National Education Policy and Its Role in Strengthening Forensic Science in India

Introduction

India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a major overhaul of the country’s education system. With its focus on modern learning methods, flexible subject choices, and research-led education, the policy aims to prepare students for a rapidly evolving global landscape. While NEP 2020 touches on many academic and vocational domains, one area that holds significant untapped potential is forensic science.

As crimes become more complex and widespread—particularly in areas like cybercrime, white-collar crime, and terrorism—the demand for skilled forensic professionals is on the rise. This blog explores how NEP 2020 can help integrate forensic science more effectively into Indian education and why doing so is critical for national development and justice reform.

Key Reforms in Indian Higher Education under NEP 2020:

(a) Large, Multidisciplinary Universities in Every District

The policy aims to establish large universities and colleges that offer a broad range of subjects (arts, science, commerce, etc.) and programs in local Indian languages, ensuring wider geographical access to higher education.

(b) Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Education

Students will have greater flexibility to choose subjects across disciplines (e.g., combining physics with philosophy), promoting holistic and broad-based learning.

(c) Faculty and Institutional Autonomy

Universities and faculty members will gain more independence in terms of curriculum design, research focus, and administration to foster innovation and quality.

(d) Curriculum and Student Experience Overhaul

A complete revamp of teaching methods, assessments, and support systems will aim to enhance student learning and engagement.

(e) Merit-Based Appointments and Career Progression

Faculty and leaders in institutions will be appointed and promoted based on transparent criteria including teaching effectiveness, research output, and service to the institution.

(f) National Research Foundation (NRF)

An NRF will be created to fund top-quality research across disciplines through a peer-reviewed system and to promote a strong research culture.

(g) Independent and Empowered Boards

Higher education institutions will be governed by independent, academically qualified boards that have the autonomy to make academic and administrative decisions.

(h) “Light but Tight” Regulation

A single, centralized regulator will oversee all higher education (excluding medical and legal education), ensuring minimum but effective regulation.

(i) Increased Access, Equity, and Inclusion

Measures to improve inclusion include:

• Expanding public education.
• Offering scholarships for disadvantaged groups.
• Promoting online and distance learning.
• Ensuring accessibility for learners with disabilities in infrastructure and learning materials.

What is NEP 2020 All About?

The NEP 2020 is the first education policy introduced in India since 1986 and aims to meet the needs of a 21st-century knowledge society. Key features include:

• Promotion of multidisciplinary and holistic education
• Introduction of flexible subject choices and multiple exit points in higher education
• Integration of vocational training from an early stage (Grade 6)
• Use of technology and digital platforms to enhance learning
• Establishment of a National Research Foundation (NRF) to support research
• Greater autonomy for higher education institutions

The NEP aspires to create an inclusive, innovative, and learner-centered education system that connects academic learning with real-world applications.

Key principles of NEP-2020

Based on SDG 4 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by India in 2015, which states, “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” by 2030.

Forensic Science: An Overview

Forensic science applies scientific methods to investigate crimes and deliver justice. This interdisciplinary field encompasses:

• Biological sciences (e.g., DNA profiling, serology)
• Chemistry and toxicology (e.g., drug analysis, poison detection)
• Physics and engineering (e.g., ballistics, accident reconstruction)
• Digital forensics (e.g., cybercrime investigation)
• Psychology and criminology
• Legal studies and criminal procedure

This science plays a vital role in crime detection, evidence verification, and the judicial process.

Why Is Forensic Science Important in India Today?

India is witnessing a surge in sophisticated crimes, including:

• Cyberattacks and data breaches
• Financial fraud and identity theft
• Terrorism and organized crime
• Drug trafficking and human trafficking

Despite these challenges, India faces a shortage of trained forensic experts and well-equipped forensic labs. According to reports, conviction rates in India remain low in part due to the absence of proper forensic evidence or mismanagement of crime scenes.

Developing strong forensic science education and infrastructure can:

• Enhance the credibility of investigations
• Support timely and fair trials
• Reduce case backlogs in courts
• Equip law enforcement with scientific tools

How NEP 2020 Supports Forensic Science Development

1. Multidisciplinary and Flexible Curriculum

NEP encourages blending subjects across streams. This approach is ideal for forensic science, which combines:

• Science (biology, chemistry, physics)
• Technology (computer science, data analysis)
• Humanities (law, psychology, ethics)

Students can now design academic paths that include forensic-relevant courses, such as cyber law with programming, or biology with criminal justice.

2. Boosting Research Through the National Research Foundation (NRF)

The NRF aims to fund high-quality research in both fundamental and applied sciences. Forensic science, which often requires cutting-edge tools and innovation, stands to benefit from:

• Grants for university-based forensic labs
• Research in AI-driven criminal investigation tools
• Collaboration with law enforcement and judiciary

This focus on research will also attract scholars and experts into the field.

3. Early Vocational Exposure

With vocational training starting in Grade 6, students can get hands-on exposure to fields like forensic photography, fingerprinting, or evidence collection. This not only raises awareness but also builds early interest in careers linked to crime investigation, legal systems, and public safety.

4. Revamping Higher Education

The new four-year undergraduate model with exit options allows students to explore forensic science without full-time commitment. For example:

• Exit after 1 year: Certificate in forensic techniques
• Exit after 2 years: Diploma in forensic applications
• Full degree in 4 years: B.Sc. in Forensic Science with research internship

This flexibility supports a broader range of learners, including working professionals.

