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15-05-2025
Crime has always been a part of human society, but how it is investigated has significantly transformed. Today, forensic science stands at the forefront of modern criminal investigations. It is a specialised branch of science that equips professionals with the scientific principles and techniques to analyse physical evidence in legal and criminal cases.
The career scope in forensic science is vast and diverse. According to a CNN money report, forensic science is the sixth fastest-growing field worldwide. Pursuing a Master of Science (MSc) in forensic science offers numerous opportunities in crime investigation, case-solving, and legal proceedings.
Reports from the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) further support the optimistic outlook, predicting that the demand for forensic science professionals will grow by 16% by 2030. The blog aims to cover more insights on the MSc forensic science jobs.
Forensic science offers promising career opportunities in both the government and private sectors. There is a strong demand for skilled forensic professionals across various fields. Organisations are constantly looking for experts who are knowledgeable and capable of effectively performing critical tasks such as evidence analysis, crime scene investigation, and laboratory procedures.
Students pursuing this field have multiple career paths to explore. They can choose roles based on their interests and preferred work settings. Some of the highest-paying jobs after M.Sc Forensic Science include Forensic Scientist, Lab Manager, Investigation Officer, Field Investigator, Crime Reporter, and more. This field opens up numerous MSc Forensic Science job prospects for graduates in various areas, such as:
As legal systems rely on scientific expertise these days, the public sector is also looking out for trained forensic professionals who can assist in solving crimes. The key government departments hiring MSc Forensic Science graduates are the state and central police departments, Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Development Organisations, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and Defence and Military Intelligence Units.
Some of the popular MSc Forensic Science jobs in the public sector are as follows:
|
Job Title |
Job Description |
|
Sr. Scientific Assistant |
Assists senior scientists in conducting forensic tests and preparing case reports. |
|
Scientific Officer |
Leads forensic investigations and supervises lab operations in government agencies. |
|
Professors or Lecturers in Govt Colleges |
Teaches forensic science courses and guides research in government institutions. |
|
Lab Analysts in CBI Forensic Dept. |
Analyses crime scene evidence in CBI labs to support criminal investigations. |
|
Investigation Officer |
Conducts field investigations, collects evidence, and coordinates with forensic teams. |
MSc Forensic Science graduates can access various career options in privately owned forensic laboratories, diagnostic labs, and pathology clinics. Additionally, private detective agencies and firms collaborating with police departments often seek forensic experts for investigation and analysis work. Besides traditional forensic roles, graduates are also valued in sectors like the legal field, health and safety organisations, educational institutions, and even the food and beverage industry.
Some of the popular jobs after MSc Forensic Science in the private sector are as follows:
|
Job Title |
Job Description |
|
Crime Scene Investigator |
Examines crime scenes, collects physical evidence, and documents findings for analysis. |
|
Private Detective |
Conducts private investigations, surveillance, and background checks for clients. |
|
Forensic Pathologist |
Performs autopsies to determine the cause of death and assists in medico-legal cases. |
|
Crime Laboratory Analyst |
Analyses forensic evidence in laboratories to support criminal investigations. |
|
Drug Analyst |
Tests and evaluates drug samples for composition, quality, and possible tampering. |
Salaries for MSc Forensic Science graduates in India vary significantly depending on experience, job role, and the type of organisation—government or private. The government sector remains the largest employer in this field, offering structured salary packages and additional benefits.
However, private organisations also provide competitive salaries, especially for candidates with relevant skills and prior experience. The table below gives us an overview of MSc Forensic Science salary in India:
|
Experience Level |
Salary Range (Annual) |
|
Entry-Level (Fresher) |
₹1.58 lakh – ₹4.95 lakh |
|
Average Salary |
₹4.95 lakh |
|
Experienced (5+ years) |
₹6 lakh – ₹12 lakh |
|
Maximum Salary (Top Roles) |
Up to ₹30 lakh |
The MSc in Forensic Science creates various meaningful career opportunities for graduates at the core of justice systems. This field provides wide-ranging professional career options in central government agencies, private laboratories and law firms.
Due to rising technological demands in criminal investigation, the role of forensic experts has also become more crucial than before. The career path of forensic science provides stability and respect, along with future readiness to pursue jobs in India and internationally.
A1: After an MSc in Forensic Science, you can pursue various careers in both the public and private sectors, including law enforcement, forensic laboratories, academia, and more. Common paths include becoming a Forensic Scientist, Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Examiner, Forensic Analyst, etc.
A2: Yes. Forensic Science can be a high-paying job, particularly with specialisation and experience. While entry-level salaries may be moderate, experienced professionals, especially those in specialised areas like forensic pathology, forensic toxicology or cyber forensics, can earn significantly more.
A3: The average salary of a Forensic Doctor or a Forensic Pathologist in India ranges between INR 5- 6 Lacs per annum.
A4: Forensic Science graduates can find employment in various government sectors such as law enforcement bodies, forensic laboratories, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), etc. They can work as Forensic Scientists, Crime Scene Investigators, Forensic Analysts, Laboratory Technicians, etc.