» What is exactly Forensic Science and its growing importance in India?

Forensic science is a multi-disciplinary subject used for examining crime scene and gathering evidence to be used in prosecution of offenders in a court of law. The main areas used in forensic science are biology, chemistry and medicine. Although, the science also includes the use of physics, computer science and psychology. Forensic Scientists examine objects like blood, drug samples, chemicals, paints, explosives, hair, skin, finger print, tyre marks, etc left at the scene of crime. The majority of forensic scientists specialize in one area of science.

Recently higher judiciary has started giving more importance to circumstantial and scientific evidence which require the use of Forensic Science in crime investigation. This trend has started having cascading effect on the rest of the Criminal Justice System and there is a new enthusiasm to understand and apply Forensic Science by criminal justice functionaries like police officers, prosecutors and judicial officers. The utility of Forensic Science beyond investigation of` cases (in areas like crime prevention, tracing of missing persons etc.) as also getting attention from various quarters. Numbers of projects are being initiated in this connection.

» What are the courses offered in Forensic science and eligibility to get admission?

This Institute offers three types of courses in Forensic Science:-

I. Short Term Courses of 5 to 21 days duration are offered to in-Service Officers of Judiciary, Police, Prosecution and Forensic Science nominated by their Departments from all over the country.

II. Long Term Professional Courses of 60 working days to one and half years are offered to in-service Forensic Scientists in different areas of Forensic Science disciplines.

III. The Institute offers 2 year regular degree courses at Post Graduate level in the field of Criminology and Forensic Science, affiliated to GGSIP University, Delhi for the fresh science/art graduates. The eligibility of admission in M.SC. (Forensic Science) is- A- B.Sc. Forensic Science with at least 50% marks in aggregate or B- A Science graduate from any recognized University with at least 50% marks in aggregate. The candidate must have studied Chemistry (or its allied subjects viz. Bio—Chemistry/Analytical

Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry/Agricultural Chemistry/Environmental Chemistry/Life Science or equivalent), for at least two semesters (one year) during the course

» What is the prospect of employment in Forensic Science?

Forensic Science Laboratories are the main employers for persons having education in Forensic Science. At the moment, there are large numbers of vacancies in the 30 government Forensic Science Laboratories in the country. As the vacancies will be filled up in these laboratories, the employment prospect of persons having Forensic Science education will increase drastically.

» Would you explain the future of Forensic Science? Is it as promising and demanding as engineering and medical studies?

In view of the above, Forensic Science is a promising branch and demands for persons having Forensic Science both in the government departments as well as private and non-governmental organizations are likely to increase. However, as a branch, which is mostly utilized by the government departments and also in view of` its small size, Forensic Science cannot be compared with engineering and medical studies.

» What are the important aspects and the key skills required for a career in Forensic Science?

Soft skills required in a person opting a career in Forensic Science are as follows: -

(i) Strong analytical skill

(ii) Strong power of observation

(iii) Logical bent of mind

(iv) Good Communication Skill.

» Any advice for the career seekers?

Doing research in itself does not guarantee either paying jobs or name and fame. With rapid expansion in IT industry and science, technical graduates and post-graduates are getting well paid jobs relatively easily at very early age. Therefore, sticking to the vigorous study of doing research encompasses everything but it needs time to get the desired.