Ph.D Forensic Science Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, Careers

• Updated on Jul 26, 2025, by Kanishka

Ph.D in Forensic Science is a 3-5 year research-focused program that provides advanced knowledge and investigative skills in scientific methods used to analyse evidence in criminal and civil cases. It is typically pursued by individuals aiming to become experts in criminal investigation, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, toxicology, digital forensics, and related interdisciplinary domains, with the core objective of developing a deep understanding of science and technology in law enforcement.

The eligibility criteria for a Ph.D. in Forensic Science in India generally require candidates to have a Master’s degree in Forensic Science or related fields such as Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Life Sciences from a recognized university, with a minimum aggregate of 55% marks (with some relaxation for reserved categories). Admission is usually through an entrance test followed by an interview or merit-based selection, and final-year Master’s students may apply provisionally depending on the university.

Popular Ph.D Forensic Science colleges include the Amity University, Panjab University, Chandigarh University, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, SGT University, Galgotias University, OPJS University, Shri Krishna University, G D Goenka University and Gujarat Forensic Sciences University. The course fee varies, ranging between INR 20,000-2,00,000 based on the college or university.

Graduated with a Ph.D Forensic Science, can work as a multidisciplinary professional with expertise in a lecturer, biomedical researcher, forensic consultant, forensic trainer, postmortem expert, professor and forensic pathologist. The salary ranges between INR 5-20 LPA.

Table of Contents

Ph.D Forensic Science Highlights
What is a Ph.D Forensic Science?
Why study Ph.D Forensic Science?
Who should study a Ph.D in Forensic Science?
Ph.D Forensic Science Eligibility Criteria
Ph.D Forensic Science Entrance Exams
Ph.D Forensic Science Colleges in India
Ph.D Forensic Science Admission Process 2025
Ph.D Forensic Science Syllabus
Ph.D Forensic Science vs. Ph.D Biology
Ph.D Forensic Science Job Opportunities in India
Ph.D Forensic Science FAQs

Ph.D Forensic Science Highlights

The details for the Ph.D Forensic Science are listed below:

Parameters	Details
Course Name	Ph.D Forensic Science
Course Level	Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Science
Full form	Ph.D Forensic Science
Duration	2 Years
Course Type	Full-Time
Eligibility Criteria	The Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate marks from a university approved.
Admission Process	Entrance Based (UGC, GATE, CSIR, ICMR and JGEEBILS)
Course Fees	INR 20,000-2,00,000
Top colleges	Amity University, Panjab University, Chandigarh University, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, SGT University, Galgotias University, OPJS University, Shri Krishna University, G D Goenka University, Gujarat Forensic Sciences University
Top roles	Lecturer, Biomedical Researcher, Forensic Consultant, Forensic Trainer, Postmortem Expert, Forensic Pathologist
Average Salary Offered	INR 5-20 LPA

What is a Ph.D Forensic Science?

A Ph.D in Forensic Science is a research-focused doctoral program that equips scholars with advanced knowledge and investigative skills in scientific methods used to analyse evidence related to criminal and civil cases. The program aims to develop a deep understanding of the application of science and technology in law enforcement and the justice system.

It involves rigorous coursework, comprehensive laboratory training, and original research leading to a dissertation that contributes new knowledge or techniques to the field. Students explore areas such as crime scene analysis, DNA profiling, fingerprint analysis, forensic pathology, ballistics, and cybercrime investigation.

A Ph.D in Forensic Science opens doors to careers in academia, government forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies, private consulting firms, and international criminal investigation organisations.

Why study Ph.D Forensic Science?

Studying for a Ph.D Forensic Science is a rewarding endeavour for those passionate about forensic science, innovations and discovery, offering numerous compelling reasons to pursue this field.

A Ph.D in Forensic Science is a valuable degree for those interested in the intersection of science and law.
This program offers students the opportunity to study specialised areas like forensic toxicology, DNA analysis, digital forensics, and trace evidence, enabling them to solve complex criminal cases with scientific precision.
A Ph.D also provides opportunities for independent research, innovation, and leadership roles in forensic laboratories, academia, and government agencies.
It helps shape forensic policies, enhances techniques, and trains future experts.
It also influences criminal justice practices through evidence-based research and technological advancements.

