Overview The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has taken decisive steps to fortify India’s forensic ecosystem. By co‑locating campuses of the NFSU with existing CFSLs in six states, the government aims to enhance scientific investigation, accelerate justice delivery, and create a skilled talent pool. Key Developments Integration of NFSU campuses with CFSLs approved in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh . Existing CFSL network expanded from 7 to 15 labs with new sites in Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala. Land earmarked for new labs in Samba (J&K), Chengalpattu (Tamil Nadu), Khordha (Odisha) and Raipur (Chhattisgarh). Additional 14 NFSU campuses sanctioned across Goa, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh; many operating from transit campuses. Short‑term training programmes on Crime Scene Management to be conducted by NFSU and CFSLs. Important Facts The NFSU currently offers over 60 programmes—including B.Sc., M.Sc., B.Tech., M.Tech., MBA and Ph.D.—covering forensic DNA analysis, cyber and digital forensics, forensic psychology, narcotics, and ballistics. The university also runs capacity‑building short‑term courses for stakeholders such as police, judiciary, intelligence agencies, banks and corporate entities. CFSLs, already present in Chandigarh, Delhi, Assam, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana, provide advanced forensic services to both state and central law‑enforcement agencies. The new labs will extend these capabilities to underserved regions, ensuring timely scientific support across the nation. UPSC Relevance Understanding the expansion of forensic infrastructure is vital for GS II (Polity) and GS III (Security & Law‑Order) topics. The integration reflects the government's focus on modernising investigative mechanisms, a key aspect of internal security and criminal justice reforms. Aspirants should note the role of inter‑agency coordination, capacity building, and the impact on the judicial process, all of which are frequent UPSC essay and answer‑writing themes. Way Forward Accelerate construction of the approved CFSLs and NFSU campuses to meet the projected demand for forensic services. Strengthen collaborations with national and international research institutions to keep pace with emerging forensic technologies. Institutionalise regular training on Crime Scene Management for police, judiciary and forensic personnel. Monitor the impact of the integrated model on case resolution time and quality of evidence presented in courts. These measures will not only enhance the forensic ecosystem but also contribute to faster, evidence‑based justice, aligning with the broader objectives of the MHA and the nation’s security framework.