MD Forensic Medicine: Admission 2025, Eligibility, Entrance Exam, Salary, Career Scope

Updated on Mar 27, 2025

Poulomi Dey

MD in Forensic Medicine is a three-year postgraduate program that helps students gain medical knowledge for legal and criminal investigations. The Doctor of Medicine in Forensic Medicine covers topics like Forensic Pathology, Toxicology, Medical Jurisprudence, Crime Scene Investigation, etc.

An MBBS graduate with a minimum of 50% marks can apply for the MD in Forensic Medicine. Admission to the course is based on entrance exams like NEET PG. Teerthankar Mahavir University, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SGT University and Yenepoya Medical College are a few MD Forensic Medicine colleges.

MD in Forensic Medicine graduates can explore diverse career options in government hospitals, law enforcement agencies, forensic labs, and academic institutions. Some job roles that an MD in Forensic Medicine professional can pursue include Forensic Pathologist, Forensic Consultant, Medical Examiner, and Crime Lab Director. The MD Forensic Medicine average package for freshers ranges between INR 10 LPA and INR 20 LPA.

MD Forensic Medicine Course Highlights

The table below shows the MD in Forensic Medicine course highlights:

Category	Details
Course Name	MD in Forensic Medicine
Duration	3 years
Eligibility	MBBS degree from a recognized institution with a minimum of 50-55% marks and completion of an internship.
Admission Process	Entrance Exam-based
Exams Accepted	NEET-PG
Average Course Fee	INR 10,000 - INR 17,20,000 per year.
Top Colleges	Yenepoya Medical College, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Teerthankar Mahavir University, etc.
Career Prospects	Forensic Pathologist, Forensic Consultant, Academic Researcher, Legal Medical Advisor, Medical Examiner, etc.
Average Salary	INR 10 - 20 LPA (Freshers)
Top Employers	Government Forensic Labs, Medical Colleges, CBI, State Police Departments, Private Hospitals.

What is MD Forensic Medicine?

An MD in Forensic Medicine is a three-year professional degree that focuses on the application of medical knowledge to legal issues. The MD in Forensic Medicine curriculum deals with subjects such as forensic pathology, toxicology, crime scene investigation, medical jurisprudence, and legal aspects of medical practice. Aspirants pursuing a Forensic Medicine master's program gain a deep understanding of how medicine and law intersect.

Masters in Forensic Medicine professionals are in high demand due to the rise in legal and medical investigations. The Doctor of Medicine in Forensic Medicine graduates have adequate theoretical and practical knowledge that helps them work in government institutions, law enforcement, hospitals, and private consulting.

Why Study MD Forensic Medicine?

An MD in Forensic Medicine opens diverse career options for the candidates. The MD in Forensic Medicine professionals can explore careers in forensic pathology, law enforcement agencies, medical-legal consultancy, etc. A few reasons to pursue a Master of Arts in Forensic Medicine are listed below:

The MD in Forensic Medicine professionals have the opportunity to work in reputed organisations like the FBI, CBI, and forensic research centres.
A Master's in Forensic Medicine helps the candidates enhance their skills in medico-legal autopsies, toxicology, forensic pathology, and criminal investigations enabling them to assist in solving complex criminal cases.

MD Forensic Medicine Admission Process

MD in Forensic Medicine admission is based on NEET PG score. The seats are allotted by merit through online counselling conducted by the MCC, Directorate General of Health Services, New Delhi. The final selection of the candidate is based on the rank obtained in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

MD Forensic Medicine Eligibility

MD in Forensic Medicine eligibility criteria can vary for different institutions. Aspirants with an MBBS degree are eligible for the Doctor of Medicine in Forensic Medicine. The eligibility criteria for the MD in Forensic Medicine at Yenepoya Medical College are mentioned below:

Candidate must have passed MBBS Examination along with NEET
A minimum of marks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test
Candidates must be 17 years of age as of December 31 of the year of admission

MD Forensic Medicine Entrance Exam

The table below shows the MD in Forensic Medicine entrance exam that is accepted for admission to the course:

Exams	Registration Date	Exam Date
NEET 2025	3rd week of May 2025	June 15, 2025
INI CET 2025	April 15, 2025	May 17, 2025.