Who should study a Ph.D in Forensic Science?

A Ph.D Forensic Science is suitable for people with a strong interest in life administration and a desire to contribute to conducting research and innovation. The best match candidates that will fit this program are given below:

A Ph.D in Forensic Science is ideal for those with a strong academic background in life sciences, chemistry, biology, criminology, or related forensic disciplines who are passionate about scientific investigation and justice.
This program is suitable for professionals aiming to advance their careers in forensic research, academia, or specialised roles in law enforcement agencies.
Those passionate about developing innovative forensic methodologies, contributing to legal processes, and shaping public policy will find this degree intellectually fulfilling and impactful.
It is also ideal for those aspiring to become thought leaders, educators, or consultants in forensic and legal sectors.
The average salary for PhD Forensic Science students ranges from INR 3,00,000 to INR 8,00,000. This salary is largely determined by their field expertise.

Ph.D Forensic Science Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for a Ph.D. in Forensic Science in India generally include:

A Master's degree in Forensic Science, or related fields such as Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Life Sciences, from a recognized university.
A minimum of 55% aggregate marks in the qualifying Master's degree (with a typical 5% relaxation for reserved categories like SC/ST/OBC/EWS).
Admission is usually through an entrance exam followed by a personal interview or merit-based selection.
Final-year Master's students may be eligible to apply provisionally, depending on the institution.

Ph.D Forensic Science Entrance Exams

Given below is the Ph.D The Forensic Science entrance exam, along with the application date and application fees.

Entrances	Application Date	Exam Date	Application Fees
UGC 2026	April - May 2026	June 2026	General: INR 1,150 OBC-NCL/EWS: INR 600 SC/ST/PWD: INR 325
GATE 2026	Late August 2025	February 2026	Female/SC/ST/PWD Candidates Registration Fee: INR 900 INR 1800 for all candidates, including foreign nationals Extended registration period with late fee (INR 1400, INR 2300)
CSIR 2026	June 2026	July 2026	General/EWS: INR 1150. OBC-NCL: INR 600. SC/ST/PWD: INR 325
ICMR 2026	July 2026	August 2026	General/EWS/OBC: INR 1500 + Transaction charges. SC/ST: INR 1200 + Transaction charges
JGEEBILS 2025	October 2025	December 2025	Males: INR 1000 Females: INR 500

Ph.D Forensic Science Colleges in India

Given below are the top Ph.D Forensic Science colleges in India.

Institute Name	Location	Course Fees (Approx)
Amity University	Noida	INR 1,00,000
Panjab University	Punjab	INR 12,000
Chandigarh University	Chandigarh	INR 70,000
Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences	Patna	INR 20,000
SGT University	Delhi	INR 1,50,000
Galgotias University	Delhi NCR	INR 70,000
OPJS University	Rajasthan	INR 86,000
Shri Krishna University	Manipal	INR 95,000
G D Goenka University	Delhi NCR	INR 1,70,000
Gujarat Forensic Sciences University	Gujarat	INR 1,10,000

Ph.D Forensic Science Admission Process 2025

Ph.D Forensic Science can be accessed through either the entrance examination mode or direct admission through a quota. The admission process at Galgotias University is mentioned below:

Step 1: Visit the Galgotias University, Noida admissions official site and choose the Ph.D Forensic Science.

Step 2: Fill in the online application form with all the necessary details, upload scanned images of your photograph and signature, and pay the application fee online.

Step 3: Choose your admission mode: With a valid UGC, GATE, CSIR, ICMR and JGEEBILS Score.

Step 4: Complete the application and print it out for your records.

Step 5: Appear if the UGC, GATE, CSIR, ICMR and JGEEBILS scores are both valid and received.

Step 6: Wait for the release of merit lists: Each UGC, GATE, CSIR, ICMR and JGEEBILS participant has a separate merit list prepared by Galgotias University, Noida.

Step 7: If shortlisted, go to the official site to see whether you have been selected, and follow the process for admission confirmation.

Step 8: Confirm your seat by paying the admission fee.

