Forensic Aptitude and Calibre Test 2026

FACT
and

FACT Plus
Information Brochure

Organizing Institute:
National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU),
Delhi Campus (LNJN NICFS)
Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Delhi

FACT 2026 website: [Link]

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 IMPORTANT DATES

(i) Start of Online Submission of Application Form and Fee 07.04.2026

deposit through Credit Card, Debit Card or Net Banking
A.
(ii) Close of Online Submission of Application Form and Fee
deposit through Credit Card, Debit Card or Net Banking 10.05.2026

B. Date of FACT 24.05.2026

C. Date of FACT Plus 24.05.2026

1. Preamble

India is witnessing a significant and growing demand for forensic science professionals, driven
by the expanding role of scientific evidence in the delivery of justice. With the country
strengthening its institutional and legal ecosystem to uphold natural justice, forensic science has
emerged as a critical pillar in the criminal justice system. Scientific evidence not only enhances
the accuracy of investigations but also ensures fairness, transparency, and credibility in judicial
outcomes.
Recent legislative reforms, particularly under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS),
have further reinforced this need by mandating forensic investigation for specified offences,
especially those involving serious crimes punishable with seven years or more. This shift is
expected to substantially increase the volume of forensic examinations across the country.
India requires many forensic professionals to meet the current and projected demand.
In this context, strengthening the forensic talent pipeline becomes imperative. By developing a
pool of competent and skilled forensic professionals, we can accelerate the pace of forensic
reporting, thereby enabling timely justice delivery. This not only contributes to reducing
pendency in courts but also plays a vital role in nation-building—fostering trust in the justice
system, ensuring social harmony, and promoting peace in society.
To address this need, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has initiated an All-India
benchmarking mechanism for forensic science graduates and professionals. The proposed
national-level test aims to create a standardized pool of qualified experts, ensuring uniform
quality in forensic practices across the country. This initiative will support central and state FSLs

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in engaging competent professionals for specialized and time-bound assignments, ultimately
enhancing the efficiency and credibility of forensic services in India.

2. FACT and FACT Plus

Forensic Aptitude and Caliber Test (FACT) and FACT Plus are All-India Tests that aim to test
the comprehensive aptitude and skills of Post Graduate subjects in Forensic Science. FACT is a
screening test being introduced in 2018 as a test of forensic science caliber for students
obtaining their degrees from various universities. The FACT qualification of a candidate
reflects the relative knowledge and certifies minimum level of understanding of forensic
science.

The FACT (Basic examination for post-graduate candidates) will test the candidates in pure
sciences to understand their command over basic concepts. FACT Plus (Advanced level of
examination for post-graduate candidate who have cleared NET/GATE/GPAT, will test the
aptitude of the candidates towards forensic science related matters.

FACT qualification is intended to be used as a qualifying criterion for recruitment by FSLs and
other such agencies. The test will be conducted for two levels i.e. FACT for assessing the skill
level of the candidates to analyze the crime exhibits referred in the FSLs and interpret the results
with basic training to assist in simple cases and FACT Plus for testing the candidates as
specialized personnel to handle precision instruments and infer precise results. The eligibility for
recruitment for FACT qualified candidates will be subject to fulfilling the criteria laid down by
the recruiting organization.

3. National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU)

National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Delhi Campus is the nodal Institute for forensic
science education and training in the country. MHA has entrusted NFSU, Delhi Campus (LNJN
NICFS) with the responsibility of administering FACT.

4. Structure of FACT 2026

FACT 2026 will consist of objective type questions. The test will be of 2-hour duration and shall
consist of two Parts: Section A and Section B. The questions will be so designed as to measure
the forensic aptitude and skills required to handle scientific tests of crime material exhibits from
crime scenes and interpretations of test results at the Scene of Crime and/or forensic laboratories
to deduce their evidential values.

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Section A shall be compulsory to all candidates for testing the aptitude in Forensic Science.

