IGNOU Delhi
- Fees: ₹ 10,800
Criminology and forensic law
Degrees offered: B.A., B.A.(Hons), B.Sc., B.Sc.(Hons), Diploma, L.L.B, L.L.M
What is Criminology and forensic law
Criminology and Forensic Law is a subject that delves much deeper than just a branch of Law. It requires an understanding of the human brain, psychology, physiology as well as genetics and chemistry. The profession involves the process of investigating a crime from the very first step of it to the last. A Criminology and Forensic Law graduate must understand the nature of the crime, the motive, as well as solve it. For this, the knowledge of several fields, including science, is essential.
Our legal system in the country can never have enough of Criminology and Forensic Law graduates due to its sheer population and extremely high crime rates. Such professionals are essential to making our country a better place to live.
Course Highlights
Parameters | Undergraduate | Post Graduate |
Popular Courses in Criminology and Forensic Law | Certificate Course in Forensic Science Diploma Course in Criminology and Forensic Law Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Forensic Law
| Master’s Degree in Criminology and Forensic Law Masters Degree Course in Forensic Science and Criminology Research Master of Legislative Law in Criminology PG Diploma Course in Criminology and Forensic Law |
Minimum Duration | 1 Year | 1 Year |
Maximum Duration | 5 Years | 2 Years |
Admission Criteria | 50% marks in 10+2 examinations from a recognized education board. Minimum marks specified in the entrance examinations. | Completion of LLB course from a recognized university in India with a minimum of 50% marks. |
Minimum Fees | Rs. 25,000 p.a. | Rs. 30,000 p.a. |
Maximum Fees | Rs. 16,00,000 p.a. | Rs. 2,00,000 p.a. |
Minimum Salary | Rs. 2,00,000 p.a. | Rs. 3,00,000 p.a. |
Maximum Salary | Rs. 5,00,000 p.a. | Rs. 6,00,000 p.a. |
Jobs Available | Criminal Lawyer Legal Advisor, Drug Policy Advisor, Consumer Advocate | Private Detectives, Crime Investigator, Crime Scene Analyst, FBI Agent, Crime Intelligence Analyst |
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Criminology and forensic law
For admissions into criminology and forensic law courses, the admission and eligibility criteria are the same as most other law courses. Listed below is the criteria that is extremely essential for admission –
For Undergraduate Courses –
The undergraduate course usually just provides students with a specialization in the field of criminology and forensic Law. Listed below are the essential requirements for it –
- 10+2 examination certificate and marks card with a 50% aggregate of marks
- Rankings and marks cards of entrance exams specified by the university. Most universities require the rankings of CLAT as well as LSAT.
For Post Graduate Courses –
- A Bachelor’s degree in Law with no specified specialization
- Any entrance exam specified by the university. CLAT PG along with AILET PG are the most commonly asked for examinations.
Criminology and Forensic Law Entrance Exams
For Undergraduate Courses –
CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)– This is a National Level Entrance exam written mostly for admission into National Law Universities. This exam is also considered for admissions into several other colleges.
LSAT – The Law School Admission Test is a national level entrance exam conducted for admission into law courses at over 80 universities and colleges. This test is conducted by the Law School Admission Council.
AILET – National Law School, Delhi conducts the All India Law Entrance Test for selecting the suitable candidates as the institute does not accept any other entrance exam.
AP LAWCET – This is the Andhra Pradesh Common Law Entrance Test that is conducted by Krishnadevaraya University for the Council of Higher Education in Andhra Pradesh. This is a commonly written state level entrance exam for admissions into universities of that state. Similar to this, is the TN LAWCET which is written for admissions into colleges In Tamil Nadu.
For Post Graduate Courses –
CLAT PG – This test is conducted on the lines of CLAT UG but is meant for selection of candidates for postgraduate law courses. National Law Universities also accept the scores of the exam for admission into PG courses.
AILET PG – This exam is mandatory for candidates seeking admission into the Postgraduate courses at NLU Delhi. Several other educational institutions also accept the scores of this exam..