Step 9: Complete the document verification as per the institute's requirements.

Step 10: Now, receive the details regarding the commencement of classes after completing the formalities.

Documentation Required:

10th and 12th mark sheets.
Graduation Marksheets
Aadhar Card
PAN Card
Migration certificate
Character certificate
School Leaving Certificate
Passport-size photographs
Signature.
Caste Certificate (If any)
Income proof

Ph.D Forensic Science Syllabus

The Ph.D Forensic Science syllabus focuses on advanced topics in forensic biology, chemistry, toxicology, and research methodology, with a strong emphasis on laboratory techniques and dissertation-based research, aiming to develop expertise in crime investigation.. Given below is the syllabus for Ph.D Forensic Science from Galgotia’s University:

Units	Description
Unit – I: Forensic Science	Forensic science is a field that involves the study of physical evidence, crime scenes, and forensic investigations. It covers various aspects such as nature, types, search methods, collection, preservation, and packing. The field also covers criminal investigations, including unnatural deaths, assaults, sexual offences, poisoning, and vehicular accidents. Courts play a crucial role in the field, with the definition of experts and provisions in the Indian Evidence Act. Forensic science laboratories are organised by the National Commission on Forensic Science (NCRB) and National Crime Registry (NICFS). The field also includes criminal profiling, quality control management, and photography in criminal investigations.
Unit – II: Instrumentation	Microscopy, spectroscopy, X-rays, mass spectroscopy, chromatography, hyphenated techniques, electrophoresis, and immunoassays are essential tools used in various fields such as microscopy, spectroscopy, X-rays, mass spectroscopy, chromatography, hyphenated techniques, electrophoresis, and immunoassays. These techniques help in understanding and analysing various biological processes.
Unit – III: Forensic Biology and Serology	Forensic Biology and Serology covers various aspects of forensic science, including blood stain detection, determining blood species, blood group systems, detecting seminal and body fluids, red cell enzymes, and serum proteins. It also covers DNA structure, genetic markers, DNA extraction and profiling techniques, wildlife forensics, hair and fibres, pollens and diatoms, and forensic entomology. It also discusses the scope, evidence, and identification of wildlife, hair and fibres, and insects of forensic importance.
Unit – IV Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology	Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, analysis of ethyl alcohol in beverages, liquors, biological fluids, breath, methanol and denaturants, illicit liquors, and chemicals in trap cases. It also discusses the metabolism and chemical examination of insecticides, pesticides, tranquillisers, sedatives, hypnotics, stimulants, narcotics, opioids, and drugs of abuse. It also covers plant poisons, metallic poisons, extraction, isolation, and clean-up procedures, fire and arson analysis, explosives, country-made bombs, and IEDs.
Unit – V: Ballistics	classification, composition, and forensic examination of firearms, including projectiles, shell cases, and gunshot residues. It also discusses the concepts of velocity, penetration, dispersion, Ricochet, and range in firearm cases, as well as the meaning and types of tool marks.
Unit – VI: Cyber Forensics	Basics of cyber forensics, including the types of computer crimes, digital evidence seizure, acquisition and forensic examination, and mobile phone forensics.
Unit – VII: Forensic Physics	aspects of dust and soil analysis, paint, lacquer, varnishes, glass, cement, mortar, and concrete composition, and voice analysis, including its significance, structure, structure, spectrography, legal aspects, and limitations.
Unit – VIII: Fingerprints and other impressions	Fingerprints, track marks, and gait patterns are all important aspects of identification. Fingerprints have history, characteristics, types, classification, preservation, development, examination, computerisation, and are used in AFIS and other biometric systems.
Unit – IX: Questioned Documents	This text covers the definition, types, reproduction, examination of alterations, indentations, secret writings, charred documents, inks, papers, age of documents, typescripts, printed matter, mechanical impressions, hand writings, anonymous and disguised writings, identification of hand writings, signatures, detection of forged signatures and forgeries, and examination of credit cards and similar materials. It also discusses the age of documents, mechanical impressions, and factors affecting handwriting.
Unit –X: Forensic Medicine	Forensic medicine focuses on various aspects of death, sexual offences, post-mortem examination, wound estimation, and identification through skeletal remains, skull superimposition, and facial reconstruction. It also covers determining species of origin, sex, age, and stature, as well as determining age and dentition through teeth and bite marks.

