LNJN National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science M.Sc Review By Shikha Tyagi

I am an alumnus of LNJN NICFS. This is one of the most renowned and reputed institutes of Forensic Science in India. While I was in college there were only two courses available here i.e. M.Sc. Forensic Science and M.A. Criminology. However, in 2020 NICFS and Gujarat Forensic Science University were combined to form NFSU, after which several courses have been launched here. These courses are mostly related to the field of Forensic Science, Law, and Criminology. Being a student of this institute is really a very different kind of experience as here the students are trained alongside the high government officials from Law Enforcement, Judiciary, and related fields. Several batches of doctors are also invited every year to discuss medico-legal and other relevant issues. This institute just doesn’t teach you the subject but prepares you for the role that you will play in the society and legal system, as a Forensic Scientist.

I was a student of M.Sc. Forensic Science from the year 2014-16. The admissions in the institute are taken through an entrance exam. Usually, the forms are released around March; however, owing to the COVID situation the dates have varied considerably over the past two years. To get admission in M. Sc. Forensic Science course it is mandatory to have Biology, Physics, or Chemistry as one of the subjects at graduation level. The students having a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science are also eligible. Although, as new courses have been launched there are different eligibility criteria specified for different courses. In India, most Forensic Science vacancies are confined to the government sector so this course cannot guarantee you the job. However, the institute is located very close to Delhi Forensic Science Lab due to which it becomes easier to get your internship done there in order to get hands-on training. Mostly, the summer internship or the last semester internship meant for dissertations are done at Delhi FSL only.

Most of the faculty here includes retired Forensic Scientists from reputed government laboratories so there is no doubt in their caliber or potential. Moreover, I found the faculty very cooperative. We were always encouraged to carry out our experiments over and again in the Laboratory till the time we got the desired results. Many times they kept the lab open till late so that students can get their work done. While applying for internships at different organizations our college faculty and administration not just granted us permission to continue but also provided us with the recommendation letter. Our teachers even provided us with their personal numbers so that we can stay in touch with them in case of any problem.

The role of Forensic Scientist is directly linked with the law enforcement agencies. Almost all of the organizations that employ Forensic Scientists are government and thus, require the candidate to pass an exam and interview. The jobs in government sector can only be approached through proper procedure. Therefore, direct placement from college is not possible. However, LNJN NICFS do have a college placement cell that contacts other agencies that require students with Master’s in Science subjects or private forensic labs. These agencies also employ large number of students every year. Further, being one of the most reputed institutes of Forensic Science in India, the alumni of this institute are always given preference in the selection process at any organization

The hostel is located inside the campus and has a capacity to accommodate around 30 students. There are 15 rooms and one room is allotted to 2 students. There is an attached washroom with every room. There is a mess right beside the hostel that offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, as well as morning and evening tea facilities. The hostel fees and mess charges are nominal, just like the fees of the institute. The hostel is co-ed where the ground floor is available for male students while the first and second floors are reserved for female students. The admission to the hostel strictly depends upon the rank of the student in the entrance test.

The college campus has a canteen that offers tea, coffee, snacks, etc. A seating facility is also available inside the cafeteria. There is a well-equipped Library where you can find all the books related to your subject as well as more. There are several computer systems, kept in the library, equipped with an internet connection available for the use of students. Usually, the library remains open till late evening. Also, the students are allowed to visit the library on the weekends. There is a well-maintained Tennis court inside the campus where students and also, the visiting officers can be seen playing, especially during evening hours.

It is not a normal college rather an institute with great reputation where many of the high officials of government are regularly visiting. So, you do not expect a happy go lucky life like other colleges as proper decorum is to be maintained all the time. There is no dress code but students like other staff are desired to wear decent clothes and follow manners while inside the campus. However, once you get accustomed to all this you get to learn a lot from the people around you.