The Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS) will be the first forensic sciences institute in UP. The Institute aims to prepare forensic experts for police and to cater to public sector organisations.
The Institute is located in the state’s capital Lucknow, in the Sarojini Nagar area, and classes will begin in July. UPSIFS is affiliated with Gujarat’s National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). The Institute’s premises are divided into three sections: a dedicated DNA lab on a 5-acre campus and a 3-acre forensic science lab. Even hostel accommodations are also provided for 500 students.
The Institute offers a wide range of graduate and postgraduate courses. It offers BSc and MSc in forensic science and a one-year diploma in ballistics, cyber security and DNA.
“At present, there are five courses related to forensics BSc / MSc Forensic Science, PG Diploma in Forensic Document Examination, PG Diploma in Cyber Security, PG Diploma in DNA Forensic and PG Diploma in Forensic Ballistics and Explosives are being operated. B.Sc./M.Sc. Forensic Science is a five-year course while all the four diploma courses are of one year each”, said UPSIFS Director & UP Police ADG GK Goswami.
Special DG Law and Order Prashant Kumar said, “The Institute would not only train cops, people in the prosecution department but also provide new education, research in the field of forensic science. It would also enable students to explore new avenues and the state would get the best forensic scientists. Its foundation was laid by Union home minister Amit Shah in 2021.”
According to Prashant Kumar, the Institute’s website has begun to operate and listed admission procedures and requirements. Apart from admissions, the Institute is also recruiting staff to fill 496 posts, including 14 professors, 12 associate professors and 42 assistant professors.
ADG GK Goswami said the Institute would train students on three verticals— crime scene management, crime lab analysis, and translation of forensic expert opinion. The third vertical is the USP of this Institute, as this concept is relatively new. Under this, students will be trained to translate their expert opinion into credible legal evidence before the court.
Furthermore, ADG GK Goswami said that all courses are designed to provide maximum employability, “We are committed to expanding the horizon of forensics beyond court proceedings. For this purpose, efforts are in progress to connect and build strong bonds between industry and UPSIFS to explore interest areas of various industries. This unique Institute will encompasses global best practices with new ideas. The Uttar Pradesh government is committed to bringing the best education in the field of forensics.”
The UPSIFS is planning to add other departments like physics, biology, chemistry, serology, and toxicology, said another officer. There would be multiple disciplines under these departments. Even departments like law, behavioural sciences and police administration would be added to the Institute.
Another official said, “The department of behavioural sciences would have facilities of brain mapping, lie-detection tests, Narco analysis in a separate lab. It would also have a resource centre of civil and criminal law.”
