Introduction
Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs) play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by providing scientific analysis of evidence collected from crime scenes. For forensic science students, knowing the list of FSL laboratories in India is extremely important for internships, training, career planning, competitive exams, and future job opportunities.
This article provides a comprehensive, student-friendly list of Central and State Forensic Science Laboratories in India, along with their significance and career relevance.
Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSL) in India
Central Forensic Science Laboratories function under the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. These laboratories handle high-profile and sensitive cases.
List of CFSLs in India:
- CFSL, Kolkata (West Bengal) – First forensic laboratory in India
- CFSL, Hyderabad (Telangana)
- CFSL, Chandigarh (UT Chandigarh)
- CFSL, Pune (Maharashtra)
- CFSL, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
- CFSL, Guwahati (Assam)
- CFSL, Shillong (Meghalaya)
- CFSL, New Delhi (CBI) – Works exclusively with CBI cases
Major Divisions in CFSLs:
- Forensic Biology & DNA
- Chemistry & Toxicology
- Ballistics
- Questioned Document Examination (QDE)
- Cyber & Digital Forensics
- Physics & Trace Evidence
- Fingerprint Analysis
State Forensic Science Laboratories (SFSL) in India
Every Indian state has its own State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL), functioning under the State Home Department or Police Department.
List of Major State FSLs:
North India
- SFSL, Rohini – Delhi
- SFSL, Lucknow – Uttar Pradesh
- SFSL, Jaipur – Rajasthan
- SFSL, Chandigarh – Punjab
- SFSL, Madhuban – Haryana
- SFSL, Dehradun – Uttarakhand
- SFSL, Junga – Himachal Pradesh
- SFSL, Srinagar – Jammu & Kashmir
West & Central India
- SFSL, Gandhinagar – Gujarat
- SFSL, Mumbai – Maharashtra
- SFSL, Nagpur – Maharashtra
- SFSL, Bhopal – Madhya Pradesh
- SFSL, Raipur – Chhattisgarh
- SFSL, Panaji – Goa
South India
- SFSL, Bengaluru – Karnataka
- SFSL, Chennai – Tamil Nadu
- SFSL, Hyderabad – Telangana
- SFSL, Vijayawada – Andhra Pradesh
- SFSL, Thiruvananthapuram – Kerala
East & North-East India
- SFSL, Patna – Bihar
- SFSL, Ranchi – Jharkhand
- SFSL, Bhubaneswar – Odisha
- SFSL, Kolkata – West Bengal
- SFSL, Guwahati – Assam
- SFSL, Agartala – Tripura
- SFSL, Imphal – Manipur
Regional & District Forensic Science Laboratories (RFSL / DFSL)
Apart from CFSL and SFSL, many states have Regional (RFSL) and District Forensic Science Laboratories (DFSL) to reduce case load and speed up investigations.
Examples:
- RFSL, Ahmedabad
- RFSL, Surat
- RFSL, Rajkot
- DFSLs in major districts across India
These labs are very important for:
- Student internships
- Project work
- Entry-level forensic jobs
Why This List Is Important for Forensic Students
- Helps in internship planning
- Useful for government exam preparation
- Understanding real-world forensic infrastructure
- Career clarity in Biology, DNA, Cyber, Ballistics, QDE
- Useful for MSc dissertation & training applications
Career Opportunities in FSLs
Students can work in FSLs as:
- Scientific Assistant
- Scientific Officer
- Junior Scientific Officer
- DNA Analyst
- Toxicologist
- Cyber Forensic Analyst
Recruitment is usually done through:
- State Public Service Commission (PSC)
- UPSC / Central Government exams
- Direct recruitment & contractual positions
Final Words
Forensic Science Laboratories are the backbone of scientific investigation in India. Every forensic student should be aware of the CFSL, SFSL, RFSL, and DFSL network to plan their education, internships, and long-term career effectively.
If you are serious about a career in forensic science, understanding the FSL ecosystem is your first practical step.
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