Forensic Science

What is Forensic Science

Forensic science is a field that has intrigued most of us, we’ve all wanted to try our hand at investigating gruesome, chilling cases. Movies have portrayed the forensic science field to be a nail-biting and nerve-shredding experience. For all those who enjoy solving cases and discovering new leads, this might be one of the best options.

The forensic science field might not offer the filmy experience you imagined, but real life brings out a lot more daunting and off-putting cases.

As a forensic scientist, your role would be to investigate criminals and crimes. The course helps you analyse the various places of crimes, the objects found in the scene. The students are taught to make interpretations and conclusions.

The forensic science course is a combination of law and science together. Forensic science can be learnt from the undergraduate level. The undergraduate programme is for three years, after which the student is provided with a B.Sc. degree.

The postgraduate programme in forensic science is for two years. The entire course in forensic science comes under the science stream. After the masters, the student could also pursue their doctorate in this field.

Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Forensic Science

For Forensic Science UG Courses 

Forensic science students need to ensure that they pass these criteria before enrolling for the course:

• The applicant must have completed their education at 10+2 level from a recognised board.

• A minimum of 50% at both 10th and 12th level is expected.

• The student has to be from a science background.

For Forensic Science PG Courses

These are some of the criteria the colleges look into during admission:

• The student must have completed both 10th and 12th from a recognised board.

• At the 10+2 level, the student should have obtained a minimum of 50% or more.

• The student should have a science degree from a recognised institute.

• A minimum of 55% at the undergraduate level is expected.

• The student must have extensive knowledge in science.

These are the basic criteria. The students should refer to the respective college’s instruction before applying for admission.

Entrance Exams for Forensic Science

Like every other course, even forensic science colleges conduct entrance exams. Forensic science needs students and aspirants who know the field. The exams test whether the students have sufficient knowledge in the field. It also puts to test their analytical, logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

These are the entrance exams for forensic science field:

• GITAM GAT- It is a national level exam conducted by Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM). The entrance test is conducted to screen the candidates for admissions into the B.Tech programmes offered by the University’s campus- Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam. Along with GITAM GAT, the admission process will also be conducted on the basis of JEE Main, TS EAMCET, and AP EAMCET.

• NEST- NEST is an entrance exam conducted by the National Institute of Science Education and Research. Those who write this exam are eligible to study various courses in this college.

• CG PET- It is a state-level entrance examination. It is conducted by the Chandigarh Examination board.

• OUAT- This is also a state entrance exam conducted in Orissa. It offers students courses in undergraduate and postgraduate level. 

• BHU Entrance exam- The Banaras Hindu University conducts entrance exams for various colleges. Students are allowed to take up courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate level.

These are a few entrance exams. Colleges conduct their entrance exams that are unique to the institution.

Required Skillset for Forensic Science

Forensic scientists need to develop a unique set of skills. These skills play a very important role in their findings and work.

• Observational skills- As a forensic scientist, you should have the ability to observe details. When you deal with criminals you should have the ability to note the minute details of their behaviour. Even when they visit the scene of the crime, they should be able to notice details that are not very clearly visible. They should be able to note down the tiny details they find and see. 

• Analytical skills- Analytical skills are of great help to a forensic scientist. Analytical skills involve the ability to collect information and solve various problems based on the information provided. A scientist should analyse the information given to them and make conclusions based on them. 

• Reasoning skills- Logical reasoning is the ability to make use of previously known information to provide solutions. They should be able to reason with logic. In various situations they are put in, they have to be able to reason the various possibilities and outcomes. 

• Communicative skills- A forensic scientist should be able to communicate well. The information and findings that are available to them should be communicated to those in the team.  They should be able to put across complicated data in the most simplified manner.

• Memory skills- Most of the time, forensic scientists have to remember the information that they obtain for a long duration. They should be able to recall details even after some time.

• Organisational Skills- Organisational skills are very crucial in this role. You should have the ability to perform your tasks in an organised manner. You need to prioritise your work and deliver the work on time. 

• Problem-solving skills- This is the most important of skills. A forensic scientist’s role is to investigate and solve cases. They have to use their problem-solving skills to conclude various cases. 

• Critical Thinking- Critical thinking helps a forensic scientist arrive at the right analysis and conclusions. Those who can think critically find it easier to solve complex issues. 

These are a few skills that will be of use to forensic science graduates.