B.Sc in Agriculture Vs B.Sc. in Forensic Science: Which is a better course?

Students planning to pursue Bachelor of Science, here is a comparative analysis between Agriculture and Forensic Science as a specialisation. The two specialisations are compared based on the eligibility criteria, the syllabus and job opportunities in the future. 

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.Sc in Agriculture) has come a long way riding on the ever-evolving technological practices to better one of the highest contributing sectors to the Indian economy. The four-year undergraduate course is offered by institutes listed under the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR). On the other hand, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science (B.Sc in Forensic Science) deals with the use of scientific methods in the detection of crime and carrying out criminal investigations. This is a three-year-long graduation course, and the main subjects include Forensic Pathology, Psychiatry, Psychology, Forensic Medicine, and Odontology (Dentistry).

Syllabus

The course follows a syllabus prescribed by ICAR for BSc in Agriculture are as follows:

A student can enhance future growth prospects by pursuing a Master in Science (M.Sc) in a particular stream of agriculture.

On the other hand, Forensic Science involves a lot of laboratory-based training involving various aspects of such as: 

Options for higher studies include an M.Sc in Forensic Sciences.

Eligibility Criteria

For pursuing a B.Sc in agriculture, a student needs to pass Class XII with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or Mathematics as subjects. The admission process can be of direct admission based on marks or through an examination conducted by the college or university. The ICAI Exam conducted by the ICAR and state universities of Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Kerala also conducts separate examinations.

A B.Sc in Forensic Science also needs the passing of Class XII with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or Mathematics as subjects with a minimum aggregate of 55 per cent. While some universities set up cut-off marks for admission, others conduct separate entrance tests. In addition, MBBS students can also specialise in forensic science and gain eligibility for performing post mortem on dead bodies.

Career Prospect

Students can check out the following career options one can take up after completing either their BSc in Agriculture or BSc in Forensic Science.

After BSc in Agriculture

In terms of job profile, B.Sc. in Agriculture offers opportunities in both the government as well as the private level as agriculture officers, agricultural research scientists, assistant plantation managers, etc. Opportunities exist in agricultural organisations and sectors that deal with agro-research and commercial farming. The major government employers include Indian Agricultural Research Institute, NABARD, and other banks, Food Corporation of India, National Seeds Corporation Limited, National Dairy Development Board, and others. Among the private companies recruiting in the field, National Agro Industries, Rasi Seeds, ABT Industries, DuPont India and Rallis India Limited are some significant names.

After BSc in Forensic Science

In the field of forensic science, opportunities ahead come in the law enforcing agencies of the government along with private agencies, hospitals, and laboratories. Job profiles include crime laboratory analyst, forensic serologist, forensic toxicologist, and others — the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Govt. Forensic Sciences Labs and various police departments in the country hire such professionals. Private companies recruiting forensic experts include hospitals, laboratories, and law firms. A forensic expert may act as a freelancer and can also be employed as a teacher after gaining sufficient experience.

Course Fees and Salary Comparison

A B.Sc in Agriculture can be completed for an annual fee ranging between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000. The course fees for a degree in Forensic Science can range between 2 to 3 lakhs depending on the college.

In the field of forensic science, for freshers, who have studied agriculture can start off with a salary ranging between Rs 2-4.5 lakh per annum while professionals with 6-10 years of experience, salaries can range between Rs 6-10 lakh per annum. For senior professionals with an experience above 12 years, the salary can range around Rs 12-15 lakh per annum. For those who have studied forensic science, starting salary ranges between Rs 4-6 lakh per annum, for mid-level and senior-level professionals, the salary depends on their field experience and performance and can range between Rs 8-15 lakh per annum.

Nature of work and Opportunities

A B.Sc. course in Agriculture has a broader base since the importance of sustainable modes of agriculture is rising higher with time. Food is an aspect of life that is closely linked with the growth of the country and society. With the high demand for innovation, technology, and effective research in the field, agriculture provides opportunities both in India and abroad.

Forensic Sciences would be suited for anyone who has an analytical frame of mind along with aptitude as it involves crime- scene investigation. At present, the job market for Forensic Science in India is mostly related to government employers, but with the rising importance of the subject, the opportunities ahead are expected to improve significantly by 2025.