Hello Adhi,

Forensic scientists gather, conserve, and analyze scientific evidence during the course of an investigation. Since forensic science has many sub-divisions, there are a lot of ways you can become a forensic scientist.

What should be a bachelor’s degree to become a forensic scientist?

There are various domains in which you could graduate and then do a masters in forensic science. Like-

• B.Sc Forensic science

• B.Sc in physics/ chemistry/ zoology/ botany/ medicine

• B.Sc. in Mathematics/Statistics/Electronic Science

• Degree in Computer Science/Computer Applications / Information Technology

• B.E./B.Tech

• Degree in Forensic Science, Criminology or Law

Since you want to know about colleges that are Tamil Nadu, B.Sc. forensic science is not available in the state govt. colleges. But there are other undergraduate programmes after which you can do M.Sc Forensic Science and hence you can pursue them. The advantage of opting for such a degree is that the other career options are also open for you. Nevertheless, you can pursue a Masters in Forensic Science.

Also, there are some private colleges that provide undergraduate course related to this field such as 

Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore which provides B.Sc Information Security and Digital Forensics. 

-Fee structure- around 2.5 lakhs.

-Eligibility criteria- candidate should have passed +2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with 50% of marks.

Other than that, you can do a diploma or a certificate course in Forensic science from any local institute. You can also opt for distance learning.

To know more about undergraduate programmes and colleges in Tamil Nadu, you can visit the following links-

https://engineering.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-engineering-colleges-in-tamil-nadu

https://medicine.careers360.com/colleges/ranking/top-medical-colleges-in-tamil-nadu

https://university.careers360.com/articles/top-arts-science-and-commerce-colleges-in-tamil-nadu-2016

Coming to doing a masters, 

1. The Department of Criminology at the Madras University offers the MSc course in Cyber Forensics and Information Security.

The eligibility criteria for that course is-

• graduate degree in Computer Applications/ Computer Science/ Information Technology from Madras University or a recognized university or,

• graduate degree in Forensic Science, Criminology or Law

Fee structure- between Rs 5000- Rs.7000 per year

2. Also, if you opted for medicine field (MBBS) as an undergraduate degree, you can do an MD in Forensic Medicine. By this, you will become a forensic doctor. There are many medical colleges in Tamil Nadu which have this programme. Like-

Madurai Medical College, Madurai (Fee structure- around 1 lakh.)

 Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry (Fee structure- around 9 lakhs)

What after the Masters?

After this course, you can pursue a PhD. in any field of Forensic Science. The University of Madras offers PhD. in Criminology. Apart from this, you can go to other universities too. 

Therefore, there are many ways you can pursue forensic science as a career option. But if you want to do a B.Sc in Forensic Science, unfortunately, you have to look out of Tamil Nadu for that. Though, if you would like to pursue any degree and then go for M.Sc, it won't affect your career.

Is the job guaranteed in this field?

Generally, the major recruiters of forensic science degree holders are-

• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

• Central Govt. Forensic Sciences Labs

• Intelligence Bureau (IB)

• Quality Control Bureau

• Defense/Army

• Police Department

• Private Detective Agencies

• Hospitals

• Law Firms

• Universities etc.

When it comes to jobs, it depends on your performance more than anything else. Certainly, if you study in a reputed institute, there are better chances of getting major recruiters to come in placements. But even the best college cannot guarantee your job, it is based on your performance in the course. So, study hard and become such an expert in your field that your job is assured itself!

I hope your question was given a justified answer and if you have any other query, feel free to comment!

All the best.