Entrance Exam for Forensic Science After 12th 2026: AIFSET, CUET, LPUNEST, & NFSU

Article Summary

• Entrance exam for forensic science after 12th in 2026 mainly includes CUET (for government colleges like NFSU), AIFSET and LPUNEST (for private universities), with NFAT discontinued, making national-level exams the primary admission route.
• Entrance exam for forensic science after 12th requires 10+2 science with Physics and Chemistry plus Biology/Maths (50–60% marks), with exams like AIFSET (100 MCQs, no negative marking, 60 minutes) and CUET based on NCERT Class 12 syllabus.
• Entrance exam for forensic science after 12th leads to careers in government (CFSL, CBI, NIA) and private sectors (Deloitte, PwC), with starting salaries around INR 4.5–8 LPA and higher growth in cyber forensics reaching INR 15–18 LPA+.

Getting into forensic science in India depends more on exams than marks alone. And, if you want a seat in 2026, then you need to choose the right entrance exam for forensic science after 12th because now things have changed. The National Forensic Sciences University no longer takes its own test, so it means you will have to go through CUET for government seats. At the same time, exams like AIFSET and LPUNEST can help you get into good private colleges faster.

But if you pick the wrong exam or apply late, then you will lose your chance. That is why this blog will help you and tell you which exam fits your goal, what subjects you need, and how you can secure your seat without confusion. So, let’s go!

Which Entrance Exam for Forensic Science After 12th You Should Choose? 

Choosing the entrance exam for Forensic Science after 12th  can feel confusing at first because you have many options. So you need to first decide what you want. If you want top government colleges, you will need CUET. If you are okay with private universities, you can go for AIFSET. If you want a specific college or location, then state exams can help. So the right exam will depend on your goal, your marks, and your career plan.

The Most Important Update for 2026

The biggest change in 2026 is that NFAT is cancelled. Earlier, students had to give this exam to get into NFSU. Now you do not need it anymore. You will use exams like CUET, JEE, CLAT, or GATE, depending on your course. This change is very important because many students still think NFAT exists. If you prepare for it now, it will waste your time.

What Has Changed in 2026?

Now the whole admission process is different. First, you need to apply on the NFSU portal. Then you will give the required exam, like CUET or JEE. After that, your score will be used for admission. So instead of one separate exam, everything now depends on national-level exams.

UG Admission (B.Sc / Integrated)	CUET UG 2026 score + NFSU CSAS registration
PG Admission (M.Sc)	CUET PG 2026 score + NFSU CSAS registration
B.Tech / M.Tech	JEE Main (B.Tech), GATE (M.Tech)
Law Courses	CLAT score
MBA	CAT score
Application Deadline	June 10, 2026
Application Portal	https://nfsuadm.samarth.edu.in/
Top Courses	B.Sc-M.Sc Forensic Science, B.Sc Criminology
Fees	INR 65,000 per semester (B.Sc years), INR 90,000 per semester (M.Sc years)

Tier 1: National Prestige

This is for students who want the best government college, which is NFSU. You will need to give the CUET for this. The competition is high, so you will need good marks in science subjects. If you get in, it will really help your career. Top agencies like CBI and NIA prefer students from here. So if you want a government career, this is the best path.

Tier 2: National Private Exams

This option is for private universities. The main exam here is AIFSET. You can take this exam from home. Many good colleges accept this score. If you want modern corporate jobs, this is a good option. There is no negative marking, so you can attempt all questions without fear.

Tier 3: University & State-Level Exams

This option is good if you want a specific college or want to stay in your city. Exams like IPU CET or KIITEE come in this category. The competition is not as high as CUET. You can still get good colleges in your region. So this is a smart option if you want less pressure but decent opportunities.

Direct Merit Admission

You can also get admission without any entrance exam. Some colleges will accept you based on your 12th-grade marks. If your marks are good, you can apply directly. But seats are limited, so you should also apply for entrance exams as a backup.

AIFSET: Entrance Exam for Forensic Science After 12th

If you are looking for the entrance exam for Forensic Science after 12th, then you will see AIFSET again and again. Government seats through CUET are limited, so many students look for another option. This is where AIFSET comes in. It gives you access to many private colleges with good labs and placements. So if you want a safer and more practical option, this exam will make sense.

What is AIFSET?

AIFSET is a national-level entrance exam for forensic science courses. It is used for admission into B.Sc and M.Sc programs. The good part is that the exam is fully online. You can give it from home using your phone or laptop. It checks your basic science knowledge and how you think. So if your basics are clear, you will be able to handle it easily.

