PG Diploma in Forensic Science is a 1-year postgraduate certification course with specialized knowledge and skills in various forensic disciplines. The PG Diploma in Forensic Science leads to careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, or forensic laboratories.
The course equips students with the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to work in forensic laboratories or related fields. It offers a wide range of specialisations like Forensic Biology and DNA Fingerprinting, Forensic Ballistics, Fingerprint Science, etc.
The Course fee ranges from INR 2 to 3 Lakhs for private institutes, whereas it is INR 20,000 to 40,000 for government colleges. Admission to the PGDM Forensic Science is generally based on graduation merit.
- PG Diploma in Forensic Science Course Highlights
- PG Diploma in Forensic Science Specialisations
- PG Diploma in Forensic Science Course Benefits
- PG Diploma in Forensic Science Eligibility
- PG Diploma in Forensic Science Admission Process
- PG Diploma in Forensic Science Top Colleges in India
- PG Diploma in Forensic Science Syllabus
- PG Diploma in Forensic Science Career Opportunities
- FAQs
PG Diploma in Forensic Science Course Highlights
Forensic Science PG Diploma covers a broad curriculum with multiple specialisations in Forensic Science and related laws. It imparts the required skills like identifying fingerprints, collecting samples from crime scenes, analysing samples for evidence, recording and documenting the data, crime scene photography, handwriting analysis, etc.
Particulars | Details |
Program name | Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science |
Duration | 1 Year |
Eligibility | UG in any discipline of science with a minimum of 50% marks from UGC UGC-recognised university |
Admission | Graduation merit or entrance exam |
Average Course Fee | Private colleges: INR 2,00,000 - 3,00,000
Public colleges: INR 20,000 - 40,000 |
Average Salary | INR 3 - 8 LPA |
Job Positions | Forensic Scientist, Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic Expert, Professor, Forensic Physiologist, Forensic Anthropologist, Forensic Toxicologist, Forensic Handwriting Expert, Forensic Entomologist |
Top Recruiting Sectors | Medical Sectors, Crime Branch, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Quality Control Bureau, Police Departments, Detective Agencies, and Law Firms, etc |
PG Diploma in Forensic Science Specialisations
The PG Diploma Forensic Science in many colleges offers multiple specialisations that help the candidates in getting an in-depth understanding of their area of interest.
- Forensic Biology and DNA Fingerprinting: DNA and Biological Evidence Analysis.
- Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology: Analysing the chemical substances and toxins.
- Forensic Ballistics: Focuses on the detailed study of firearms.
- Fingerprint Science: Analysing and identifying fingerprints.
- Investigative Psychology: Understanding criminal behaviour and its application to investigations.
- Crime Scene Management: This specialisation focuses on the protection and preservation of the Crime Scene
- Forensic Biotechnology: Analysing DNA profiles, genes, and other biological samples.
PG Diploma in Forensic Science Course Benefits
PG Diploma Forensic Science is a valuable certification course for those seeking jobs in forensic investigations and contributing to justice.
- Diverse Sectors: The course offers a promising career in diverse government and private sectors such as law enforcement, courts, intelligence bureaus, hospitals, detective agencies, and forensic labs.
- Emerging Field: Forensic science is a growing field, hence guaranteeing job security.
- Fascinating and Rewarding Career: The field fascinates individuals who enjoy solving mysteries, and it ensures a well-reputed job.
PG Diploma in Forensic Science Eligibility
To be eligible for admission for a postgraduate diploma in forensic science, one must possess a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields like Forensic Science, Medicine, Life Science, Pharmacy, etc, with at least 50% marks from a recognised university.
Working professionals can also apply for this value-added certification course.
PG Diploma in Forensic Science Admission Process
PGDM Forensic Science admission is generally direct, based on graduation merit. However, some renowned universities like NFSU may require a university-specific entrance exam for admission.
A general online process for admission is as follows.
- Step 1: First, the candidates need to visit the official website of the NFSU.
- Step 2: Upon visiting the website, the candidates are required to head on to the admissions page.
- Step 3: Now, the candidates need to fill out the application form by entering the necessary details.
