How to Become a Criminologist: Know the Eligibility

How to Become a Criminologist: Know the Eligibility

If crime documentaries grab your attention and mystery stories keep you curious, this field may suit you well. Many young people today are searching for answers on how to become a criminologist. It is not just a glamorous job shown on television. It is a serious profession that helps society stay safe.

Crime rates in India are steadily increasing. In 2023, more than 37 lakh IPC cases were registered nationwide. This number rose from nearly 35 lakh cases in 2022. As crimes become more complex, the demand for trained professionals continues to rise. Experts predict criminology-related jobs may grow by nearly 10 percent by 2025.

Criminology offers both purpose and stability. It combines psychology, law, and research into one powerful career. This blog will guide you through education, skills, salary, and job options. By the end, you will clearly understand how to become a criminologist in India.

What Is a Criminologist?

A criminologist is a person who studies crime and criminals. Their job is to learn why crimes happen. They also study how crimes can be stopped. Criminologists look at crime data and patterns. They study how society affects crime. They often work with police and government offices. Some also work in research centers.

This career uses psychology, sociology, and law. It is not like crime shows on TV. Real criminologists spend time reading reports and studying facts. They help make plans to prevent crime. They also support programs that help criminals reform. Their work helps keep communities safe.

Many students start thinking about how to become a criminologist during school or college. This career is good for curious people. It suits those who enjoy solving problems. It is also great for students who want to help society.

Criminologist Career Path: Step-by-Step Guide

The criminologist career path follows clear and simple steps. Each step helps you gain knowledge and skills. It also gives real experience over time. Below is an easy guide to understand the journey.

Step 1: Complete Your High School Education

You must finish class 12 from a recognized board. Arts or science streams work best for this career. Subjects like psychology and sociology are helpful. Political science can also be useful. Good marks help you get into better colleges. This step forms the base of how to become a criminologist.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is required to enter criminology. Students usually choose psychology, sociology, or law.

  • BA Hons Psychology at Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth helps students understand human behavior.
  • LLB at Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth teaches important legal concepts for criminal justice work.

These programs take three to five years to complete. They offer both theory and practical learning.

Step 3: Pursue a Master’s Degree

Higher roles need advanced education. A master’s degree builds strong research and thinking skills.

  • MA in Criminology teaches crime theories and prevention methods.
  • Forensic Psychology programs combine crime study with mental health.

Students from Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth often perform well at this level. Their undergraduate training gives them an advantage.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience

Practical experience is very important in this field. Internships help students learn real work skills.

  • Work with police departments or NGOs.
  • Assist research centers or legal offices.

This experience builds confidence and improves job chances.

Step 5: Add Certifications and Training

Short courses help students gain extra skills. They also help in choosing a specialty.

  • Forensic science certifications improve technical knowledge.
  • Criminal justice programs add professional value.

These courses make your profile stronger and more job-ready.

Step 6: Apply for Entry-Level Roles

After finishing education and training, you can apply for jobs.

  • Entry-level roles include research assistant or junior crime analyst.
  • Networking and patience help you grow in this field.

This full process clearly explains how to become a criminologist step by step.

Criminology Qualifications You Need

Strong criminology qualifications are needed for this career. You start after finishing class 12. Students from any stream can apply. Arts and science streams work best. These subjects help you understand people and society.

After school, you must earn a college degree. Most students choose psychology, sociology, or law. Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth offers BA Hons Psychology and LLB courses. These programs teach basic ideas about behavior and law. They help students learn how society works.

To get better jobs, a master’s degree is needed. Many students choose MA in Criminology or MSc in Forensic Science. Some teaching jobs need a PhD. You may need to pass entrance tests. Good marks are important at every step.

Best Criminology Courses After Graduation

Choosing the right criminology courses after graduation helps students learn faster. These courses help you focus on one area. They also improve job chances.

MA in Criminology is a popular choice. It teaches topics like cybercrime and victim studies. It also explains how criminals think. Postgraduate diplomas in forensic science teach how to study evidence. Students learn basic lab skills in these courses. Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth alumni do well in these programs. Their psychology background helps them learn easily.

Online courses in criminal psychology are also helpful. They are easy to join and flexible. Courses with practical training are more useful. Choosing the right course supports your journey in how to become a criminologist.

Key Skills Required for Criminologists

The skills required for criminologists are simple but important. You do not learn them from books alone. You build them with practice.

  • Critical thinking helps you think clearly. It helps you understand what is right or wrong.
  • Research skills help you find correct information. They help you study facts and numbers.
  • Communication skills help you speak and write clearly. They help others understand your ideas.
  • Attention to detail helps you notice small things. Small details can explain big crimes.
  • Ethical judgment helps you keep secrets safe. It teaches you to be honest and fair.
  • Problem-solving skills help you find solutions. They help reduce crime in society.

Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth helps students build these skills early. The BA Hons Psychology and LLB programs use practical learning. Students learn by doing real tasks, not just reading books.

Forensic Science and Criminology Career Options

The forensic science and criminology career has many job choices. Both fields deal with crime and justice. Forensic scientists study things found at crime scenes. This can be fingerprints or DNA. Crime scene workers collect evidence. They keep it safe and clean.

Criminologists do different kinds of work. Some help the government make rules. Some study crime and write reports. Jobs are found in government offices and private companies. Some work with computer crime teams. Lingaya’s LLB program helps students learn law skills. These careers show different ways to learn how to become a criminologist.

Criminal Investigation Training in India

Criminal investigation training programs teach real work skills. These programs show how crime cases are handled. Some big institutes offer these courses. Police academies also run training programs. They teach how to collect clues and ask questions.

Private institutes offer short courses too. These include diplomas and certificates. Most programs last from six months to two years. Many Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth students join these courses after graduation. These certificates help students get jobs faster.

Criminologist Salary in India: What to Expect

Knowing about criminologist salary in India helps students plan their future. Beginners earn about 3 to 5 lakhs a year. With more experience, they can earn 7 to 10 lakhs. Senior workers can earn up to 20 lakhs a year.

The pay depends on the city, type of job, and skills. Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth students often get good salaries because of their training. Learning about salary helps students stay motivated while figuring out how to become a criminologist.

Job Opportunities and Tips to Get Started

There are more jobs for criminologists every year. You can work in police stations, help groups (NGOs), banks, or schools. Some jobs are even in other countries.

It is important to show your skills to get jobs. You can meet people and learn about crime. Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth helps students find jobs after BA Hons Psychology or LLB. These things make it easier to learn how to become a criminologist.

Why Choose Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth?

Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth is known for its good education. It is in Faridabad, near Delhi NCR. The school has modern classrooms and labs. The BA Hons Psychology program helps students understand human behavior. The LLB course teaches important law skills.

The teachers have a lot of experience. Students also get practical learning and help finding jobs. Scholarships and fun activities help students grow. Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth gives a strong base for learning how to become a criminologist.

Highest Package and Alumni Success Story

The highest package at Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth is 45 lakhs per year. One inspiring student is Shivam Mehta from the 2021 batch. He studied BA Hons Psychology at Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth.

With help from teachers and internships, he learned strong thinking and problem-solving skills. Today, he works as a forensic psychologist in Delhi. His salary is 14 lakhs per year. His story shows how Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth helps students learn how to become a criminologist.

Conclusion

Criminology is a career with purpose, growth, and impact. The steps are clear, and the demand continues to rise. Education, skills, and experience matter most. Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth provides the right programs and support. If you are serious about making a difference, start today and take your first step toward how to become a criminologist.

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January 7, 2026

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