Specialist science careers
Specialist science careers are roles that put a science degree to work outside the usual lab or clinic. They include forensic science, patent work, science communication, and postgraduate routes into clinical research and public health.
Specialist routes at a glance
Some of these start after Class 12, and some start after a first degree.
| Career | Main exam | Subjects that matter | Example roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic science | CUET (UG) | Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics | Forensic scientist, Crime lab analyst, Forensic chemist |
| Patent agent | Patent Agent Examination | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics | Patent agent, Patent analyst, IP consultant |
| Science communication | Rules vary by college | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Science writer, Science communicator, Technical writer |
| Clinical research | Rules vary by college | Chemistry, Biology | Clinical research associate, Drug safety associate |
| Public health | Rules vary by college | Biology, Mathematics | Epidemiologist, Biostatistician, Public health researcher |
Forensic science
The National Forensic Sciences University runs a five-year integrated B.Sc.–M.Sc. in Forensic Science.source: NFSU admission FAQ 2026-27
How you get in
- For 2026-27, admission is through CUET (UG), followed by a merit list and counselling.source: NFSU admission FAQ 2026-27
- You need Class 12 science with PCB or PCM and at least 55% marks, or 50% for SC, ST and PwD candidates.source: NFSU admission FAQ 2026-27
| Exam | Conducted by | Leads to | Official site | Prepare on XamBaaz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUET (UG) | National Testing Agency | UG programmes at central and participating universities | CUET (UG), National Testing Agency | Chapter practice below |
Class 11 and 12 subjects that matter most
Patent agent
The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks conducts the Patent Agent Examination.source: Patent Agent Examination — Office of the CGPDTM
What you study
- To register as a patent agent, the Patents Act requires a degree in science, engineering or technology, Indian citizenship and a minimum age of 21.source: The Patents Act, 1970 (as amended)
How you get in
Admission rules differ by college and state, so check the college's own admission page.
| Exam | Conducted by | Leads to | Official site | Prepare on XamBaaz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patent Agent Examination | Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks | Registration as a patent agent | Patent Agent Examination — Office of the CGPDTM | Chapter practice below |
Class 11 and 12 subjects that matter most
Science communication
CSIR-NIScPR runs training in science communication and science writing.source: CSIR-NIScPR training programmes
How you get in
Admission rules differ by college and state, so check the college's own admission page.
Class 11 and 12 subjects that matter most
Clinical research
NIPER teaches Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research as a postgraduate M.S. (Pharm.) degree.source: NIPER academic programmes
How you get in
- As a master's degree, it comes after a first degree.source: NIPER academic programmes
Class 11 and 12 subjects that matter most
Public health
The ICMR School of Public Health offers a two-year Master of Public Health, an M.Sc. in Biostatistics, and PhDs in epidemiology and biostatistics.source: ICMR School of Public Health
How you get in
- Its Master of Public Health requires an MBBS degree.source: ICMR-NIE Master of Public Health — eligibility
Class 11 and 12 subjects that matter most
Which subjects keep these careers open
Most of these routes accept either PCM or PCB.
- NFSU's forensic science programme accepts Class 12 science with PCB or PCM.source: NFSU admission FAQ 2026-27
- A patent agent needs a degree in science, engineering or technology, whatever the Class 12 stream.source: The Patents Act, 1970 (as amended)
Choosing your stream now? See which stream to take after Class 10 →
Keep your Class 12 science strong
These careers follow a science degree, so the base is your Class 12 science. Practise it subject by subject.
Specialist science careers — frequently asked questions
How do I become a forensic scientist?
The National Forensic Sciences University admits students to its integrated forensic science programme through CUET (UG). You need Class 12 science with PCB or PCM.
Who can become a patent agent in India?
An Indian citizen aged 21 or more, with a degree in science, engineering or technology, who passes the Patent Agent Examination.
Is clinical research a course after Class 12?
NIPER teaches it as a postgraduate M.S. (Pharm.) in Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research, so it comes after a first degree.
Where can I study public health?
The ICMR School of Public Health offers a two-year Master of Public Health and an M.Sc. in Biostatistics. Its MPH requires an MBBS.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these official pages. Rules change each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply.
- NFSU admission FAQ 2026-27 · beta.nfsu.ac.in
- Patent Agent Examination — Office of the CGPDTM · ipindia.gov.in
- CSIR-NIScPR training programmes · niscpr.res.in
- NIPER academic programmes · niper.gov.in
- ICMR School of Public Health · nie.gov.in
- The Patents Act, 1970 (as amended) · ipindia.gov.in
- ICMR-NIE Master of Public Health — eligibility · nie.gov.in
- CUET (UG), National Testing Agency · cuet.nta.nic.in
Read next
Other science career routes, each checked against official sources.
Prepare for the exam that leads there
Chapter-wise practice for Class 8 to 12, with free Key Concepts notes and full-length mock tests. It runs in any browser.