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Scope of Criminology and forensic law in India and Abroad
This course in criminology and forensic law is suitable for any candidate interested in both science and Law. It also helps if the candidate has a good understanding or intuition when it comes to human psychology. This course helps ensure that our nation remains a much safer and just place to live in. With a strong base in Law as well as a keen interest in investigation, any candidate pursuing this course is certain to excel in it. The scope of this degree, in a country that can never have enough personnel in its legal system, is extremely high. The crime rates only soar in numbers by the day along with the demand for better detectives rising with it. Therefore, as a career, there are always plenty of job opportunities available.
Course Fees Criminology and forensic law
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
87.00 K
B.A. in Criminology and forensic law at St Thomas College, Thrissur
|
16.61 K
B.A. in Criminology and forensic law at Institute of Distance Education, University of Madras, Chennai
|
15.30 Lakhs
B.A. L.L.B in Criminology and forensic law at School of Law, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun
|
42.75 K
B.A. in Criminology and forensic law at Rani Channamma University, Belagavi
|
| PG |
18.40 K
P.G.D in Criminology and forensic law at BJS Rampuria Jain Law College, Bikaner
|
2.20 K
P.G.D in Criminology and forensic law at Government Institute of Forensic Science, Aurangabad
|
1.60 Lakhs
L.L.M in Criminology and forensic law at Department of Law, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Navi Mumbai
|
2.00 Lakhs
M.A. in Criminology and forensic law at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar
|
| DOCTORAL |
3.11 Lakhs
Ph.D in Criminology and forensic law at OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat
|
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Data not available
|
3.11 Lakhs
Ph.D in Criminology and forensic law at OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat
|
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Data not available
|
| DIPLOMA |
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Data not available
|
10.00 K
Diploma in Criminology and forensic law at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur
|
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Data not available
|
10.00 K
Diploma in Criminology and forensic law at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur
|
Course Subjects
Listed here are some of the main subjects covered to equip students with knowledge pertaining to all these fields –
For Undergraduate Courses –
Since the subject of criminology and forensic Law is only introduced as a specialization or an elective around the 6th or 7th semester, only certain aspects of the course are covered. Listed below are the main topics related to criminology and forensic science in an LLB Course –
- Law of Evidence
- Criminal Psychology
- International Criminal Law
- Law of Crimes
- Comparative Criminal Procedure
- Forensic Science and the Law
- Penology and Victimology
For Post Graduate Courses –
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Psychology of Crime
- Forensic Science
- Cyber Crime
- Juvenile Justice System
- Crime Prevention Management
Careers in Criminology and forensic law
Criminology is one of the most common specializations in the field of Law. There is a demand for graduates of criminology and forensic Law both within India and abroad, thus, making it a very lucrative career option. Usually upon graduating, working with a professional criminal lawyer is the usual norm. While working for the government, one can choose to either work for the defence or as a prosecutor. Usually a criminal lawyer's main task revolves around examining the crime scene, collecting evidence and thus, conclusively arising to decisions on the case. Communication plays a key role in their career and aids with the collection of evidence. Thus, a career in criminology is not only a well-paying job but also one that can be extremely interesting if one is passionate about it.
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Job Profiles
Having possessed the skills that a criminology and forensic law course equips one with, the candidate has career opportunities in almost every field. Listed below are some of the job titles available for a criminology and forensic science graduate -
| Job Title | Description |
1. | Crime Intelligence Analyst | Deals with the collection of evidence, its analysis as well as its conversion into valid information that can aid law enforcement. |
2. | Private Detective | Usually hired by a private client to gather more evidence and resolve a case privately for a stipulated amount. |
3. | Forensic Science Technician | They study the evidence gathered for fingerprints, traces of DNA and other particles that could help solve a case. They also work under the laws stipulated for handling of evidence and ensure that they are enforced. |
4. | Crime Prevention Coordinator | Helps reduce crimes in areas by raising awareness through communication and public relations. They deal with the prevention and control of crimes. |
5. | Criminal Law Practitioner | Deals with cases related to criminal activities. The lawyer can either work as a defendant or a prosecutor. |
6. | Government Pleader | They handle cases conducted on behalf of the government |
Top Recruiters
With the kind of knowledge, a criminologist possesses, they can provide valuable insights as well as aid in many different industries. They have job opportunities in private sectors, public sectors and at times even NGOs and other legal institutions. Listed below are some of the top recruiters in the field-
- CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation)
- ED (Enforcement Directorate)
- Central Police
- State Police
- Maheshwari and Co. Law firm
- Dhir and Dhir Associates Law firm
Average Salary
Being a job that is available both in the private as well as the public sector, the pay received greatly depends on the skillset, hiring position as well as the sector. While government jobs assure aspirants of steady pay, private sectors fluctuate but at the same time, have a greater pay scale as well as opportunities for growth. Listed below are some popular job descriptions in Criminology and Forensic Law as well as the salaries associated with them –
| Job Title | Salary Per Annum |
1. | Criminologist | Rs. 5,00,000 |
2. | Detective | Rs. 4,00,000 |
3. | Forensic Science Technician | Rs. 6,00,000 |
4. | Criminal Lawyer | Rs. 3,50,000 |
5 | Lecturer | Rs. 4,00,000 |
6. | Social Worker | Rs. 2,50,000 |
7. | Crime Investigator | Rs. 3,00,000 |
**The salary figures mentioned anywhere in this article is just for reference purposes. Please treat them as such. Actual salaries may vary depending on respective candidates, employer, job location and numerous other factors.