5. Leveraging Digital Tools and E-Learning

NEP emphasizes digital platforms and open learning. Forensic education can use:

• Virtual simulations of crime scenes
• Online forensic software training
• Interactive modules on criminal law
• AI-powered tools for document or image analysis

This digital-first approach can make forensic training accessible across remote and underserved regions.

Current Challenges Facing Forensic Science Education

Despite the policy’s potential, several hurdles must be addressed:

• Limited academic programs: Few universities offer dedicated forensic science degrees.
• Faculty shortages: A lack of trained educators in forensic subfields affects quality.
• Outdated curriculum: Many institutions don’t update courses to reflect modern forensic methods.
• Weak infrastructure: Many colleges lack basic lab facilities or partnerships with real-world crime labs.
• Lack of public awareness: Students are often unaware of forensic science as a viable and rewarding career.

How Can India Strengthen Forensic Science Through NEP?

To build a strong forensic science ecosystem under NEP, India must adopt a multi-pronged approach:

1. Curriculum Enhancement

• Include forensic modules in science and social studies from secondary school level
• Add case-based learning and ethical training in crime investigation

2. Expand University Programs

• Offer dedicated forensic science degrees in both government and private universities
• Launch interdisciplinary programs combining forensic science with law, IT, or psychology

3. Faculty Development

• Organize training workshops and fellowships for faculty in new forensic techniques
• Create academic-industry exchange programs for skill upgradation

4. Institutional and Government Collaboration

• Foster partnerships between universities and forensic labs
• Encourage internships with crime labs, legal aid clinics, or law enforcement

5. Scholarships and Outreach

• Offer scholarships for underprivileged students interested in forensic careers
• Conduct school-level awareness drives and forensic exhibitions

6. Investing in Digital infrastructure

• Open, evolvable, interoperable infrastructure in the education sector.
• Technology-based solutions that will be parallel with the rapid advances in technology.

7. Empowering Faculties with digital platforms and tools

• E-learning platforms like SWAYAM and DIKSHA can help teachers with structured and intuitive dashboards to monitor student learning.
• These platforms can also help in assistive tool for personalized feedback and classroom engagement.

8. Learning from Global Best Practices

Countries like the USA, UK, and Germany have integrated forensic science into their education systems in innovative ways:

• In the USA, many high schools teach forensic science as an elective subject.
• The UK hosts numerous accredited forensic science undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Germany excels in combining technical forensic research with criminal law education.

India can adopt and adapt these models while building indigenous capacity.

9. Content Creation and Dissemination

The policy emphasizes a rich and diverse ecosystem of digitally accessible learning content, including:

• Courseware and interactive media such as simulations, AR/VR experiences, and gamified modules.
• User feedback mechanisms (ratings and reviews) to maintain content quality and relevance.
• Fun and culturally rooted content like gamification of Indian art and culture—available in multiple Indian languages.
• Reliable backup dissemination mechanisms (e.g., preloaded content on devices) to ensure universal access.

This initiative aims to make learning engaging, inclusive, and equitable.

10. Bridging the Digital Divide

Acknowledging unequal digital access, the policy outlines multi-pronged efforts:

• Use of television, radio, and community radio to deliver educational content across remote and underserved regions.
• Broadcasts available 24/7 in multiple languages to match regional and linguistic diversity.
• A strong push for content availability in all Indian languages, enabling learning in students’ home language or medium of instruction.

Such hybrid content delivery ensures no learner is left behind due to connectivity or language barriers.

11. Development of Virtual Labs

To democratize access to practical learning, platforms like DIKSHA, SWAYAM, and SWAYAMPRABHA will host virtual labs. These labs will:

• Simulate real-world experiments for science, engineering, and vocational subjects.
• Ensure all students, especially those from Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs), get exposure to hands-on learning.
• Consider distributing tablets with preloaded lab simulations to SEDG students.

This effort aims to close the urban-rural gap in access to experimental learning.

7. Teacher Training and Incentives

Teachers are central to the success of digital education. NEP 2020 proposes:

• Rigorous digital pedagogy training for educators.
• Guidance on how to become effective online content creators using various platforms.
• Emphasis on promoting active engagement, where teachers facilitate collaboration and critical thinking—not just content delivery.

Incentives, recognition, and professional growth opportunities will motivate teachers to embrace digital tools enthusiastically.

12. Online Assessment and Examinations

Though the full text on online assessments is not included, the direction is clear: India will move towards digitally-enabled assessments that are:

• Flexible and capable of evaluating higher-order skills.
• Secure and transparent, preventing malpractices.
• Designed to support formative and summative evaluations in both hybrid and fully online environments.

Conclusion:

The Broader Impact: Forensic Science as a Public Good

When forensic science is strengthened through education, the ripple effects are enormous:

• Justice becomes more efficient and fair with scientifically backed evidence.
• Police forces operate with greater accountability and effectiveness.
• Court cases can be resolved faster, reducing the burden on the judicial system.
• Citizens feel safer knowing crimes are investigated using modern tools.

A future-ready justice system must be grounded in science, and NEP offers the blueprint to get there.