MD Forensic Medicine Syllabus

MD in Forensic Medicine syllabus is similar across the colleges as it is prepared by the Medical Council of India. Details are mentioned below:

Year	Course Content
First Year	Orientation Programme, Basic autopsy skills, Orientation to the applied aspects of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, General principles of Forensic Medicine, Introduction to Medical Toxicology, Posting for autopsy work, clinical forensic medicine and toxicology, Participation in departmental activities, Assisting in scheduling of teaching sessions, Participation in undergraduate teaching, Participation in seminar, CME, workshop, etc., Preparation of thesis protocol, Orientation to organisation and functioning of toxicology/research laboratory, Being self-updated with recent advances in the subject.
Second Year	Conduct of autopsy examination without supervision in routine autopsy cases, Conduct of autopsy examination with supervision in expert opinion cases, Conduct of theory and practical sessions for undergraduates, Thesis and other research work, Clinical forensic medicine work for practical experience in medico-legal procedures and on-the-job training, Orientation to the applied aspects of Microbiology, Pathology, Blood Bank, Psychiatry as related to forensic sciences, Posting for autopsy work, clinical forensic medicine and toxicology laboratory, Attend court summons for cases conducted by themselves or where deputed by the Court of Law.
Third Year	Organize teaching sessions and thesis work, Submission of thesis 6 months before the examination, autopsy work, clinical forensic medicine, toxicology laboratory, conduct a minimum of 100 autopsy cases and 100 clinical cases during the entire training period, attend court summons for cases conducted by themselves or when deputed by the Court of Law, attend or accompany an expert for a minimum of 20 court summons, with at least 5 related to clinical cases.

Top Colleges in India for MD Forensic Medicine

The table below shows the list of MD Forensic Medicine colleges along with their annual course fee:

NIRF Ranking	College Name	Location	1st year Fees
-	Yenepoya Medical College	Mangalore, Karnataka	INR 10,000
-	SGT University	Gurgaon, Haryana	INR 5,00,000
-	Teerthankar Mahavir University	Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh	INR 17,20,000
151-200 (University)	Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences and Technology	Jaipur, Rajasthan	INR 6,00,000
21 (Overall)	SRM Institute of Science and Technology	Chennai, Tamil Nadu	INR 3,00,000
-	Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham	Kochi, Kerala	INR 6,60,000

MD Forensic Medicine Jobs

After completing the MD in Forensic Medicine, graduates can explore a variety of job prospects such as Forensic Pathologist, Crime Lab Director, Forensic Analyst, Forensic Toxicologist and much more. Some of the MD in Forensic Medicine job roles along with the average package are mentioned below:

Role	Annual Package (INR LPA)	Experience Level
Forensic Pathologist	INR 12-20 LPA	0-5 years
Forensic Medical Examiner	INR 10-15 LPA	0-5 years
Forensic Toxicologist	INR 12-15 LPA	3-8 years
Forensic Psychiatrist	INR 10-14 LPA	0-5 years
Crime Lab Director	INR 15-30 LPA	7+ years
Forensic Scientist	INR 9-12 LPA	3-7 years
Forensic Analyst	INR 7-10 LPA	1-5 years
Forensic Research Scientist	INR 8-16 LPA	1-7 years

MD Forensic Medicine Future Scopes

Candidates with an MD in Forensic Medicine degree have diverse job opportunities in criminal justice, research, healthcare and legal consultancy. An MD in Forensic Medicine graduate can work as a Forensic Pathologist, Medical Examiner, Toxicologist, etc. The other options that are available for an MD in Forensic Medicine graduate are mentioned below:

Entrepreneurship: MD in Forensic Medicine professionals can begin their entrepreneurial journey by establishing forensic consultancy firms.
Short-term Courses: MD in Forensic Medicine graduates can pursue online courses in Forensic Toxicology, Crime Scene Investigation, Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Anthropology and many more.
Higher Education: Candidates can opt for a higher education like PhD in Forensic Medicine to pursue an academic role at universities.

MD Forensic Medicine FAQ

Can I pursue an MD in forensic medicine after BHMS?

Yes. Candidates can pursue an MD in forensic medicine but an MBBS degree is required. Any individuals with a valid NEET PG score along with the MBBS degree are eligible for the three-year MD in forensic medicine program.

Can I get a government job after an MD in forensic medicine?

Yes. Candidates with an MD forensic medicine degree can work in the government sector as Forensic Experts or Medical Officers. Further, one can also appear for UPSC and State PSCs exams and secure a job in the criminal investigation department (CID) and defence services.

Can I join the CBI after an MD in Forensic Medicine?

Yes, Candidates with an MD in Forensic Medicine degree can join CBI. However, there is no direct recruitment for forensic roles in CBI. Aspirants have to appear for examinations such as the Staff Selection Commission or CBI specialized recruitment to secure a job at the Central Bureau of Investigation.

How much salary can I expect in the USA after completing an MD in Forensic Medicine?

After completing an MD in Forensic Medicine, fresher forensic pathologists can earn between $97,922 to $122,745 (INR 84,20,351 to INR 1,05,54,891). However, forensic pathologists having 10+ years of experience can earn up to $300,000 (INR 2,57,97,120) annually.

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