Veterinary

About Veterinary

Consider yourself an animal lover? Ever felt more attached to them than humans? If yes, then veterinary science is the career you should take up without even flinching. After all, the founder of veterinary science was an Indian sage named Shalihotra, who practiced as a veterinary physician in ancient India.

Contrary to popular opinion, veterinary studies not only involves the diagnosis of animals and the various measures taken to treat and prevent diseases but also the precautions deployed to avoid any transmission of ailments and diseases from animals to human beings.

A normal doctor just has to worry about humans; however, a veterinary doctor's job just doesn't end with cats, dogs and livestock animals. A vet, as they are popularly known, also has to tend to the health of reptiles, amphibians, birds and other similar living creatures walking the face of earth.

The study of the pharmaceutical requirements and it's supporting disciplines form an important part of a highly underappreciated sector. Becoming a veterinarian involves a structured process and it all begins with gaining the appropriate knowledge. The same can be attained by doing any of the following courses; however, this would just be the beginning of the process to practice as a vet:

  • Diploma in Veterinary Pharmacy (2 years)
  • Diploma in Veterinary and Livestock Development Assistant (2 years)
  • Diploma in Equine Husbandry, Medicine and Surgery (1 year)
  • Diploma in Veterinary Science and Animal Health Technology (1 year)
  • Diploma in Animal Welfare Division of Medicine (1 year)
  • Diploma in Veterinary Lab Technician (1 year)
  • Diploma in Veterinary Assistant (1 year)
  • Diploma in Livestock and Veterinary Science (1 year)
  • Diploma in Veterinary Nursing

Eligibility and Cutoff

  • A candidate is required to clear Class 12 with subjects Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology (PCMB). While there are no specified cut-offs mentioned, scoring a minimum of 50% is advisable.
Cut off Marks for Diploma

Average Fees

20,000 - 50,000 per year. The fee varies from course to course and depends on the institute as well.

Average Fees for Diploma
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) (4.5 years)
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. and A.H.) (5 years)
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Pathology (3 years)
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology (3 years)
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Gynecology and Obstetrics (3 years)
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Physiology (3 years)
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Microbiology (3 years)
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) in Animal Nutrition (3 years)
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Parasitology (3 years)
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Anatomy and Histology (3 years)
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Surgery and Radiology (3 years)
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) in Extension Education (Veterinary) (3 years)
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Medicine, Public Health and Hygiene (3 years)
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (3 years)
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) (5 years)

Eligibility and cut-off marks

  • A candidate must have cleared Class 12 or any equivalent examination from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate score of at least 50%. Physics, Chemistry and Biology are compulsory subjects, with major emphasis given to Biology for veterinary courses.
  • In order to get admissions in any of the veterinary colleges across the country, a candidate would need to clear an entrance exam. At the national level, the All India Pre Veterinary Test (AIPVT) conducted by the Veterinary Council of India fills 15% of the reserved All India Quota seats in all institutes. Lately, National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) scores is being used by veterinary colleges in their admission process. A candidate can even go for any of the state level entrance exams.
  • A few of the reputed institutes may even conduct a personal interview round before giving admission.
  • Upon completion of a degree, the candidate is required to go for an internship (which is usually part of the course) and also needs to register him or herself with the Veterinary Council of India before practicing.
Cut off Marks for Graduation

Average Fees

7,000 - 2 lakh per year. The fee will differ from course to course and also depending on the institute.

Average Fees for Graduation
Post Graduation
  • Master of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (M.V.Sc. and A.H.) (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Animal Nutrition (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Surgery and Radiology (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Physiology (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Pharmacology and Toxicology (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Medicine (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Parasitology (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Anatomy and Histology (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Livestock Production and Management (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Animal Breeding and Genetics (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Livestock Products Technology (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Biochemistry (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Pathology (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Public Health (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Anatomy (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Immunology (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Bacteriology (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Epidemiology (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Animal Biotechnology (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Animal Biochemistry (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Animal Reproduction Gynecology and Obstetrics (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Preventive Medicine (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Wildlife (2 years)
  • Master of Technology (M.Tech.) in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (2 years)
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics (2 years)
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Veterinary Surgery and Radiology (2 years)
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Veterinary Medicine (2 years)
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Livestock Production and Management (2 years)
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.)in Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology (2 years)
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Veterinary Public Health (2 years)
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Microbiology (2 years)
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Quality Systems in Dairy Processing (2 years)
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Parasitology (2 years)
  • Master of Veterinary Studies in Veterinary Surveillance (1 year)
  • Master of Tropical Veterinary Science (1.5 years)
  • Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (3 years)

Eligibility and Cutoff

  • A candidate should have cleared graduation, preferably a B.V.Sc. course, with a minimum aggregate score of 50% and should have taken Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Class 12.
  • Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR)'s All India Entrance Examination (AIEE) should be cleared in order to pursue a post graduation master's degree in the veterinary field. There are state level entrance exams too that are valid during the admission process. The popular exams include the Indian Veterinary Research Institute Entrance Exam, All India Pre-Veterinary Test and College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Entrance Exam.
  • The entrance cut-off will differ depending on the institute; however, scoring 60% in AIEE will ensure secure admission in a top college. Some colleges accept candidates on the basis of merit and would have a round of counseling before allotting a seat.
Cut off Marks for Post-Graduation

Average Fees

9,000 - 1.3 lakh a year. The fee will differ from course to course and depending on the institute.

