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Exam Guide · 2026
FACT 2026 — Complete Information for Forensic Science Aspirants
Everything you need to know about the Forensic Aptitude and Calibre Test — eligibility, structure, fees, exam centres, and how to register.
Apply Now — Applications Open!
Online registration is open from 07 April 2026 to 10 May 2026. Don't miss the deadline.
* Separate forms must be filled for FACT and FACT Plus. Fee once paid is non-refundable.
India is witnessing an unprecedented demand for forensic science professionals. With the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) now mandating forensic investigation for serious offences punishable with seven years or more, the Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced FACT — a standardised national benchmark to create a qualified talent pool for FSLs (Forensic Science Laboratories) across the country.
Strengthening the forensic talent pipeline is imperative. By developing a pool of competent and skilled forensic professionals, we can accelerate the pace of forensic reporting, thereby enabling timely justice delivery — contributing to reducing pendency in courts and fostering trust in the justice system.
— FACT 2026 Information Brochure, MHA / NFSU Important Dates
Applications Open
07 April 2026
Registration starts today
Applications Close
10 May 2026
Last date to apply & pay
FACT Exam
24 May 2026
Forenoon · 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
FACT Plus Exam
24 May 2026
Afternoon · 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
What is FACT and FACT Plus?
Overview
Full NameForensic Aptitude and Calibre Test (FACT & FACT Plus)
Conducting BodyNational Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Delhi Campus — LNJN NICFS
FACTBasic-level screening exam for post-graduate forensic science candidates. Tests command over pure sciences and foundational forensic concepts.
FACT PlusAdvanced-level exam for candidates who have additionally cleared UGC-NET / CSIR-NET / GATE / GPAT. Tests specialised aptitude for precision forensic work.
PurposeUsed as a qualifying criterion for recruitment by central and state Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs) and other agencies.
Attempt LimitNo limit — candidates may appear any number of times.
Age LimitNo upper age limit.
Can I appear for both?Yes, if eligible for each. A separate application form must be submitted for each.
Exam Structure & Pattern
Section A — Compulsory
Forensic Aptitude
50 Qs
All candidates must attempt this section. Tests general forensic aptitude.
Section B — Choose 1 of 5
Specialised Subject
70 Qs
Select any one specialised forensic science subject from the five options below.
Exam Details
Total Questions120 MCQs (all mandatory)
Marks1 mark per question · No negative marking
Duration2 hours per session
MediumEnglish only
ModeComputer-based / Online at designated centres
Section B — Choose ONE of the following specialised subjects:
1Forensic Ballistics & Physical Sciences
2Forensic Document Examination
3Forensic Chemical Sciences (Toxicology, Chemistry, Narcotics & Explosives)
4Digital Forensics (Mobile, Audio-Video, etc.)
5Forensic Psychology
Qualifying Marks
50%
Minimum marks required in each individual section
60%
Overall qualifying mark (aggregate of both sections)
5%
Relaxation for SC / ST / OBC / PwD candidates
Results will be declared subject-wise according to each elective subject on the NFSU website: www.nfsu.ac.in
Eligibility Criteria
Final semester students may apply provisionally. However, the FACT / FACT Plus certificate will only be issued upon fulfilling eligibility criteria within the current academic year.