Section B shall consist of five specialised forensic science subjects viz.,

• Forensic Ballistics and Physical Sciences,
• Forensics Document Examination,
• Forensic Chemical Sciences (Toxicology, Chemistry, Narcotics and Explosives),
• Digital Forensics (Mobile Forensic, Audio-Video, etc.,),
• Forensic Psychology.
A candidate has to attempt any one of these Five Specialized Forensic Science subjects.

The test will consist of only multiple-choice questions and there will be no negative marking.

The exam consists of two Sections:

Section A: 50 questions (Forensic Aptitude)
Section B: 70 questions (selected specialised Forensic Science subject)
For more details, refer to Serial No. 6: “Date and Scheme of the Test” in the official brochure.

5. Eligibility Criteria:
5.1 Eligibility Criteria for Appearing in FACT 2026

In order to be eligible to appear for FACT or FACT Plus, a candidate must fulfil the following
requirements:
(i) The candidate must be an Indian national.
(ii) The candidate must possess the educational qualifications specified in Table 1 or be in
the final semester and awaiting appearance/results of the final semester examination for
the qualification specified in Table 1.
(iii) Candidates appearing in the final semester examination will be provisionally allowed to
appear for FACT or FACT Plus. However, the FACT or FACT Plus certificate will be
issued only upon fulfilment of the prescribed eligibility criteria within the current
academic year.
(iv) To appear for FACT Plus, in addition to being eligible for FACT, the candidate must
have qualified in UGC-NET, CSIR-GATE, or GPAT, as specified in Table 2.
(v) For certain elective subjects, candidates are required to have studied the mandatory
subjects at the graduate level, as specified in Table 1.
(vi) There is no upper age limit.
(vii) A candidate may appear for FACT or FACT Plus any number of times.

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 (viii) A candidate may appear for FACT, FACT Plus, or both, subject to fulfilling the
respective eligibility criteria.

Table 1: Details of educational qualifications for eligibility for FACT and FACT Plus are as follows:
Mandatory subject at
Elective Subjects Qualifying degree
graduate level
MSc in Physics /Biophysics /Applied
None
Forensic Physics/Mathematics/Applied Mathematics
Ballistics and Bachelor of Engineering
Physical (Civil/Electrical/Mechanical/Electronic/ Not applicable
Sciences Telecommunication/Computer Science/Instrumentation)
[Link]. in Forensic Science Physics or Mathematics
[Link]. in Physics
Forensic
[Link]. in Chemistry/Biochemistry None
Document
AIC by examination
Examination
[Link]. in Forensic Science Physics or Chemistry
[Link]/BE in Computer Science / Electrical / Electronic
Not applicable
engineering
Master’s Degree in any subject and Certification/Diploma
None
Digital in Cyber Forensic/Digital Forensics/Information Security
Forensics Master’s Degree in Physics/Mathematics/Applied
Mathematics/Forensic Science (specialisation in None
Cyber/digital forensics)
[Link]. in Digital Forensics and Information Security None
Forensic Master’s Degree in Chemistry/Toxicology/Biochemistry/
Chemical Pharmacology/Pharmacy/Forensic Science
Sciences Associateship of Institute of Chemist (AIC) by
examination Chemistry

Master’s Degree in Psychology/Criminology/Forensic None

Forensic Psychology
Psychology Forensic Psychology or
Master’s Degree in Forensic Science
Forensic Criminology

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Table 2. Details of additional qualifications for eligibility for FACT Plus are as follows:
Elective GATE UGC NET CSIR UGC GPAT
Subjects NET
Forensic Physics/Mathematics/ Electronic Physical ---
Ballistic and Electronics and Science / Sciences /
Physical Communication Forensic Mathematical
Sciences Engineering/ Electrical Science Science/
Engineering / Chemistry Chemical
/Chemical Engineering Science
Forensics Physics/Mathematics/ Electronic Physical
Document Electronics and Science / Sciences /
Examination Communication Forensic Mathematical
Engineering/ Electrical Science Science/
Engineering / Chemistry Chemical
/Chemical Engineering Science
Digital Electronics and Computer Physical ---
Forensics Communication Science and Sciences/
Engineering/ Electrical Applications / Mathematical
Engineering / Computer Electronic Sciences
Science and Information Science /
Technology/ Physics/ Forensic
Mathematics Science/
Criminology
Forensics Chemistry / Chemical Forensic Science Chemical GPAT
Chemical Engineering Sciences
Sciences
Forensic --- Psychology/Criminology --- --
Psychology

