Career Prospects:
Forensic science is a crucial element for modern day judicial system wherein a forensic scientist works in close coordination to find out evidence and show the same to courts and helps in solving the case with legally acceptable evidence. Forensic science uses physical science such as chemistry, biology, physics to analyze the evidence found at the crime scene and uses that analysis to help the law enforcement to catch the criminal and most importantly, present that evidence in court.
Collecting materials from the crime spot and taking the same to laboratory, gathering all clues and converting them into evidences which can further be given in court, all these are a part of forensic scientist. The forensic scientist may further be asked to gather physical evidences like blood, saliva, hair, impressions of tyres or shoes, finger prints, foot prints so that the same can be used in reaching some conclusion.
To become a forensic scientist, one needs to clear 10+2 with any background may it be commerce, science or humanities. After that, one needs to first complete a Bachelors' in Forensic or Physical or Biological Science and further pursue M.Sc. (Forensic Science). To become a forensic pathologist, one has to complete an M.D. in Forensic Medicine after successfully completing his/ her MBBS. Medical science students have higher advantage in becoming forensic scientists as a significant part or portion of the subject is related to medical science and analysis.
However, forensic science course is also open for students of B.A. and B.Sc. who can do post graduation in forensic sciences. Law students can do various diploma or certificate courses offered in forensic science and can work in Research and Analysis Wing, or crime branch of state police.
Forensic science is a high pressure job, it requires handling lots of pressure from various sides e.g. police, judiciary and administration. Similarly, a forensic scientist is expected to work over time, spend lots of time in investigation, be prepared for scrutinizing the evidence found at the crime spot and do many other duties. A forensic scientist can work as a crime scene investigator, forensic pathologist, trace evidence analyst, and expert analysts in forensic specializations.
A criminologist can work as an analyst, teacher, reviewer and reformer of law, revising ways of criminal rehabilitation and as researchers working to improve the criminal justice system. Most of the job prospects for forensic scientists are in government sector, particularly in various law enforcement agencies such as police, legal system, the investigative services of the central government and state governments. However, some private agencies too offer job opportunities to those who have some qualification in the field.
Another interesting career, rather the most attractive option for forensic scientists is teaching in institutes which impart education in forensic science. Besides working with police as investigative officers, forensic scientists have plenty of other career options including that of specializing in subjects such as medicine, engineering, fingerprinting, insect study and geology where one can work as expert consultants in that particular field.
Note: This information is being summarised from the information provided by institutes offering those courses.