Career as Forensic Scientist

The job of a Forensic Scientist is all about making a keen analysis of the clues collected from a crime scene and providing data that will be used to resolve cases. It involves collecting relevant material from a crime spot that can serve as some proof, gathering all possible clues and converting them into evidence. Physical evidence includes samples of blood, saliva, hair, impressions on objects like glass, shoes, fingerprints, footprints, etc. so that they can be produced in furtherance of reaching to some decision on the crime. 

Forensic Scientists' job is of both on-site and in-office nature. There is a lot of work to be done on the spot and then back into the laboratory where sample analysis is done. It requires working in a team as well as working by yourself. The pressure is high depending on the emergency on the case. As this field is related to criminology, practitioners need to be smart, alert, intelligent and decisive. Pressure will have to be handled at a time from many sides like judicial, management and police and sometimes also from criminals. Situations may demand working round the clock, other than the usual eight-hour schedule.

Forensic Scientists are usually appointed by the Government Intelligence systems. Various private agencies are also known to employ Forensic technicians to provide data and evidence for their investigative work. With the rise in technology, criminals are getting smarter too. That adds up the challenge as well as demand for smart and intelligent researchers in this field. This extra risk is well paid off, especially with the effective application of the seventh pay commission. Even private service members are paid handsomely. 

Another interesting and less risky job is teaching in such institutes. There is work pressure of a different level, yet less compared to those on the field. Again payment is great, especially at private colleges.

Various specializations available for Forensic aspirants are as follows:

• Digital Forensics

• Forensic Linguistics

• Forensic Pathology

• Forensic Accounting

• Forensic Chemistry

• Forensic Microbiology

• Forensic DNA Analysis

• Forensic Engineering

• Forensic Psychiatry

• Forensic Psychology

• Forensic Toxicology

Then the various job roles include:

• Investigative officers

• Legal counsellors

• Forensic Expert

• Forensic Scientist

• Crime Scene Investigator

• Teacher / Professor

• Crime Reporter

Beginners are remunerated about three to four lakhs per annum. Experienced candidates get paid on a scale of Rs 8 to Rs 12 lakh per annum, with added benefits. 

All major cities in India that have courts, where investigative agencies are established, research laboratories and testing is conducted, will have job opportunities for Forensic enthusiasts. Having said that, Delhi and Mumbai being the state and commercial capitals respectively, are likely to have more career opportunities. 

The listing below few major Job Providers for Forensic Graduates and Post Graduates:

• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

• The Intelligence Bureau (IB)

• Central Govt. Forensic Sciences Labs

• The Quality Control Bureau

• The Indian Army

• Police Department

• Hospitals and Pathology Centres

• Banks

• Private Detectives and Law Firms

• Universities