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5.2 Eligibility Criteria for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)s

PH Category PH Sub-category Eligibility

Orthopedically Handicapped OL- One leg affected Eligible for all
or Locomotor Disability or (R or L)
Cerebral Palsy Other sub-categories Scientific staff have to perform bench work in
Blindness or Low Vision B- Blind laboratory which include operating different
PB- Partial Blind types of scientific sensitive equipment, operating
various types of arms, conducting chemical tests.
Hearing Impairment D- Deaf These operations require very high precision of
tests conducted on Case Exhibits obtained from
the Investigation Agencies. Besides these, they
also have to visit different courts of Law in
different locations, including the locations in very
remote arears of the country.
Therefore, these categories of Physical
Disabilities are not suitable for scientific posts in
the divisions of Forensic Science Laboratories.
PD-Partial Deaf Eligible for all except Forensic Physics Division

6. DATE AND SCHEME OF THE TEST

The FACT and FACT Plus will be held on 24.05.2026 as under:

Test Session Timings Duration

FACT Forenoon 10:30AM -12:30 PM 2hrs
FACT (Plus) Afternoon 02:30PM - 04:30 PM 2hrs

Paper Questions
SECTION A: Questions for testing aptitude in forensic science 50

SECTION B: (Attempt any one of these five subjects) 70

1. Forensic Ballistics and Physical Sciences
2. Forensics Document Examination
3. Digital Forensics
4. Forensic Chemical Sciences
5. Forensic Psychology
Total 120

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Note:
(i) The date and time of FACT and FACT Plus is liable to be changed.
(ii) The medium of examination will be English.
(iii) There will be 120 questions carrying one mark each and all questions will be mandatory.
(iv) No negative marking for wrong answers shall be applicable as per the scheme of
examination.
(v) Each candidate must individually obtain 50% or more marks in each of the sections of the
examination and the overall qualifying marks will be 60% and above. However, there will
be relaxation of 5% in the qualifying marks of SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates.
(vi) The list of qualifying candidates will be declared subject-wise according to each elective
subject.

7. Registration for FACT and FACT Plus

7.1 ONLINE APPLICATION:

Interested & eligible candidates may apply online through a link available at [Link]. In
order to pay the registration fee, the candidates may use Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking
and UPI. Before applying online, candidates are advised to go through detailed notification
available at NFSU website.

Before filling the form, candidates must select the examination which they wish to take ensuring
their eligibility for the same. Candidates must write their name, father/mother's name as written
in their Matriculation (Xth Class Board) Certificate and should ensure that the same are matching
with their educational qualification certificates and caste certificate except for married females
who may submit an undertaking, in case of any change in their name.

After filling the online application, candidates should recheck their entire application form and
make changes if required before final submission of online application. No change in the
particulars entered in the application form will be possible after final submission of online
application and no correspondence in this regard will be entertained.
After successful submission of ONLINE Application, a Registration Number will be generated
and shared over email. The candidates must preserve the Registration Number for future
reference and for downloading your e-Admit Card. They must also keep a printout copy of the
duly filled-in application form for future use.

Candidates should note that successful submission of online application does not mean that
they have been registered for this test.

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Instructions pertaining to conduct of candidate at the examination centers will be issued along
with e-admit card.

