Forensic Engineer
Investigates products, materials and structures that fail, and works out what caused the failure.
Overview
Forensic Engineers investigate products, materials, structures and components that either fail or malfunction causing loss to person(s) and property. They also handle vehicular or mechanical accidents. They also set down the methodology involved to locate the cause(s) leading to such faults.
Where they work
- Large corporations
- Small engineering firms
- Independent consultants
- Insurance companies
- Law firms
- Government agencies among others
Work environment
You are likely to work in an office or laboratory. You may occasionally travel to the site of investigation. You will work usual office hours – 5 to 6 days a week and 8 to 9 hours every day. This may vary from company to company.
Opportunities for differently abled exist in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You enjoy Science
- You enjoy figuring out how things work
- You pay attention to details
- You can use a computer to solve a scientific problem
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics).
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science/any stream of Engineering/Pharmacy/Computer Application/Mathematics/Dental Surgery or MBBS
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's in the same or related field.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Engineering. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi
- Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala
- University of Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Kolkata, West Bengal
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Chandigarh University, Chandigarh
- Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka
- JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, Karnataka
- Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu
- Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Rabindranath Tagore University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Trainee
- 2Forensic Science Engineer
- 3Head, Forensic Science
Expected income
₹25,000 – ₹95,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Civil Engineer/Structural Engineer
Designs, builds and maintains buildings, water systems, airports, roads and bridges.
Quality Assurance Engineer
Plans and runs tests on a company's products and services, finding and fixing faults before launch.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science, Maths.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to analysing.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Sean Brady — A Forensic Engineer, is the director of the Society of Construction Law Australia and a member of the Singapore International Mediation Centre's Panel of Experts. He has a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering. In 2019, Sean Brady was commissioned by the Queensland Government Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy to carry out a review into all fatal accidents in Queensland mines and quarries from 2000 to 2019. It culminated in 11 recommendations for both industry and the regulator on how to lower fatality and incident rate.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 491 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/forensic-engineer/india
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Chandigarh University, a private university, is printed under government institutes on this card and is listed under private here. Sam Higginbottom University is at Prayagraj (printed "Allahabad").
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.