Basic Eligibility (All Candidates)
NationalityMust be an Indian national
For FACTRelevant Master's degree (or awaiting final semester result) as per Table 1 of the brochure
For FACT PlusMust be eligible for FACT AND have additionally cleared UGC-NET / CSIR-NET / GATE / GPAT in a relevant subject
Some elective subjectsRequire specific mandatory subjects at the graduate level (e.g. Physics or Chemistry for Ballistics/Document Examination)
Quick Degree Eligibility Reference (Section B Subjects):
Subject-wise Qualifying Degrees
Ballistics & Physical SciencesMSc Physics / Biophysics / Applied Physics / Mathematics · BE (Civil/Electrical/Mechanical/Electronics/CS) · MSc Forensic Science (with Physics or Maths at graduation)
Document ExaminationMSc Physics · MSc Chemistry/Biochemistry · AIC by examination · MSc Forensic Science (Physics or Chemistry at graduation)
Digital ForensicsB.Tech/BE (CS/Electrical/Electronics) · Master's + Diploma in Cyber/Digital Forensics/Info Security · MSc Digital Forensics & Information Security
Chemical SciencesMaster's in Chemistry / Toxicology / Biochemistry / Pharmacology / Pharmacy / Forensic Science · AIC by examination
Forensic PsychologyMaster's in Psychology / Criminology / Forensic Psychology · MSc Forensic Science (with Forensic Psychology or Criminology)
PwD Eligibility
Persons with Disability (PwD)
Eligible (All subjects)Orthopedically Handicapped — One leg affected (OL) · Partial Deaf (PD)
Eligible (Except Forensic Physics)Deaf (D)
Not EligibleBlind / Partial Blind · Other locomotor disability sub-categories (due to requirement of precision bench work, operating equipment, and court visits)
Registration & Fee Details
* Fees exclude applicable GST. Fee once paid will NOT be refunded under any circumstances.
Payment Mode: Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI only. Demand Draft, Money Order, IPO, or any other mode will be summarily rejected.
Important: Candidates are advised to apply well before the deadline. NFSU Delhi Campus will NOT be responsible for network problems or last-minute rush issues.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Application Process
Step 1Visit www.nfsu.ac.in or use the direct registration links below and select the exam (FACT / FACT Plus / both).
Step 2Fill in your name exactly as on your Class X (Matriculation) certificate. Ensure it matches all educational and caste certificates.
Step 3Upload required details and pay the fee online via Card / Net Banking / UPI.
Step 4Save your Registration Number (sent via email). Keep a printout of the application for future use.
Step 5Download your e-Admit Card from www.nfsu.ac.in when it is available. No admit card will be sent by post.
On Exam DayCarry a printed e-Admit Card + a valid photo identity document. No electronic devices, calculators, or books are allowed.
Direct Registration Links
Register Before 10 May 2026
Separate forms must be submitted for FACT and FACT Plus. Multiple registrations from a single candidate will be cancelled.
Examination Centres
Candidates may choose their preferred centre from the following cities. Centre allotment is final — no change requests will be entertained.
Agartala
Bhopal
Chennai
Delhi
Gandhinagar
Guwahati
Mumbai
Nagpur
If sufficient candidates do not opt for a particular centre, it may be removed from the list and those candidates reallocated to another centre at NFSU's discretion. No TA/DA is admissible under any circumstances.
Key Instructions to Remember
No changes allowed after final submission of the online application. Double-check all entries before submitting.
Hard copies not accepted. Do not send documents or printouts to NFSU Delhi Campus.
OBC candidates: Only Central Government OBC list (NCBC) is valid — not State Government lists. Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) status required for fee concession.
Foreign degree holders: Get your degree equivalency verified from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi — www.aiuweb.org
Provisional candidature: The e-Admit Card does NOT guarantee acceptance of candidature. If ineligibility is found at any stage — even after results — the candidature will be cancelled.
All information is shared only via www.nfsu.ac.in. No individual intimation will be sent pre or post examination.
Syllabus
The detailed syllabus for both FACT and FACT Plus is available on the official NFSU website. The syllabus for both exams is the same — only the difficulty level of questions differs. Visit: www.nfsu.ac.in
Ready to Begin Your Forensic Career?
Applications are open right now. Apply before 10 May 2026 and take the first step toward becoming a certified forensic professional in India.
Questions? Contact: facthelpdesk@nfsu.ac.in
Disclaimer: This blog post is based on the official FACT 2026 Information Brochure published by NFSU Delhi Campus (LNJN NICFS), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. All information is provided for awareness purposes. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website www.nfsu.ac.in for any addendums, corrigenda, or updates. Budding Forensic Expert is not responsible for any discrepancies arising from changes made by the official authority after publication of this post.