Required Skillset for Criminology and forensic law
A quick mind as well as knowledge in the fields of psychology, physiology, chemistry and Law is an essential in the case of criminology and forensic law. Although seeming like an extensively large list, these skills that can be picked up along the course are complemented and made easier by the skill sets mentioned below –
Analytical Skills – An occupation such as this, requires extensive observation as well as a good analytical interpretation of the things observed.
Research Skills – The ability to find out more is the key to success in the field.
Leadership Skills – To command a team to aid with the investigation in a systematic manner is the main job description, making leadership an essential quality.
Good Technical Knowledge – The knowledge of computers, data entry and analysis are needed.
Understanding of Human Behaviour – Psychology plays a major part in the field of criminology. It is the key to solving a crime and uncovering the motive.
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Course Curriculum for Criminology and forensic law
The curriculum for this course is vast. One needs to know the scientific aspects of chemistry required in a real time investigation, the implications of genetics in a scene of crime along with the natural tendencies and instincts of the human brain in the field of psychology. The subjects involved in the course provide in-depth understanding of practical applications of the various provisions of the law. The course pedagogy comprises classroom sessions, workshops, seminars, internships and video sessions. After studying the general law subjects in the initial few semesters, students will be studying specialised subjects pertaining to criminology and forensic law.
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Popular Criminology and forensic law Entrance Exams in India
LSAT India
Application Process: 10 Nov, 2022 - 26 May, 2023
TS PGLCET
Application Process: 02 Mar, 2023 - 06 Apr, 2023
ULSAT
Application Process: 19 Dec, 2022 - 25 Apr, 2023
Popular Criminology and forensic law Colleges in India VIEW ALL
Manipal University, Jaipur
- Fees: ₹ 72,700
Karunya University
- Fees: ₹ 272,900
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: How hard is a course in Criminology and Forensic Law?
Answer :
While a course in criminology is considered hard, it is extremely rewarding. It involves the study of technology and computers for data storage, chemistry and genetics for investigation and collection of evidence in a crime scene, psychology and human behavior for a proper informative interrogation and finally an in-depth study of the laws related to it.
Question: Is criminology a respected degree?
Answer :
Criminology is an extremely respected degree in India. Since it involves the protection of people and the enforcing of justice, the career is much revered. Moreover, the course itself is known to be extremely difficult and a graduate of it is thus, considered as extremely knowledgeable and well informed.
Question: Do you need a science background for criminology and forensic law?
Answer :
Although useful, a science background for criminology and forensic Law is not quite necessary. All the concepts of forensics are taught from scratch and can be picked up by anyone irrespective of their base in science. However, having a strong base in science wouldn’t hurt. It would make it easier to grasp the concepts of forensics, genetics, chemistry and all other topics needed for criminology.
Question: What is the difference between criminal law and civil law?
Answer :
Criminal Law deals with more severe and life-threatening cases that disrupt the peaceful functioning of society along with the safety of its people while civil Law resolves disputes between people and organizations which are a lot less chaotic.
Question: What are some of the top colleges in the country to pursue criminology and forensic Law?
Answer :
Listed here are some of the top colleges in India, offering courses in Criminology and Forensic Law-
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