With its multidisciplinary approach, Forensic Science is the crucial link that holds all types of evidence in any investigation together. It entails the application of theories and procedures from several scientific areas to legal issues. The evolution of forensic science has generated the need for ideal forensic science professionals to assist in various fields. The prime forensic science institutes in India were the manifestation of this evolution.

Shri Vaishnav Institute of Forensic Science is a prominent name among these educational institutes, serving the needs of the industry.

Shri Vaishnav Institute of Forensic Science (SVIFS) was established in 2016 as a premiere and constituent institute of Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya. Shri Vaishnav Institute of Forensic Science believes in taking the nation forward by improving the quality of life of its citizens by continuously working in the sphere of education of the criminal justice system.

VIFS aims to provide practical knowledge along with theoretical aspects in the field through various activities in order to inculcate the overall development of the students. Institute offers UG and PG programs in various streams of Forensic Science like B.Sc., M.Sc. Forensic Science; B.Sc. (Hons.) Digital and Cyber Forensics; M.Sc. Cyber Forensics; BA/B.Sc., MA/M.Sc. Criminology; B.Sc., M.Sc. Psychology and PhD. Programs.

SVIFS has well-adequate facilities. During the programme, students participate in a number of national and international programmes run by the institute to impart research and to promote the overall development of the students.

Shri Vaishnav Institute of Forensic Science (SVIFS) has experienced faculty in the field of forensic science who delivered practical experience and job-oriented skills in the teaching process.

Preparing Students for Real-world Challenges

In order to support national cyber defence, SVIFS launched the BSc (Hons) Digital & Cyber Forensic and MSc Cyber Forensics programmes.

Institute also runs UG and PG programs in Forensic Psychology to prepare the young generation for helping in answering legal questions arising in different judicial proceedings.

Students related to every section of society are welcome to be admitted to SVIFS. Everyone has independent of their thought to take part in cultural and scientific activities like Saksh (Crime Scene Creation and Investigation Competition), National Moot Court Competition (a moot court competition simulates a court hearing-usually an appeal against a final decision), in which participants analyse a problem, research the relevant law, prepare written submissions, and present oral arguments. The procedure imitates what is followed in real courts) of the institute.

All section of society students are admitted to the Shri Vaishnav Institute of Forensic Science. Everyone has the option to take part in the activity. Students in all programmes are given merit-based and students from underprivileged backgrounds are also given scholarships through the SVVV. SVVV offers a unique scholarship program for each and every student despite of their religion, caste and language.

Adequate Use of Technology

All of the classrooms of SVIFS are virtual classrooms, allowing the faculty to project audio and video lectures throughout the class. The curriculum is framed in such a way that it covers the latest technology used in forensic investigations.

As India strives to become a digital hub, the curriculum for each course offered by SVIFS is designed by experienced professionals, business professionals, and experienced faculty members. As a result, Board of Studies members pay particular attention to how each course’s enrolled students can upgrade their knowledge of basic and advanced computer technology. As a result, some courses are mentioned in the curriculum to update information technology skills. The student’s submission of assignments and presentations relating to information technology during course study in front of the supervisor and course instructors has improved IT proficiency at the fundamental level of all courses.

Nurturing the Talents

Realising the talent of students, the institute organises activities like National Conference ‘Thathyam,’ National Moot Court Competition, and National Symposium ‘Samvachyy’ to showcase the talent of the students; the institute encourages them to participate in the activities organised by Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya so that they can develop organisation skills and show their talent.

The university organises activities for students National Science Exhibition ‘Anveshan,’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship ‘Hackathon,’ ‘Kalakriti,’ CSI Regional student convention ‘Kaushal;’ National Project Competition ‘Navarachana;’ National Robotics Competition ‘Navyantram,’ National Summer Internship Contest ‘Prakalp,’ ‘Raas Rang,’ ‘Rachnand,’ Fine Art Exhibition and Workshop ‘Sanrachna,’ National Sports Competition ‘Spardha,’ Activity of Entrepreneurship Development ‘Udhyamita,’ ‘Vedika,’ National Fine Art Workshop ‘Vishwankan.’ The annual fest ‘Spandan’ is an excellent opportunity for students which provides to showcase talents in dance, music, and poetry.

‘Prashikshanam’ is a program through which the institute regularly helps different departments and organisations to develop their skill and knowledge in the field of forensic science, investigation and perseverance of evidence for better law enforcement. Institute has trained personnel from Police Departments, Border Security Force Commandants, Home Guards, Lawyers etc.

Igniting Passion Among Students

Educational visits to forensic science labs and government institutes like police Training Colleges, Medical Colleges are held every year as a part of the curriculum to develop scientific temper among the students and to provide real-time exposure.

The institute has its own Board of Studies in which senior educationalists and scientist from the organisations like NFSU, Delhi; Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat; Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai; State Forensic Science Laboratory, Tripura; Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad; Digital Forensic Science Division, Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad.

The institute ignites passion among every student, and this is the reason that some students have started their own companies to deal with forensic cases; some have joined as claim Investigator, Police Departments, Central Forensic Science Laboratory risk assessors, cyber security experts, DRDO, Systool and some students have chosen their carrier as Academician or Researcher.

Maintaining High Quality

Teachers and students are the main pillars of any educational institute. Providing a healthy environment for teachers to develop creativity in their teaching, encouragement for research work, regular review, and update of course curriculum with constant quality checks, regular and one-to-one counselling and guidance to students, feedback and evaluation process are the constituents of achieving excellence at SVIFS.

All the classrooms of the institute are well-equipped with LCD projector and internet facilities. Faculties are always connected to their students through virtual platforms like Google Meets, Zoom, and WhatsApp groups. Faculty members can upload teaching materials on online platforms like MOOCs’ SWAYAM portal. This helps especially disabled students to learn without any difficulty in accessing study resources.

The post Shri Vaishnav Institute of Forensic Science: Catalysing the Forensic Science Evolution appeared first on The Knowledge Review.