UGC NET now conducted by NTA includes two papers, that is, Paper I and Paper II. While Paper I evaluates the teaching and research aptitude of the candidates and is common for all, Paper II consists of subject-specific questions based on the subject selected by the candidate.
Although some candidates may feel confident about paper II as it it based on their subject, it will not be as easy as ABC, but rather, it is found to be often tougher and harder to score than Paper I. Therefore, a good preparation can make a huge difference on the final outcome. As we have already discussed some preparation strategy for Paper I in the previous article, we will also look at the exam pattern, syllabus and some preparation tips for Paper II (Forensic Science, Subject code: 82).
Exam Pattern for Paper II
Paper II will consist of 100 multiple choice questions, with four options to choose from and one correct answer. Each correct answer will get 2 marks, therefore, the total marks for paper II is 200. There is no negative marking for wrong answers. The total duration for both papers is 3 hours (180 minutes).
Syllabus for Forensic Science (Subject code: 82)
The syllabus for Paper II (Forensic Science) has been divided into 10 units as follows:
Unit I
- Forensic Science: Definition, History & Development, Scope, Ethics in Forensic Science
- Physical Evidence: Nature, Types, Search methods, Collection, Preservation, Packing & Forwarding of Physical & Trace evidence for forensic analyses, Chain of Custody
- Crime Scene: Nature, Types, Preservation of Scene of Crime
- Criminal Investigations: Unnatural deaths, Criminal assaults, Sexual offences, Poisoning, Vehicular accidents
- Courts: Types, powers and jurisdiction, Admissibility of evidence in Courts, Definition of Experts, Provisions in Cr.P.C.,1973 & Indian Evidence Act relating to experts & their reports; Court Procedures pertaining to Expert Testimony & Witness
- Organization of Forensic Science Laboratories of Centre and State, NCRB and NICFS
- Fundamental Rights: Right of Equality (Articles 14 to 18) and Right of Freedom (Articles 19 to 22) as per Constitution of India
- Criminal Profiling: Profile of victim and culprit, its role in crime investigation, Lie detection (Polygraphy), Narco analysis, Brain mapping, scope and limitations
- Concept of quality control management in Forensic institutions
Unit II
- Microscopy: Polarizing, Comparison, Stereoscopic, Fluorescent and Electron Microscopes Spectrophotometry: UV, Visible, IR, Raman, Atomic absorption, Emission
- Neutron Activation Analysis
- X – rays and x-ray based techniques such as XRD, XRF
- Mass Spectroscopy
- Chromatographic Techniques: TLC, GLC, HPLC, HPTLC
- Hyphenated Techniques: GC-MS, LC-MS, IR-MS and ICP-MS
- Electrophoresis: High and Low voltage electrophoresis, Immunoelectrophoresis
- Immunoassays: Principle, Types ,Techniques and applications
Unit III
- Detection and Identification of Blood stains
- Determination of Species of Origin
- Blood Group Systems
- Techniques of Determination of Blood groups of Blood Stains
- Detection of Seminal and other body fluids and their Blood Grouping, Red cells Enzymes, Serum Proteins of forensic significance
- Disputed Paternity & Maternity
- DNA: Structure, DNA as genetic marker, DNA Extraction and Profiling Techniques
- DNA Phenotyping and RNA Profiling & their applications
- Wild life Forensics: Wild life (Protection) Act,1972, Scope, Evidences and Identification
Unit IV
- Analysis of Ethyl alcohol in beverages , liquors, biological fluids and breath
- Analysis of Methanol and Denaturants
- Illicit liquors
- Analysis of Chemicals in Trap Cases
- Metabolism and Chemical examination of : Insecticides & Pesticides, Tranquillizers & Sedatives, Hypnotics Stimulants, Narcotics, Opiates, Drugs of abuse; Analyses of above and their Toxicity Plant poisons
- Metallic Poisons
- Extraction, Isolation & Clean-up procedures, Identification of common poisons from viscera, tissues and body fluids
Unit V
- Fire arms: Types, Classification, Ammunition and their Compositions
- Forensic examination of Firearms, Ammunition, Firearms’ projectiles (Bullets, Shots, Slug etc.), Shell case
- Gunshot residues analysis
- Concept of Velocity, Penetration, Dispersion, Ricochet, Accidental Discharge, Determination of Range in firearm cases
- Examination of Country made firearms
- Basics of Internal, External and Terminal Ballistics
- Tool marks: Meaning, Types and Examination
- Restoration of Erased Markings on Metal Surfaces
Unit VI
- Fire and Arson: Analyses of Petroleum Products and other incendiary materials
- Explosives: Definition, Types and Analyses