- Step 4: Now, the candidates need to upload the documents
- Step 5: Now, pay the application fee and submit the application form.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to appear in the counselling session and a personal interview.
PG Diploma in Forensic Science Top Colleges in India
In India, NFSU is a key institute for forensic science studies and recruitment. Here are some of the best colleges offering a PG Diploma Forensic Science with different specializations.
Name | NIRF 2024 Ranking | Admission based on | Average Course Fee (INR) |
Banaras Hindu University | 11 (overall) | BHU PET merit | 20,000 |
All India Institute Of Medical Sciences | 1 (medical) | INI-CET merit | - |
BBA University Lucknow | 58 (overall) | CUET PG merit | 1 Lakh |
Chandigarh University | 20 (university) | Graduation merit | - |
Galgotias University | 151-200 (overall) | Graduation/CUET PG merit | 35,000 |
National Forensic Sciences University | - | NFAT/GATE merit | 3 Lakhs |
PG Diploma in Forensic Science Syllabus
The curriculum of the PG Diploma Forensic Science focuses on the basic understanding of forensic, cyber, and crime investigation subjects. The curriculum differs among the various institutes and their specialisations. The syllabus includes the basic concepts, experiments, theories, and practical applications of the concepts.
The syllabus of the University of Mumbai is given below.
Semester I | Semester II |
Fundamentals of Forensic Science I | Fundamentals of Forensic Science II |
Essentials of Forensic Science I | Essentials of Forensic Science II |
Prefecture of Forensic Science I | Prefecture of Forensic Science II |
Criminology and Law I | Criminology and Law II |
Practical in Forensic Science I | Practical in Forensic Science III |
Practical in Forensic Science II | Practical in Forensic Science IV |
PG Diploma in Forensic Science Career Opportunities
After completing the course, one can pursue various career paths in government or private firms. For instance, CBI, CID, IB, Judiciary firms, etc. Some of the well-paid job profiles are Forensic analyst, Document analyst, Crime Scene photographer, Counsellor, etc.
Job Profile | Description | Average Salary (INR) |
Digital Data Analyst | They deal with analysing evidence from computers and other forms of digital data. | 6 LPA |
Crime Scene Investigator | They deal with the process of crime scene investigation, fingerprint identification, and forensic imaging, and hence provide the details to police departments and other agencies. | 3 to 5 LPA |
Forensic Technicians | They are responsible for collecting and analysing the evidence at the crime scenes. | 2 to 4 LPA |
Forensics Physiologist | They provide physiological services and analysis for every facet of the criminal justice system. | 1 to 3 LPA |
Forensic Ballistics Expert | They examine the evidence related to firearms at the crime scene and explain the findings to the court of law. | 3 to 6 LPA |
FAQs
How can I join government agencies after studying PGDM Forensic Science?
To get a government job after PGDM Forensic Science, one must qualify for recruitment exams such as UPSC, state PSC, NFSU recruitment exams, etc. The recruitment process for each government-led forensic sector is different. Therefore, one should be very specific about career goals and interests.
What is the difference between fingerprinting and DNA fingerprinting?
Fingerprinting and DNA fingerprinting are two different techniques used in forensic investigations. The former is a testing and matching of physical prints present on the individual’s fingers while the latter involves matching of DNA profiles of two individuals. It is used to solve parental mystery cases, murder or rape cases.
What is cyber forensics?
Cyber forensics is one of the specialisations in forensic science that combines computer science and legal forensics to gather and analyse digital evidence, ensuring its integrity and admissibility in legal proceedings.
What is the highest-paid forensic job after completing the PG Diploma in Forensic Science?
The highest paying job in the forensic field is ‘Forensic Medical Examiner’, aka forensic pathologist. They are responsible for determining the cause and manner of death through the examination of deceased individuals.
What is the salary of a forensic officer?
In India, the salary of a forensic officer varies based on experience, specialisation, and sector (government or private). With entry-level position,s one can earn between INR 3,00,000 to 5,00,000 per annum that further rise to INR 8,00,000 or more.