7.2 REGISTRATION FEE AND MODE OF PAYMENT

The registration fee to be submitted by the candidates will be given below:

Registration Fee for Registration Fee for

Candidate category Gender
FACT FACT Plus
Male Rs.1500/- Rs.1500/-
GEN
Female Rs. 750/- Rs. 750/-
OBC-NC, SC, ST, PH Any Rs. 750/- Rs. 750/-
The fee above excludes applicable GST etc.
Registration fee must be paid via Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI only
After filling all the details for applying online for FACT, the candidate will have the option to
select the mode of payment of examination fee either by credit/debit card or through net
banking indicating their details therein.

Please note that Fee submitted by any other modes like money order, demand draft, IPO etc.
will be summarily rejected. Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances

IN ORDER TO AVOID LAST MINUTES RUSH, THE CANDIDATES ARE

ADVISED TO APPLY EARLY ENOUGH. NFSU Delhi Campus (LNJN NICFS)
WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR NETWORK PROBLEMS OR ANY OTHER
SUCH TYPE OF PROBLEMS.

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8. CANDIDATE SEEKING FEE CONCESSION
Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST)/Persons with Disability (PwDs) / Other Backward
Classes (OBC) (Non-creamy layer), as per the central list of Other Backward Classes available
on National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), Government of India website:
[Link], candidate will be given such special concessions as may be decided by the
NFSU Delhi Campus (LNJN NICFS).

The candidate should mention clearly his/her category to seek concession in fee. The candidate
will be required to fill out an undertaking stating that if at any point, before/during/after the
examination the information is found to be false, his/her candidature will be cancelled with
immediate effect and the issued certificate will be declared invalid. OBC candidates, who are
not covered under the provision of Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) as per the provisions of Govt. of
India shall not be eligible to get the benefit of relaxation in fee concession.

Candidate must note that for availing OBC category benefit, only Central Govt. list and not the
State Govt. lists would be applicable. Similarly, candidates applying under physically
handicapped (PH)/ visually handicapped (VH) category may note that Govt. of India rules will
be applicable in this regard; otherwise they shall not be eligible for any concession.

9. Syllabus of the FACT Examination

The syllabus & scheme of exam may be seen at NFSU website [Link]. The syllabus for
FACT and FACT Plus will be the same, only the level of questions will be different. The question
paper shall be as per syllabus and scheme of exam.

10. Examination Centers

Name and address of the test center will be printed on the admit card. A candidate may opt for
their Examination Center, from the following cities:

Agartala Bhopal Chennai Delhi

Gandhinagar Guwahati Mumbai Nagpur

If sufficient number of candidates do not opt for any of the above Centers, that particular Center
may stand deleted from the above list OR otherwise also, the concerned candidates may be
allotted another Centre at the discretion of NFSU Delhi Campus (LNJN NICFS).

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The Allotted Examination Center will be final and no request for change of center will be
entertained. No TA/DA will be admissible to any candidate, in any circumstances.

11. Declaration of Result

The results will be announced through the website [Link]

12. Issue of FACT and FACT Plus Certificate

All the candidates declared provisionally qualified will be expected to produce original copy of
all the certificates/testimonials for verification by the recruiting agency. The FACT and FACT
Plus certificate will be issued on the basis of the undertaking from the candidates during
registration stating ‘Declaration: I hereby declare that the details furnished above by me are true
and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and I undertake to inform you of any changes
therein, immediately. In case any of the above information is found to be false or untrue or
misleading or misrepresenting, I am aware that I may be held liable for legal action’.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
(i) All information will be provided through NFSU website only. No individual intimation by
any mode will be sent to the candidates either pre or post examination.
(ii) While applying for FACT or FACT Plus, the candidates must ensure that they fulfill all
the eligibility conditions and follow all the laid down procedures/guidelines for this test.
(iii) While applying Online, apply early enough to avoid any last minute rush.
(iv) Facility for downloading e-Admit Card to the registered candidates will be provided on
NFSU Delhi Campus (LNJN NICFS) website [Link]. No Admit Card will be sent
by post. No duplicate e-admit cards shall be issued to the candidates at the Exam Centre.
NFSU Delhi Campus (LNJN NICFS) will not be responsible for any delay on the part of
the candidates.
(v) Each and every candidate needs to fulfil the eligibility criteria, complete in every respect,
for successful candidature.
(vi) Provisional result based on the information provided by the candidate during filling up the
online application form will be declared on the website [Link]
(vii) The candidature shall be cancelled at any stage, even after declaration of result, if found
that any given eligibility criterion is not fulfilled, and/or wrong information(s) has been
provided by the candidate.
(viii) Separate forms need to be filled for FACT or FACT Plus examination. Multiple
registrations from a single candidate will be cancelled and the examination fee forfeited.
(ix) Candidate should exercise due care in filling up the application form. In case of any error
on the part of the candidate, he/she will be held solely responsible for any loss suffered by

