The National Forensic Sciences University, erstwhile Gujarat Forensic Sciences University was established in 2008 by Government of Gujarat under the visionary leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat. The main objective of the University is to create professional forensic scientists so as to fulfill the acute shortage of forensic experts in the country and around the world.
Over the last 12 years, the University has become India’s premier institute for advanced knowledge and scientific research in the field of Forensic Science and its allied branches. Its mandate is “to create skilled human resource in the field of forensic science and help in strengthening the justice delivery system of India”. In keeping with this guiding principle, the University has strived to foster a balance between the pursuit of basic forensic knowledge and applying its research for prevention and investigation of crimes in the country. Considering the role, importance and contribution of erstwhile GFSU, Government of India, has elevated GFSU as National Forensic Sciences University and also accorded a special status of “An Institution of National Importance” with effect from 1st October 2020.
Since its inception, it has been making remarkable contributions to the world of education. Yet again they have come up with one of the most uniquely planned courses, hosting a seamless amalgamation of Law and Data Science.
Starting in September 2021, the National Forensic Sciences University has developed India's first of its type, a five-year integrated B.Sc. LL.B. programme with a strong focus on data science and law.
This is a comprehensive five-year programme that is one of a kind, designed to prepare future technology-savvy lawyers who can make significant contributions in a technologically advanced environment.
This programme aims to integrate data analytics into legal research and practice by utilising state-of-the-art data science methodologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and other state-of-the-art data science methodologies in research across a variety of disciplines such as crime, consumer bankruptcies, comparative competition law, and comparative judicial decisions.
The program's focus is on Data Science and Law, wherein students will connect mathematical methods, statistics, computing, business decisions, and communication with the law to qualify for one of the most in-demand and prestigious careers in the world.
In legal practice and the legal system itself, data science is becoming more significant and controversial. However, there aren’t many lawyers skilled in data analysis or machine learning.
As a result, this programme provides possibilities for people with dual expertise to discover new ways to apply data science to improve access to justice, boost settlement rates, and improve the efficiency of legal practice and the legal system as a whole.
What makes it unique?
- Professionals and practitioners from core skill areas help the students
- The curriculum has a unique blend of theory, practice, and clinical experience.
- Exclusive advanced laboratory facility for a nuanced understanding of the forensic application
- Learning through simulations
- Exclusive clinical design for all programmes to enhance experiential learning
- Career counselling and the creation of a developmental graph for each student starting in the first year
- Limited intake of students with individual emphasis and mentorship
- From the first year on, each student receives career counselling and a developmental graph is created for them
- The pedagogy and teaching style is aimed to create forensic justice professionals and policymakers.
Defying the old traditions, NFSU has kept the batch’s intake up to 40 students only. The vision is to produce technologically proficient lawyers who will be trained to start a new way of dealing in the legal system. The course fee has been kept at Rs.50,000 per semester to make it affordable and accessible to a larger number of aspiring lawyers.
The eligibility criteria for the programme:
To apply to this one-of-a-kind law programme, you must have passed the Intermediate/Higher Secondary Board Exam (10+2) in Science Stream with Physics/ Chemistry/Biology/Maths with a grade of 60% or higher. (In the SC/ST and PwD categories, 55% or similar marks are required).
Hear the Vice-Chancellor of NFSU Speak:
The Vice-Chancellor, Dr. J.M. Vyas who is eminent Scientist, of the National Forensic Sciences University
states that “ We are immensely proud to introduce this new program that may change the course for the functioning of the legal sector. Being the world’s only university solely dedicated to forensic and investigative sciences, we aim to produce India’s most technologically advanced lawyers with the bigger goal of making the world a better and safer place to live.”
NFSU has designed this program very carefully. It has the potential to enable students to have access to a variety of opportunities. Know more
here!