Bachelor of science [B.Sc] (Forensic Science & Criminology)

The B.Sc. in Criminology and Forensic Science at NFSU, Gandhinagar is a 3-year full-time undergraduate programme offered under the Department of Behavioural Forensics. It is a unique interdisciplinary programme that combines the study of criminal behaviour, criminological theories, and forensic science techniques, equipping students with both investigative and scientific skills relevant to the criminal justice system. The programme is offered at multiple NFSU campuses including Gandhinagar and Delhi, with a tuition fee of Rs. 65,000 per semester. Admission is through CUET-UG 2026 scores, making it accessible to science stream students from across the country. The programme is popular among students aspiring to careers in law enforcement, forensic laboratories, criminal investigation, and social research.

Admissions for AY 2026-27 are currently open. The NFSU online application portal opened on 9th April 2026. Admission to this programme is based on CUET-UG 2026 scores (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics papers). The CUET-UG 2026 exam is scheduled from 11th to 31st May 2026, with results expected in early July 2026. NFSU counselling and merit list declaration are expected in July-August 2026, with the batch commencing in August 2026.

Key Points

• Interdisciplinary programme combining criminology, forensic science, psychology, and law - a rare undergraduate offering in India
• Offered under the Department of Behavioural Forensics at the world's first and only university dedicated to forensic sciences
• Covers subjects such as Criminal Law, Crime and Society, Forensic Psychology, Crime Scene Management, Biometrics, and Questioned Documents
• Admission is through CUET-UG 2026 - no separate university entrance test required from AY 2026-27 onwards
• Programme is offered at Gandhinagar and Delhi campuses, with 30 seats each

NFSU B.Sc. (Forensic Science & Criminology) Fees

Fee Structure

• Tuition fee is Rs. 65,000 per semester as per the official Programme Details for AY 2026-27 published by NFSU.
• Total tuition fee across 6 semesters is Rs. 3,90,000.
• Other charges (examination fee, registration fee, library fee, etc.) are charged separately each semester and may vary; the above is an approximate range based on available data.
• NFSU does not have an on-campus hostel at the Gandhinagar campus.
• The university provides an empanelled list of private hostels near the campus (Kudasan, Infocity, Raysan areas of Gandhinagar).
• Hostel fees vary by accommodation type and provider, ranging approximately from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 15,000 per month depending on AC/non-AC and single/shared occupancy.
• Hostel accommodation is not mandatory.
• Fee payment is typically done semester-wise at the time of admission/re-registration.

NFSU B.Sc. (Forensic Science & Criminology) Admission 2026

NFSU Admission Schedule

CUET-UG 2026 Exam Dates

Dates are tentative and based on previous year patterns. Candidates should regularly check nfsu.ac.in/admission for updates.

Source: cuet.nta.nic.in. Candidates must appear in CUET-UG 2026 with Biology (304), Chemistry (306), Physics (322), or Mathematics (319) paper to be eligible for admission to this programme.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Passed or appeared in 10+2 (or its equivalent) in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics
• Minimum 55% marks in aggregate for General/OBC/EWS category candidates (50% for SC/ST and PwD candidates)
• Must have a valid CUET-UG 2026 score in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics paper

Admission Process:

• Appear in CUET-UG 2026 with relevant subject papers (Biology/Chemistry/Physics/Mathematics)
• Apply online at nfsu.ac.in/admission during the application window (opened 9th April 2026)
• Merit list is prepared based on CUET-UG score; candidates are shortlisted for counselling
• Attend counselling as per the schedule and confirm seat allotment by paying the required fees
• If seats remain vacant after counselling rounds, they may be reallocated

NFSU B.Sc. (Forensic Science & Criminology) Scholarships 2026

Available Scholarships

• Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on the NFSU merit list prepared from CUET-UG scores.
• Candidates must be among the top rankers in the admitted batch to avail these scholarships.
• Merit-cum-Means scholarships require submission of income certificate.
• Parental annual income must be Rs. 8 Lakh or less.
• State government scholarships (MYSY, CMSS) are applicable primarily for Gujarat domicile students.
• Candidates should apply through the respective state government portals.
• Scholarship applications are typically processed at the time of admission or at the beginning of the academic year.

