master’s course because it gives them a good ground to acclimatize with the domain and also equips them to acquire the requisite skills and expertise in following a career as a forensic scientist.

Perceptive curriculum
The course curricula of a UG programme in Forensic Science comprises various disciplines like crime scene investigation with modern inputs of instrumentation techniques, DNA profiling, gel electrophoresis, fingerprints and document examinations, image processing, voice analysis, knowledge of toxicology, serology, ballistics, physics, chemistry and cyber crime among others. One can also specialise. For instance in forensic serology, one could gather a fair understanding of the nature of blood, the characteristics of blood stains and even relate the same to the principles of hereditary.

Pro-active forensics
Nowadays, when the police attempt to solve a crime they call up the forensic team and take their help to stop the occurrence of a series of crime. This is called proactive forensic and this is practised to curb the possibility of any crime, thus helping the society.

Practical training for synergy
Here you have to deal with cases like bomb blasts, DNA profiling, speaker identification, document and handwriting examining, etc. “We have different labs like toxicology lab, biology lab, document examination lab, finger printing laboratory in our institute and we deal there with drugs, bones, DNA, finger printing etc and I find it very interesting,” shares Jatin. Good institutes offer opportunities to learn how to solve mock crimes in a team and also give a chance to change the roles as the year progresses. All these come in handy when one faces real-life situations.

Master’s course is to specialise
No specialisation is offered during undergraduation in India. To become a successful forensic expert, one should also go for Master’s degree. “Without it you cannot become an expert,” says Manan Amin a student. Many students go abroad to pursue postgraduation.

Career prospects
There is much scope for career growth in government and private sector in India as well as abroad. The key employment generating arena in government include the law enforcing agenesis such as National Investigation Agency, Central Bureau of Investigation, Intelligence Bureau, Central/State Police departments, Centre Forensic Science Laboratory, and State Forensic Science Laboratory. The other areas where jobs exist are at hospitals, banks, universities, defence/army units, Quality Control Bureau, Narcotics Department, Judicial Services, Forest and Wild Life departments and the like. With the opening up of the economy, job opportunities have risen in the private sector and many security agencies, banks, multinational firms, law firms, detective agencies, media houses, insurance companies are recruiting people. From analysts and consultants to domain experts and scientists, job profiles vary. The salary typically ranges from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month depending on the nature and place of the work.

How about a start-up?
Students can start their own consultancy services or associate with similar agencies. However, it would be a good combination if the student pursues law or paramedical disciplines which would give them an additional advantage in their career.

Vikas Saraswat, Director, IFS Forensic Standard and Research started the company in 2009 with four close friends. He started it with an investment of Rs. 1 Lakh only and now he is working with a team of 15-16 people. He shares, “I did my graduation and postgraduation in Forensic Sciences and decided to start my firm. To start a venture in this domain, you need to be an expert in at least one area and be confident.” His firm specialises in solving cases related to cyber crime, and has expertise in document examining. Another graduate Akash Singh, who started on his own, shares, “I completed my BSc in Forensic Science this year only and I have tied up with a few big forensic agencies working on 6-7 cases, pertaining to theft and robbery in National Capital Region.”

Opportunities abroad
Dr. Shukla shares that the demand of Indian forensic experts is very good in other countries. “We are at par with, rather much ahead, in some areas than many other western countries,” he shares. The remuneration is on the higher side, abroad. The opportunities too are broader in many developed countries and the profiles include: Medical Examiner, Crime Laboratory Analyst, Fraud Examiner, Environment Analyst, Crime Scene Examiners, Forensic Psychologist, Genetic Experts and Forensic Engineers, among others.
 

PROF SK SHUKLA  Dir., Amity Inst.of Forensic Sciences,  Amity University, Noida One does not need high level instrumentation and techniques to solve crimes all the time. Whatever is possible within limits, you have to apply MANAN AMIN, A student pursuing UG course in Forensic Science We used to have 6-7 classes in our college from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening. One has to really work hard to be a forensic science expert