Career counsel

Hi! I completed my schooling in 2013 and this year I gave my second attempt in AIPMT (All India Pre-Medical Test). If I don’t get into a good medical college in India, is it possible for me to apply to the US for an undergraduate programme with three years gap? -Girish Kannan

Most colleges in the US require twelve years of formal education and the acceptable degrees include: Indian School Certificate, Intermediate Certificate, Higher Secondary Certificate, Higher School Certificate or the All India Senior School certificate. The most important criteria they consider for an admission are: Consistently good academic record, financial support and proficiency in English Language.

The other attributes considered are, extracurricular achievements, demonstrated leadership and community contribution, personal essays and letters of recommendation. However, when it comes to admissions, each American university has its own academic requirements and policies for admission. Some have strict criteria for admittance while on the other hand some require basic academic qualifications.

Therefore, check with the international admissions office of your university and be clear about what the US university requires of you when you apply for higher education programme. You also have the option to check the university’s admissions page to make sure whether your application would be considered or not.

After taking Bio stream in class XII, which course should I take to make a career in forensic science? Do I have an option to study forensic science after my graduation (Chemistry field)? Please provide details about forensic science and its prospects?

Forensic Science is the application of scientific principles and technology for the investigations of crime and also for civil cases wherein it is used for issues like proving the validity of a signature or a will, investigation of industries for complying with environmental rules.

It is a crime laboratory based profession and requires a strong science background. Basic eligibility is a graduate degree in science subject especially with chemistry. Opt for chemistry in your XII standard or otherwise in other natural sciences such as biology, physics, zoology, biochemistry, B Pharm, BDS, or molecular biology.

A science degree with a major in analytical, applied or forensic chemistry will fetch you a job as a forensic chemist which deals with the study of detection and identification of illicit drugs, accelerants used in arson cases, explosive and gunshot residues, trace evidence, including paint, glass and polymers.

With a major in chemistry or biochemistry you can opt for toxicology which involves the detection and identification of illicit and pharmaceutical drugs and poisons, interpreting toxicity levels and the effects on the functions of the body. If you can secure a degree in analytical chemistry, or a degree in forensic investigation or a diploma in forensic investigation then you can opt for a career in crime scene investigation.

This majorly involves issues such as collecting sample from the crime spot and interpretation of relevant evidence, prevention of contamination and reconstruction of the event. The range could be a house burgled issue or a fire in a multi-storey or even bombing in the city.

After you graduate, you can either do a post graduate, diploma or a certificate course in this stream. With B.Sc in any stream you can pursue M.Sc in forensic science. You can pursue masters in forensic science and criminology or Post Graduate diploma in forensic science and criminology. The short term courses that can be availed are certificate course in forensic science, diploma in forensic science and criminology or diploma in cyber crime. Refer site: https://targetstudy.com/courses/forensic-science-courses.htm for information of a range of courses offered in this sector.

Now in its second decade, the University of Florida’s award winning Forensic Science Master’s programme is the world’s largest and most prestigious forensic science programme (online), refer: http://www.forensicscience.

ufl.edu/index.php?/forsci/programs#masters

As with any course those who acquire good standard of training from the most reputable organisations end up grabbing the top posts and jobs with high remuneration within the industry, not only in India but all over the world. The career prospect depends on your area of specialisation, like crime scene Investigation, forensic pathology/medicine, forensic psychology and psychiatry, clinical forensic medicine, cyber forensics, forensic archeology/anthropology, mass disaster management, anti-terrorist operations, consumer and intellectual property rights, protection of human rights, etc.

Graduates get to work both in government as well as private agencies and even in hospitals and laboratories. Entering the CBI Delhi would require clearing the UPSC exams. The other top colleges that offer masters in forensic science have their own entrance exams. Try getting an internship while you graduate as this would help you secure a job later as most of the organisations prefer candidates having practical exposure in forensic science.

The role of forensic science is increasingly becoming important in criminal investigation and opportunities exist in government organisations such as the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the CBI, the CID, the crime divisions of the state police force as well as in large private detective agencies. As there is a lack of fully trained experts in this field the demand for forensic scientific experts is constantly on the rise. According to CNN Money, the field of forensic science is the sixth fastest growing career path in the world. All the best!

By:Shehre Banu Kagalwala