- Bombs: Country made bombs, Improvised Explosive Devices ( IEDs ) and their examination Investigation in Explosion and Arson related cases
- Photography: Types, application in criminal investigation & Forensic evidence examination
Unit VII
- Hair & Fibers: Nature, Types, Structure and Examination
- Pollens and Diatoms: Their application in Forensic investigation
- Dust & Soil: Nature, Types, Forensic Examination
- Paint, Lacquer & Varnishes: Nature, composition and forensic examination
- Glass: Composition, Types, Fractures, Examination
- Cement, Mortar and Concrete: General Composition, Forensic Analysis
- Computer Forensics: Introduction, Types of Computer crimes, Digital evidence- Seizure, Acquisition and Forensic examination
- Mobile Phone Forensics
Unit VIII
- Fingerprints: History, Characteristics, Types, Classification, Preservation, Development, Lifting and Comparison, Examination of Chance Prints, Computerization of Fingerprints, AFIS
- Track Marks: Foot Prints, Shoe Prints, Tire Marks, Their Preservation & Casting, Comparison, Skid marks. Gait pattern
- Biometric Systems of Identification and its relevance
- Voice Analysis: Introduction, Significance, Structure of Human Voice apparatus, Voice spectrography, Voice analysis, Legal aspects and limitations
Unit IX
- Documents: Definition, Types, Preliminary examination of documents
- Reproduction of documents through photographic and mechanical means and their examination Examination of Alterations such as Erasures, Obliterations & Additions
- Indentations, Secret writings and Charred documents
- Inks, Papers and their scientific examinations with modern methods
- Age of documents
- Examination of Typescripts, Printed matter including currency notes and lottery tickets. Mechanical impressions
- Hand writings: Class and Individual characteristics of Handwritings, Factors affecting handwritings, Standard samples for comparison, Comparison of hand-written texts
- Anonymous and disguised writings
- Identification of hand writings, signatures, detection of forged signature and forgeries
- Examination of Credit Cards and Similar materials
Unit –X
- Modes & Manner of deaths, Sexual offences and its medico-legal importance, Amendments in law related to sexual offences
- Post – mortem examination and Post – mortem changes, Estimation of time since death
- Injuries & Wounds: Types, Medico-legal importance, Gunshot wounds
- Determination of Species of Origin, Sex , Age, Stature, and individual identification through skeletal remains
- Identification through Skull superimposition and facial reconstruction
- Human dentition, Type of teeth, determination of Age, Bite marks
- Forensic Entomology: Introduction, Insects of forensic importance, Insects on Carrion, Forensic applications
Some Important Preparation Tips
- Start Early: It is never too early to start your preparation. In fact, the earlier, the better. You don’t always have to wait till your Master’s to start preparing. If you have forensic science as a subject in your undergraduate program, then start making proper notes while you study for your course.
- Prepare a Time-table: Go through the entire syllabus (given above) and consider the time you have left before the exam, then make a time table for your preparation. Allot the topics for each week in such a way that you can cover the entire syllabus.
- Make Proper Reusable notes: One advantage of paper II over paper I is that it is your subject which you have studied or are currently studying. Make the most of the class lectures, the class notes, exam preparation, etc. While studying, take notes of important points or summarise the topics to make your revision a lot easier. It is also important to study each topic in detail. While there will definitely be easy level questions that can be answered simply by skimping over a topic, there will also be some hard level questions that you would not be able to answer unless you study the topic in detail – and these few questions will make all the difference on whether you clear your JRF.
- Diverse Study Materials: Although the class lectures and notes given in class are extremely important, do not limit your study material to just those PPTs or PDFs, instead, try to get information from different books as well as websites.
- Solve past years’ question papers and take mock tests: Once you have completed your preparation, evaluate your knowledge by solving previous year papers or take up free mock tests available.
- Revision: Make sure to thoroughly revise the notes you have prepared at least a week before the exam. You can also skim over general forensic science books that cover all the units given in the syllabus.
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