The Department of Forensic Science at Himachal Pradesh University was established in 2021 with the mission of equipping students with essential knowledge and skills to address significant societal challenges. With industrialization, resource competition, and other societal pressures, crime rates have risen, even in traditionally peaceful states like Himachal Pradesh. Currently, the state faces a shortage of professional forensic experts, despite neighboring states offering similar programs for some time. While the State Forensic Science Laboratory and regional labs provide exemplary services, the state still depends on external professionals and institutions to meet workforce demands. To address the growing need for qualified forensic science professionals and ensure local institutions can train a skilled workforce, the Department of Forensic Science was founded at Himachal Pradesh University in 2021.
The department is led by Dr. Mahender Singh Thakur, Associate Professor, who brings over 15 years of expertise in Entomology, Biodiversity, Molecular Taxonomy, and Forensic Science. Alongside Dr. Thakur, the department is supported by a team of regular faculty members and senior forensic professionals with extensive experience both within and outside the state. The department also collaborates with experts from neighboring institutes and states to strengthen its knowledge base and capabilities.
The department offers an M.Sc. in Forensic Science, a Ph.D. in Forensic Science, and various Certificate Courses in Forensic Science. These programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of forensic science principles and practices. The curriculum covers a wide array of subjects, including crime scene investigation, genetics and DNA analysis, toxicology, firearms examination, document examination, biology and serology, odontology, cybercrime and security, as well as microbial and food forensics. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the department emphasizes the development of practical skills and exposure to the forensic field, which includes hands-on demonstrations of crime scene management and lectures from experts at the state, national, and international levels.
Faculty members are actively engaged in research and academics, regularly publishing in leading scientific journals. Students are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects and have the opportunity to pursue independent research. The department is committed to providing the highest quality education, with faculty members dedicated to fostering student success. Its state-of-the-art facilities ensure top-tier education and research standards, while a wide range of extracurricular activities enhances the overall student experience.
Each year, the department admits 30 students to the M.Sc. Forensic Science program through a merit-based admission process. This includes 15 subsidized and 15 non-subsidized seats, in addition to 10 special seats as per university regulations. In the Certificate Course in Forensic Science, the department offers 25 subsidized seats and 5 special seats in accordance with university guidelines. The department's highly qualified faculty members are dedicated to providing exceptional education. With substantial research grants from various funding agencies, the faculty has significantly contributed to the development and maintenance of modern infrastructure, including advanced lecture halls, teaching and research laboratories, central instrumentation labs, and access to e-resources through Inflibnet.
The department also offers excellent practical training facilities, ensuring that students adhere to high research standards and are well-prepared to become skilled professionals. Students actively participate in various department activities, such as the Annual Sports Day, crime scene investigation case studies, monthly journal/research club meetings, work presentations, and field trips. The Department of Forensic Science offers a challenging and rewarding program that prepares students for successful careers in this dynamic and rapidly emerging field.