AIFSET Eligibility (UG & PG)

The eligibility is simple, but you need to check your subjects. For B.Sc, you must have studied science in Class 12. For M.Sc, you must have a science degree. Students who are still giving their board exams can also apply, so you do not have to wait.

Course	Eligibility	Minimum Marks
B.Sc Forensic Science	10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and/or Mathematics	50% (General/OBC)
M.Sc Forensic Science	B.Sc Forensic Science or any Science degree	50% from a recognized university

AIFSET Exam Pattern 2026

The exam will take only 60 minutes. All questions are MCQs, so you just need to choose the right answer. There is no negative marking, so you can attempt every question without fear. You also get up to 3 attempts, which means you will have more chances to improve your score.

Exam Mode	Online remote proctored (mobile/laptop)
Total Questions	100 MCQs
Duration	60 minutes
Marking	+1 for correct answer, no negative marking
Attempts	Maximum 3 attempts

AIFSET Syllabus 

The syllabus is mostly based on what you already studied in Classes 11 and 12. So you will see familiar topics from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Maths. Along with that, there is one section that checks how you think and solve problems. So you need both knowledge and basic logic.

Subject	Topics
Biology	Cell structure, genetics, human physiology, diversity
Chemistry	Atomic structure, bonding, thermodynamics, & organic chemistry
Physics	Motion, electricity, optics, atoms, & nuclei
Forensic Science	Basics of forensics, types of crime, & general awareness
Psychometric	Logical reasoning, aptitude, problem solving

Top Colleges Accepting AIFSET Scores

Many private universities accept AIFSET scores. So you will have multiple options to choose from. These colleges usually have good labs and training. Fees will be different for each college, so you can choose based on your budget.

University Name	Annual Fee
Vivekananda Global University	INR 1.2 to 1.8 Lakhs
Centurion University	INR 1.0 to 1.5 Lakhs
Invertis University	INR 0.8 to 1.2 Lakhs
Aditya University	INR 0.9 to 1.4 Lakhs
GD Goenka University	INR 1.5 to 2.2 Lakhs

Also Read: All You Need To Know About Science Stream Subjects

CUET UG: Entrance Exam for Forensic Science After 12th

CUET UG is the main entrance exam for forensic science after 12th if you are aiming for government colleges. Earlier, NFSU had its own exam, but now it uses CUET. So one exam will decide your chances in top colleges. If you prepare well in Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Maths, you will have a better chance.

NFSU: India’s Best Forensic Science University

NFSU is the top university for forensic science in India. It is approved by the government and has a very good reputation. It focuses only on forensic and related fields, so the training is very practical. Students can get exposure to case work like crime scenes and lab analysis. The 5-year integrated BSc + MSc course is one of the best options after 12th.

How to Get Admission in NFSU via CUET

The process is simple, but you have to follow each step properly. Missing one step can create problems later. So it is important to stay careful and follow the timeline.

• Fill the CUET UG form with the correct subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Maths
• Appear for the CUET exam and get a good score
• Register on the NFSU CSAS portal after the exam
• Check eligibility like minimum 55 % in 12th (50 % for reserved categories)
• Complete the form before the June 10, 2026, deadline
• Wait for counseling and seat allotment based on the CUET score

CUET for Other Universities 

CUET is also used by many other top universities. So even if NFSU is your main goal, you will still have backup options. These universities have related courses in forensic or allied fields. So one exam will give you multiple opportunities.

University Name	Course	CUET Subjects	Minimum Marks
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)	B.Sc (Hons) via M.Sc specialization	Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Maths	50%
University of Delhi (DU)	B.Sc Anthropology or Zoology	Physics, Chemistry, Biology	50%
Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya	B.Sc (Hons) Forensic Science	Physics, Chemistry, Maths/Biology	50%
Dr Harisingh Gour University	B.Sc Forensic Science	Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Maths	45 to 50%

LPUNEST: Entrance Exam for Forensic Science After 12th

If you are looking for an entrance exam for forensic science after 12th in a private university, then LPUNEST is a good option. It is used for admission into LPU forensic programs and can also get you scholarships. It is easier than national-level exams and also gives early admission chances, so if you want a balance of an easy exam and good placements, this exam will make sense.

