Veterinary Education in India

Veterinary Education revolves around 3 things: 1. Understand those animals and birds who don’t speak our language (behavioral understanding), 2. Help them when they are sick and needy. And, 3. Give suggestions from time to time to owners of birds and animals about keeping, caring and getting maximum benefits for human needs.
Veterinary education is one of the most interesting fields of education in science. It is involved with the teaching of treating and curing diseases of birds and animals, the basic principle of which is very similar to that of treating humans. With the prospects of veterinary medicine looking bright in India there are more and more people opting for veterinary medicine. Duties of a veterinary professional include examining animals and treating wounds, performing surgeries, advising animal owners about care, and prescribing medications.
While most veterinarians have medical offices, many who work on animals other than domestic pets, such as farm animals, travel to treat their patients on site.

How to become a Veterinary Doctor

You'll need a bachelor's degree and a doctorate in veterinary medicine to be an animal doctor. A candidate should have passed Class 12 with Biology as one of the main subjects. Candidates are required to pursue this course from any University recognized by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI). The duration of this course is five years. Some of the popular courses pursued at the undergraduate level include Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH), Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), BVSc in Veterinary Medicine, Public Health & Hygiene, BVSc in Veterinary Surgery & Radiology.

Opportunities in Veterinary Careers

Veterinary is vast. Mainly, when we talk about Veterinary in India it’s a major contributor to the economy. Work options exist starting from village level where you can work for farmers, opportunities with Central and State Government agencies and Industries working in the field of Veterinary. The job options you will get largely depend on your level of education and interests. For more details see Career options in Veterinary.

Governing Bodies

The Veterinary Council of India (VCI) is a statutory body which regulates veterinary practice in India. Established under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Government of India in 1984, and based in New Delhi, the Council is governed by the Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984. For details see Apex Bodies

Courses Available

Major courses available in Veterinary Education in India are:

Bachelor of Veterinary Science [BVSc] & A.H.
Bachelor of Veterinary Science [BVSc] (Animal Nutrition)
Bachelor of Veterinary Science [B.V.Sc.] (Livestock Production and Management)
Bachelor of Veterinary Science [BVSc] (Veterinary Pathology)
Bachelor of Veterinary Science [BVSc] (Animal Genetics & Breeding)
Bachelor of Veterinary Science [BVSc] (Veterinary Microbiology)
Bachelor of Veterinary Science [BVSc] (Veterinary Surgery & Radiology)
Bachelor of Veterinary Science [BVSc]
Bachelor of Veterinary Science [BVSc]
Master of Veterinary Science [MVSc] (Veterinary Parasitology)
Master of Veterinary Science [MVSc] (Animal Nutrition)
Master of Veterinary Science [MVSc] (Veterinary Microbiology)
Master of Veterinary Science [MVSc] (Veterinary Pathology)
Master of Veterinary Science [MVSc] (Livestock Production & Management)
Master of Veterinary Science [MVSc] (Veterinary Surgery and Radiology)
Master of Veterinary Science [MVSc] (Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology)
Master of Veterinary Science [MVSc] (Veterinary Biochemistry)
Master of Veterinary Science [MVSc] (Animal Genetics and Breeding)
Master of Veterinary Science [MVSc] (Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension)
Master of Veterinary Science [MVSc] (Livestock Products Technology)
Master of Veterinary Science [MVSc] ((Veterinary Anatomy & Histology)
Master of Veterinary Science [MVSc] (Veterinary Medicine)
Master of Veterinary Science [MVSc]
Master of Science [M.Sc] (Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology)
Ph.D. (Veterinary Surgery & Radiology)
Ph.D. (Veterinary Parasitology)
Ph.D. (Veterinary Science)
Ph.D. (Veterinary Science)

Universities and HEIs in Veterinary Education

Some of the reputed institutions in India that offer Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry courses in India are listed below:

College of Veterinary Sciences, Hisar
ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly
College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Maharashtra
Bombay Veterinary Science College
ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal
Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Chennai
Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana
Bihar Veterinary College, Patna
West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences, Kolkata

For exclusive list go to University Hub

Veterinary Programs Admission

Tentatively you need following basic qualifications to enter into a Veterinary Education program
Diploma: 12th Pass
Bachelor’s Degree: Pass in Secondary School Examination
Master’s Degree: Pass Bachelor’s degree program in Veterinary or a related discipline
Often candidates are required to appear for entrance examination

Recognition of Indian Veterinary Programs

The degrees and certificates awarded by any recognized college in India whether Government or Private are valid to apply for study and work in India and overseas. For recognition details see Apex Bodies.

Top Institutions and Rankings

See rankings of Universities and Institutes of Higher Education (HEIs), click here.

Major Recruiters

Central and State Government through UPSC, State PSCs, University Grants Commission (UGC), Research Institutions and industry partners. Teaching institutions also offer placement facilities through which students are selected to work in India and abroad.

Self Employment Opportunities for Veterinary Doctors

Veterinary in India is a highly employable field. Self employment options are many. Some examples are:
i. Consultancy.
ii. Practising veterinarian for small and large animal; zoo animals.
iii. Entrepreneur in livestock farms, poultry farms, etc.
iv. Diagnostic laboratories (pathology, biochemistry, microbiology).
v. X-rays, ultrasound facility
vi. NGO

Short Term Courses

Short Term courses in Veterinary Education are offered through various government agencies, colleges and industry partners. Course duration may range from 7 to 10 days to a couple of months. For example; Poultry Farming is a popular course offered as a short term programme.

Beyond Veterinary

Generally a qualification in Veterinary is treated as general qualification as well as technical qualification. Besides veterinary you can apply for jobs in all other fields too where general qualification is required.