Average Fees for Post-Graduation
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Animal Nutrition (3 years)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Medicine (3 years)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Pathology (3 years)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology (3 years)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Parasitology (3 years)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Physiology (3 years)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Microbiology (3 years)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Surgery and Radiology (3 years)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics (3 years)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Biochemistry (3 years)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Animal Husbandry Extension Education (3 years)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Animal Science (3 years)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology (3 years)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Anatomy and Histology (3 years)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Science (3 years)
  • Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) (4-6 years)

Eligibility and Cutoff

  • A candidate must have a master's degree with a minimum aggregate score of at least 55% for the general quota and 45% for SC/ST/OBCs.
  • Backlogs from masters are not allowed to be carried forward and some institutes may even ask for relevant work experience.
  • Entrance exams are also required for some institutes, which are usually conducted by the institute itself.
Cut off Marks for PhD

Average Fees

9,000 - 93,000 per year. The fee will differ from course to course and also depending on the institute.

Average Fees for PhD
  • Certificate in Veterinary Pharmacy (1 year)
  • Certificate in Livestock and Veterinary Science (1 year)
  • Certificate in Veterinary and Livestock Development Assistant (2 years)
  • Certificate in Animal Husbandry and Dairy Training (1 year)

Eligibility and Cutoff

  • Candidate must have cleared Class 10 with a minimum score of 40%.
Cut off Marks for Certification

Average Fees

10,000 - 12,000 for the entire course. The fee may vary from course to course and also depending on the institute.

Average Fees for Certification

Demand in the last few years

The sheer shortage of courses is a clear indicator about the nicheness of the veterinary field. Everyone wants to treat humans and have the M.B.B.S. tag to boast about, but quite a handful of the so-called animal lovers actually indulge themselves in diagnostics services provided to all species barring human beings. In hindsight, both are equally noble careers.

As of 2016, there were 67,784 registered veterinarians across the country which has certainly risen over the years but not at the pace that matches up with the requirements. In a country that requires close to 2 lakh vets to safeguard one of the most profitable industries- livestock and animal husbandry- the current situation paints a very dismal picture. The VCI, though, has taken steps to improve the influx by increasing the number of seats and also by easing out the procedure to open veterinary colleges in India.

The demand for vets has always been high as the sectors of employment are vast. Poultry and breeding farms, government and private veterinary hospitals, meat and milk processing units, animal husbandry-related facilities and many other such establishments need vets to function on a day-to-day basis.

While the demand may not be as high as its counterpart medical offerings, building a career in the diverse veterinary domain is as lucrative as you can imagine.

Future Scope

  • As mentioned above, the different avenues that a vet can ply his or her trade in is self-explanatory when it comes to the job opportunities. The Indian Government's various livestock farms and animal research facilities guarantee secure jobs while on the flipside, there is no dearth of private institutions, farms, processing units and laboratories that not just provide great career prospects but also a fat paycheck.
  • The average package of a vet in India is around 5.3 lakhs per annum which gradually increases as experience is accumulated over the years. Well-established veterinary doctors and research scientists can take home an astronomical sum of 50 lakhs a month. The real money and scope, though, is inarguably working in foreign countries. The average salary for vets in USA is 8 lakhs per annum while the maximum cap can go up to 1 crore in due time.
  • The monetary benefits can't be undermined but what makes veterinary a brilliant professional choice is the freedom that it offers. Many graduates tend to open private pet clinics right after getting registered with the VCI and can operate on a very flexible level. The numerous veterinary hospitals and clinics are always there to employ fresh vets but there are also wildlife sanctuaries and zoos that need a solid contingent of veterinary professionals to run efficiently.
  • It goes without saying that a veterinary doctor's job is the most underrated profession in India but that hasn't hampered the employment rate of the candidates that pass out each year. Government and private sector offer equal amounts of opportunity to thrive in a field that should see a boom in the years to come. You ask why?
  • These days, diseases have started transmitting from animals to humans and as the phenomenon continues, the call for research and measures that need to be implemented to curb the menace will only get louder by the day.
  • All said and done, to become a vet, you need to most importantly love animals and posses the patience in dealing with not just the innocent creatures themselves but also their owners. It's a job in which success solely depends on how you go about practicing what you've learnt with dedication, precision and care.
  • As much as you need a vet to treat your pet, the veterinary industry needs a skilled workforce to keep up with the growing needs. So why not just volunteer yourself, eh?