LPUNEST Exam Details

LPUNEST is a computer-based exam, so you will take it on a system. You can choose to take it from home or at a test center, which makes it flexible. The exam is conducted in multiple phases, so you can pick a suitable date. This also means you do not have to rush and can plan your attempt better.

Exam Mode	Online, remote proctored, or test center-based
Application Fee	INR 1,000 (soft copy) or INR 1,500 (printed kit)
Registration Deadline	April 15, 2026
Exam Dates	April 4 to April 30, 2026
Result Date	May 2, 2026

Eligibility and Exam Pattern

For eligibility, you need to check your subjects properly. You must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and English, along with Biology or Maths, in Class 12, and a minimum 50 % marks is required in 10+2. The exam pattern is designed in a way that you can attempt all questions without fear. Since there is no negative marking, your chances of scoring higher will increase. Also, exam duration is 90 minutes, and all questions are MCQs

Subject	Questions	Marks
English	25	25
Physics	25	25
Chemistry	25	25
Biology or Maths	25	25
Total	100	100

Scholarships and Benefits

LPUNEST is not just an entrance exam, but it also works as a scholarship test. Your score will decide how much fee reduction you can get. This can make a big difference in total course cost. So if you prepare well and score high, you will save a good amount of money. Here are the key details: 

• The top 100 students can get an INR 1 Lakh study grant
• Scholarship is given per semester
• A higher score means better fee reduction

Scholarship Level	Performance	Benefit
Bracket 1	Top 10%	30% fee reduction
Bracket 2	Next 10%	25% fee reduction
Bracket 3	Next 15%	20% fee reduction

Courses and Career Outcomes

LPU has multiple forensic programs, so you can choose based on your interests. You will learn about crime scenes, lab testing, and investigation methods. This kind of training can help you get ready for jobs in forensic labs and companies. Jobs are usually available in private labs and cybersecurity, and roles can include forensic analyst and lab expert. 

Program	Duration	Focus
B.Sc (Hons) Forensic Science	4 years	Crime scene work, lab skills
M.Sc Forensic Science	2 years	DNA work, document analysis
Ph.D Forensic Science	3 plus years	Research and advanced work

Other Entrance Exam for Forensic Science After 12th

If you are looking for more options for an entrance exam for forensic science after 12th, then you will find many good choices beyond CUET and AIFSET. These exams are useful if you want a specific city or university. They are usually less competitive, so your chances can improve. 

IPU CET (GGSIPU)

IPU CET is a good option if you want to study in Delhi. It is conducted by GGSIPU, and many students choose it for its affordable fees and decent placements. The exam is not as tough as national exams, so you can manage it with basic preparation. If you are targeting Delhi NCR colleges, this exam will be very useful.

Registration Deadline	March 31, 2026
Exam Dates	April 25 to May 17, 2026
Eligibility	10+2 with 55% in PCB or Maths
Application Fee	INR 2,500 General, INR 1,200 SC ST

KIITEE (KIIT University)

KIITEE is one of the easiest exams to apply for because there is no application fee. It is conducted in multiple phases, so you will get more than one chance. The syllabus is simple and based on Class 12 science. This makes it a good option if you want a private university with less pressure.

Phase 1 Exam Dates	April 16 to April 20, 2026
Phase 2 Registration	Open till May 30, 2026
Syllabus	Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Maths
Marking Scheme	+4 correct, -1 incorrect

BHU Admission via CUET

BHU takes admission through CUET, so you do not need a separate exam. You just need to choose the correct science subjects while filling out the CUET form. After the results, you will apply through the BHU counselling portal. This is a good government option with low fees and a good reputation.

Required Subjects	Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Maths
Eligibility	10+2 Science with 50%
Age Limit	Maximum 22 years
Counselling Fee	INR 500 General, INR 250 SC ST

Direct Merit- Based Admission (No Exam Route)

If you do not want to take any entrance exam, this option is still open. Some colleges give admission based on your Class 12 marks. If your score is high, you can still get into a good college. This is helpful if you missed exam deadlines or want a backup option.

Institution	Selection Criteria	Cut off
Institute of Forensic Science, Mumbai	12th PCB or Maths marks	85 to 92%
Bundelkhand University	10th and 12th combined marks	75 to 85%
Amity University	12th marks plus interview	Minimum 60%

PCM vs PCB: Which Entrance Exam for Forensic Science After 12th is Right for You?

When choosing an entrance exam for forensic science after 12th, your stream will matter a lot. Both PCM and PCB students can apply, but your subjects will decide your specialization. Some fields need Biology, while others need Maths. So you need to match your subjects with the right exam and course. 

