Career in Forensic Science: A complete guide for beginners in 2023 – Times of India

Forensic Science requires a higher influx of student interest, yet its potential remains untapped due to students’ limited awareness of the discipline. For those who already possess an understanding of Forensic Science or are in search of scientific careers outside of medicine and engineering, you’ve arrived at the ideal destination. This article aims to furnish you with extensive insight into this field, along with an exploration of the various career prospects it holds.
What is Forensic Science?

Forensic Science is the field of study that encompasses various disciplines like physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science to investigate crimes or examines evidence that can be produced in a court of law.
Speaking to TOI, Prof. (Dr.) Sally Lukose, Dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, says, “Forensic Science includes a varied spectrum of specializations, each focusing on distinct facets of the field. Some of the common areas of specialization within Forensic Science include Forensic Toxicology, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Ballistics, Forensic Serology and DNA Profiling, Forensic Anthropology, Questioned Documents, and Fingerprints.”
“With advancements in technology and crimes becoming more technologically sophisticated, specializations such as digital Forensics have gained increasing popularity among its practitioners, hence reflecting the ever-evolving nature of forensic science to adapt to emerging challenges in the modern era,” she added.
Are you the right fit for Forensic Science?
In an academic field such as Forensic Science, which lacks the mainstream appeal of conventional subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, students often find themselves uncertain about their suitability. To relieve this uncertainty, Dr. Sally Lukose proposes a set of factors that individuals should contemplate prior to deciding on a career path in forensic science.
• Personal interest plays a crucial role, as your passion and curiosity ensure a long-term engagement and satisfaction in the selected specialty.
• Assess your existing skills and educational background to determine if you possess the necessary qualifications.
• Do a preliminary survey about the career opportunities that this field offers.
• Speak with professionals in the field, and attend career fairs or seminars.
Career Opportunities in Forensic Science
Forensic Science presents a wide range of career opportunities in India and abroad. The public and private sectors highly value their role, offering attractive salary packages and extra benefits.
Dr. Sally Lukose says, “In the Government Sector, one can be recruited by the Forensic Science Laboratories at the Regional, State, or Central Laboratories, they may also offer their service as Forensic Experts/Consultants, Providing specialized forensic expertise to government agencies, courts, and legal authorities as an independent consultant or expert witness.
The options are not only limited to government institutions and laboratories but there are ample opportunities in the private sector as well. In the private sector, one can practice as Forensic Consultant working as an independent consultant for private organizations, law firms, or insurance companies, providing forensic expertise and analysis for civil cases or corporate investigations.
“They may also work as Forensic Lab Technician assisting in forensic analysis and evidence processing within private forensic laboratories. The Forensic students may also be working as Digital Forensic Specialist, employed by private cybersecurity firms or consulting companies, conducting digital investigations, data recovery, and analysis of digital evidence,” added Prof. (Dr.) Sally Lukose.