NFSU B.Sc. (Forensic Science & Criminology) FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between B.Sc. Criminology and Forensic Science and B.Sc.-M.Sc. Forensic Science at NFSU - which should I choose?

Ans. The B.Sc. Criminology and Forensic Science is a 3-year standalone undergraduate programme that focuses on the intersection of criminal behaviour, criminological theories, and forensic science. It is ideal for students who want a focused undergraduate degree and wish to explore career options or pursue a separate postgraduate programme later. The B.Sc.-M.Sc. Forensic Science, on the other hand, is a 5-year integrated programme that provides a deeper and more comprehensive grounding in forensic science across all its disciplines. If you are certain about pursuing forensic science at the postgraduate level and want a seamless integrated pathway, the 5-year programme is better. If you want flexibility to explore options after graduation, the 3-year B.Sc. is more suitable.

Q2. What career options are available after completing B.Sc. Criminology and Forensic Science from NFSU?

Ans. Graduates of this programme can pursue careers in multiple domains. In the government sector, opportunities exist in state and central forensic science laboratories (FSLs), CBI, NIA, state police cyber and crime investigation units, and correctional services. In the private sector, roles in corporate security, insurance fraud investigation, and private detective agencies are available. Many graduates also pursue higher education such as M.Sc. Forensic Science, M.A. Criminology, or LLB to specialize further. The programme's unique blend of criminology and forensic science also opens doors to research, social work, and NGO sectors working on criminal justice reform.

Q3. Is CUET-UG mandatory for admission to B.Sc. Criminology and Forensic Science at NFSU in 2026-27?

Ans. Yes, from AY 2026-27 onwards, NFSU has discontinued the NFAT (National Forensic Admission Test) and admission to the B.Sc. Criminology and Forensic Science programme is now exclusively through CUET-UG 2026 scores. Candidates must appear in CUET-UG 2026 with Biology (304), Chemistry (306), Physics (322), or Mathematics (319) as the subject paper. The CUET-UG 2026 exam is scheduled from 11th to 31st May 2026. Candidates who have already registered for CUET-UG 2026 with these papers are eligible to apply to NFSU through the admission portal at nfsu.ac.in/admission.

Q4. Does NFSU Gandhinagar have hostel facilities for B.Sc. students?

Ans. NFSU Gandhinagar does not have a university-owned on-campus hostel. However, the university maintains an empanelled list of private hostels near the campus in areas like Kudasan, Infocity, and Raysan in Gandhinagar. These hostels offer both boys and girls accommodation with options for AC and non-AC rooms. Monthly fees typically range from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 15,000 depending on the type of accommodation. Students are advised to check the latest empanelled hostel list on the NFSU website before finalizing accommodation.

Q5. What is the scope of criminology as a subject in India - is it a growing field?

Ans. Criminology as a discipline is rapidly gaining recognition in India, especially with the increasing focus on criminal justice reform, cybercrime, and evidence-based policing. NFSU being an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs gives this programme significant credibility and government sector relevance. Graduates with a background in criminology and forensic science are increasingly sought after by law enforcement agencies, courts, and research institutions. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), state police departments, and central agencies like CBI and NIA are key employers. The field is expected to grow further with India's expanding criminal justice infrastructure.

Q6. Can I pursue LLB or law after completing B.Sc. Criminology and Forensic Science from NFSU?

Ans. Yes, after completing the B.Sc. Criminology and Forensic Science programme, graduates are eligible to pursue a 3-year LLB programme from any recognized law school or university, including NFSU's own School of Law, Forensic Justice and Policy Studies which offers a 3-year LLB (Hons.) programme. This combination of forensic science and law is highly valued in the legal and criminal justice sector, particularly for roles as forensic legal consultants, public prosecutors, and legal advisors to law enforcement agencies. NFSU also offers an M.A. Criminology programme which is a natural progression for B.Sc. Criminology graduates.