For PCB Students

If you studied Biology, you will mostly go into traditional forensic science fields. This will include DNA testing, toxicology, and body fluid analysis. In exams like CUET, you will need to choose Biology with Physics and Chemistry. This path is best if you want to work in labs and handle actual crime samples. 

For PCM Students

If you studied Maths, then you will have an advantage in digital and technical forensic fields. This will include cyber forensics, data analysis, and ballistics. In the entrance exams, you will choose Maths with Physics and Chemistry. This path is great if you are interested in cybercrime and technology-based investigations. 

Also Read: Best Career Options After B.Sc Mathematics: Government & Private Jobs

Eligibility Criteria of Entrance Exam for Forensic Science After 12th

When you check eligibility for an entrance exam for forensic science after 12th, you need to focus on subjects and marks first. Most exams will ask for Physics and Chemistry, and then Biology or Maths as the third subject, so PCMB students can apply for almost all courses and exams. Here are the basic requirements. 

Academic Qualification	10+2 passed or appearing from a recognized board
Stream Required	Science stream is compulsory
Mandatory Subjects	Physics and Chemistry
Third Subject	Biology or Mathematics
Minimum Marks	50% for most private exams, 55 to 60% for top colleges
Age Limit	Usually 17 to 25 years, some colleges have lower limits
Appearing Students	Allowed to apply provisionally
Reserved Category	5% marks relaxation for eligible categories

Exam-wise Eligibility Breakdown

Each exam has slightly different rules, so you should not assume all are the same. You need to match your subjects and marks with the specific exam you want to give. This table will help you compare and understand what each exam needs.

Exam	Required Subjects	Minimum Marks	Special Requirement
CUET (for NFSU)	Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Maths	55 to 60%	Correct domain subjects required
AIFSET	Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Maths	50%	Up to 3 attempts allowed
LPUNEST	Physics, Chemistry, English, Biology, or Maths	50%	English is compulsory
IPU CET	Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Maths	50 to 55%	English must be passed
BHU via CUET	Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Maths	50%	Age limit up to 22 years

Forensic Science Courses After 12th 

Before you choose any entrance exam for forensic science after 12th, you need to understand the courses first. Your course will decide your career direction later. So you should pick a course based on your interests and subjects. Here are the popular options. 

B.Sc Forensic Science

This is the most common course, and most students start from here. It will give you basic knowledge of all forensic subjects like biology, chemistry, and crime investigation. You will learn how evidence is collected and tested in labs. This course is best if you are not sure about your specialization yet.

Duration	3 years
Main Subjects	Serology, Toxicology, Ballistics, Fingerprint Analysis
Fees	INR 30,000 to INR 1.5 Lakhs per year
Entrance Exams	CUET, AIFSET, LPUNEST

B.Sc Forensic Science & Criminology

This course will mix science with crime psychology. You will study evidence and also understand why crimes happen. It is useful if you are interested in criminal behavior and law, along with science. This gives you a wider career scope in investigation and research.

Duration	3 years
Main Subjects	Criminal Psychology, Victimology, Crime Scene Management
Fees	INR 50,000 to INR 1.2 Lakhs per year
Entrance Exams	AIFSET, State-level exams

B.Sc Cyber Forensics

This course is focused on digital crimes and technology. You will learn how to recover deleted data and track cyber criminals. It is a fast-growing field because cybercrime is increasing every year. This is a good choice if you like computers and investigation.

Duration	3 years
Main Subjects	Network Forensics, Mobile Forensics, Data Recovery
Fees	INR 80,000 to INR 1.8 Lakhs per year
Entrance Exams	CUET, AIFSET, Private exams

B.Sc Cyber Security

This course focuses more on preventing cyber attacks rather than solving crimes. You will learn about hacking, security systems, and data protection. It is ideal if you want a job in IT companies or corporate security. This field has a very high demand and good salaries.

Duration	3 to 4 years
Main Subjects	Ethical Hacking, Cryptography, Network Security
Fees	INR 1 Lakh to INR 2.5 Lakhs per year
Entrance Exams	JEE Main, LPUNEST, other private exams

Integrated Courses at NFSU (BSc+MSc, BTech+MTech)

These are 5-year combined courses where you complete both graduation and post-graduation together. You do not need to give a separate entrance for the masters later. These courses are offered by NFSU and are considered the best in India. Good for career opportunities in the government and private sectors.