Ph.D Forensic Science vs. Ph.D Biology

Given below is a course comparison between the Ph.D Forensic Science and the Ph.D in Biology :

Aspect	Ph.D Forensic Science	Ph.D in Biology
Duration	3- 5 years	3- 5 years
Eligibility	Postgraduate in Forensic Science or relevant field	Postgraduate in Biology or related discipline
Admission	Entrance based	Entrance based
Career focus	Crime investigation, forensic techniques, toxicology, law	Cellular biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology
Research areas	Forensic toxicology, DNA analysis, ballistics, criminology	Microbiology, biotechnology, molecular genetics, evolution
Annual fees	INR 50,000-2,00,000	INR 50,000-2,50,000
Salary offered	INR 5-12 LPA	INR 3-10 LPA
Top roles offered	Forensic Scientist, Crime Lab Analyst, Academic Researcher	Molecular Biologist, Biotech Scientist, Research Fellow
Top recruiters	CFSL, CBI, DRDO, AIIMS, State Forensic Labs	Biocon, CSIR, ICMR, Serum Institute, Universities

Ph.D Forensic Science Job Opportunities in India

Given below are the job opportunities one can pursue after a Ph.D Forensic Science.

Roles	Experience Level	Average Salary	Top recruiters
Lecturer	1-2 years	INR 3-5 LPA	Government Colleges, Private Universities, State Public Service Commissions
biomedical researcher	1-2 Years	INR 5-8 LPA	ICMR, AIIMS, Biocon, DRDO, CSIR, Serum Institute of India
forensic consultant	1-2 years	INR 5-8 LPA	CBI, CFSL, State Police Departments, Private Investigation Firms, Legal Firms
forensic trainer	1-2 years	INR 5-8 LPA	NICFS, NFSU, Police Academies, Training Institutes, Private Forensic Labs
Postmortem Expert	1-2 years	INR 6-12 LPA	Government Hospitals, AIIMS, Medical Colleges, Forensic Labs
Professors	1-2 years	INR 8-10 LPA	University of Delhi, JNU, Amity University, Christ University, Manipal University, Ashoka University, SRM Institute, IITs, NITs, BHU, IGNOU
forensic pathologist	1-2 years	INR 15-18 LPA	AIIMS, State Forensic Labs, Government Hospitals, Private Medical Institutions

Ph.D Forensic Science FAQs

Can I pursue a Ph.D? Forensic Science via distance mode?

Forensic Science Ph.D programs are typically not offered by accredited universities due to their practical and research-intensive nature. These programs involve extensive laboratory work, hands-on experiments, crime scene analysis, and the use of sophisticated scientific instruments. While some universities offer limited coursework or theoretical components through hybrid or part-time formats, core research and dissertation development must be conducted in person. Therefore, candidates should opt for full-time, regular programs for comprehensive learning and professional credibility.

What are a few tips to prepare for the Ph.D Forensic Science entrance exam?

To prepare for a Ph.D Forensic Science entrance exam, candidates should build a strong foundation in core subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and forensic methodologies. Reviewing textbooks and research papers is crucial, especially in areas like toxicology, DNA analysis, criminology, and digital forensics. Solving previous year's question papers and taking mock tests can improve time management and familiarity with exam patterns. Staying updated on recent advancements and case studies can also enhance performance.

How to get admission to a good Ph.D Forensic Science college?

To gain admission to a good college, one must meet eligibility criteria, including a good postgraduate course score and any additional eligibility requirements. Most colleges conduct an entrance examination with no fixed cut-off, but the cut-off depends on the number of candidates. Being well-prepared for the test is crucial, as is understanding the college's placement scenario. A personal interview is usually held after the entrance test results are declared. Consult with seniors and check the course curriculum before joining the college. In summary, obtaining admission to a good college requires meeting eligibility criteria, being well-prepared for the test, and understanding the college's placement scenario.