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 him/her. No change in the entries made in the original application form will be allowed
under any circumstances at a later stage.
(x) No relevant column of the application form should be left blank. Incomplete applications
shall be summarily rejected.
(xi) OBC candidates whose caste is not listed in Central List (as available on NCBC website)
and are not covered under the provisions as applicable to OBC Non-Creamy Layer (NCL)
shall be treated as a General Category candidates for all purposes and shall not be eligible
to get the benefit of fee concession, etc. Accordingly, OBC Candidates not belonging to
OBC Non Creamy Layer shall indicate their category as ‘General’.
(xii) Hard copy of online application form is not required and will not be accepted by NFSU
Delhi Campus (LNJN NICFS).
(xiii) Candidates are neither required to send any certificates/documents in support of their
eligibility nor printout of their Application Form (Confirmation Page) to NFSU Delhi
Campus (LNJN NICFS). However, the candidates, in their own interest, must satisfy
themselves about their eligibility for the Test. In the event of any ineligibility being
detected by the NFSU Delhi Campus (LNJN NICFS) at any stage, their candidature will
be cancelled, and they shall be liable for legal action.
(xiv) Candidates having post-graduate diploma/certificate awarded by Indian University/
Institute or foreign degree/diploma/certificate awarded by the foreign University/institute
should in their own interest, ascertain the equivalence of their diploma/degree/certificate
with Master’s degree of recognized Indian universities from Association of Indian
Universities (AIU), New Delhi. ([Link]).
(xv) No applications can be submitted after the last date.
(xvi) The Candidate should note that their candidature is strictly provisional. The mere fact that
e-Admit Card has been issued and the candidate is allowed to appear in the test shall not
imply that his/her candidature has been accepted.
(xvii) NFSU Delhi Campus (LNJN NICFS) may change the city of examination or the date of
examination due to unforeseen circumstances without assigning any reason. No TA/DA
will be provided under such circumstances. No candidate will be allowed to appear at
examination center other than that allotted to them in the admit
card. No candidate will be allowed to appear in the examination whose admission card is
not issued by NFSU Delhi Campus (LNJN NICFS).
(xviii) The candidates are required to bring a photo identity card along with their printout of online
e-Admit Card on the day of examination.
(xix) Calculators, log tables, paper chits, books/note-books, mobile phones, smart watches,
electronic devices, etc. are not allowed in the Examination. Possession of any of these items
will be treated as unfair means and result of the candidate will not be declared.
(xx) Canvassing in any form will disqualify the candidate.

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(xxi) NFSU Delhi Camps (LNJN NICFS) representatives will be in-charge of the overall
conduct of the examination at the Examination Centers and any immediate decisions taken
by them will be final.
(xxii) The decision of FACT Council shall be final in all matters. All legal disputes pertaining to
this Test shall fall within the jurisdiction of Delhi Courts only.
(xxiii) The result of all the candidates will be uploaded on NFSU Delhi Campus (LNJN NICFS)
website [Link]. Besides this, NFSU Delhi Campus will not issue any mark-sheet
to qualified/non-qualified candidates.
(xxiv) Addendum/Corrigendum may be issued by NFSU Delhi campus if there are any changes
or updates in the instructions of this brochure

CONTACT DETAILS
facthelpdesk@[Link]
[Link]

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