Duration	5 years
Courses	BSc+MSc Forensic Science, BTech+MTech Cyber Security
Fees	Around INR 1.3 Lakhs per year
Entrance Exams	CUET for B.Sc M.Sc, JEE Main for B.Tech M.Tech

Timeline for Forensic Science Entrance Exams 2026

If you are planning to take any entrance exam for forensic science after 12th, then you need to track dates very carefully. Most exams happen between April and June. So you need to stay active and not miss any step. Here is the overall timeline. 

Exam	Registration Deadline	Exam Date
CUET UG 2026	Closed (Feb 26, 2026)	May 11 to May 31, 2026
NFSU CSAS Portal	June 10, 2026	Based on CUET score
AIFSET 2026	April 17, 2026	April 18, 2026
IPU CET 2026	April 11, 2026	April 25 to May 17, 2026
KIITEE 2026	May 30, 2026	June 4 to June 8, 2026
LPUNEST 2026	April 15, 2026	April 4 to April 30, 2026

Comparison of All Entrance Exam for Forensic Science After 12th 

Here we will compare some entrance exams for forensic science after 12th. CUET is more structured, while private exams are more flexible. So you should choose based on your goal. This comparison will help you see everything clearly.

Exam	Level	2026 Date	Duration	Questions	Negative Marking	Syllabus Focus
CUET UG	National	May 11 to May 31	60 min per subject	40 to 50 per subject	Yes (minus 1)	NCERT Class 12 PCB or PCM
AIFSET	National	April 18	60 minutes	100 MCQs	No	Science plus forensic aptitude
IPU CET	University	April 25 to May 17	150 minutes	100 MCQs	Yes (minus 1)	Biology, Chemistry, & reasoning
KIITEE	University	June 4 to June 8	180 minutes	120 MCQs	Yes	Physics, Chemistry, Maths
LPUNEST	University	April 4 to April 30	150 minutes	125 MCQs	No	PCM or Biology plus English

Also Read: Types of Criminology Jobs

Career Opportunities & Salary in Forensic Science

After you clear an entrance exam for forensic science after 12th, your career options will open up in many fields. You can go into government jobs, private companies, or even research. The field is growing fast because crime investigation now depends a lot on science and technology. If you choose the right field early, your growth will be much better.

Sector	Job Roles	Average Starting Salary	Top Recruiters
Government	Forensic Scientist, Crime Scene Investigator, Lab Analyst	INR 4.5 to 8 Lakhs per year	CFSL, State FSL, CBI, IB, NIA
Private Sector	Cyber Forensic Analyst, Fraud Investigator, Consultant	INR 5 15 Lakhs per year	Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, EY, Private Labs
Academic and Research	Research Assistant, Professor, Consultant	INR 3.5 7 Lakhs per year	NFSU, AIIMS, Amity, Panjab University

Salary Comparison by Specialisation (Traditional vs Cyber)

Your salary will change a lot based on the field you choose. Traditional forensic jobs are stable and mostly in labs. Cyber forensics is growing fast and has higher salaries. So if you are interested in technology, you can earn more in the long run.

Specialization	Entry Level Salary	Mid-Career Salary	Reason for Demand
Traditional Forensics	INR 3.5 to 5 Lakhs	INR 8 to 10 Lakhs	High number of crime cases
Cyber Forensics	INR 7 to 10 Lakhs	INR 15 to 18 Lakhs+	Rise in cybercrime and fraud
Forensic Toxicology	INR 4.5 to 6 Lakhs	INR 10 to 12 Lakhs	Demand in pharma and legal cases
Forensic Psychology	INR 3.5 to 5 Lakhs	INR 7 to 9 Lakhs	Use in criminal profiling and courts

FAQs

Relatable Reads

Top Forensic Science Courses After 12th	Best Forensic Science Colleges in Kerala for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies
Top Courses After 12th Science with High Salary	A Guide to the Branches of Science for Indian and International Students
Top Career Options After 12th Science PCM (Other Than Engineering) for a Bright Future	Top 6 High Salary Courses After 12th Science

You now understand how every entrance exam for forensic science after 12th works, so you just need to play this smart. You should pick one strong main exam and keep one backup option ready. Also, you should always check the subject rules before applying because many students lose seats just because they miss Biology or Maths requirements. If you want a real edge, start preparing from the NCERT basics and practice time-based questions, because speed will decide your rank more than knowledge. 

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