A Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry(BVSc & AV) is a professional degree that prepares students for a rewarding career in veterinary science and animal healthcare. This 5.5-year undergraduate program combines classroom learning with extensive clinical and field training in animal medicine, surgery, nutrition, breeding, and livestock management. Students develop practical skills in diagnosing diseases, preventive care, and public health related to animals. Graduates can pursue roles as veterinarians, livestock officers, researchers, animal welfare professionals, or entrepreneurs in dairy and poultry sectors. The course also opens pathways to higher studies such as MVSc, research programs, and specialised veterinary practice in India and abroad.
The Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH) is a 5.5-year undergraduate professional degree in India regulated by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI). The program includes 4.5 years of academic study plus a 1-year compulsory rotatory internship. It covers core subjects such as Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Surgery, Medicine, Animal Nutrition, Livestock Production, and Public Health. The course prepares graduates for careers as veterinarians, veterinary officers, animal health inspectors, researchers, and livestock or dairy consultants in government, private, and entrepreneurial sectors.
Feature
BVSc & AH
BSc Animal Husbandry / Animal Science
BSc Dairy Technology
Duration
5.5 years (4.5 years academic + 1 year internship)
3–4 years (varies by university)
4 years
Focus
Veterinary medicine, surgery, and animal healthcare
To be eligible for the BVSc & AH program, candidates must meet academic, entrance, and regulatory requirements set by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) and participating universities. Admission is primarily based on NEET-UG scores followed by counselling under 15% All India Quota (AIQ) and 85% State Quota. Candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English from a recognised board. Physical fitness is generally required for clinical and fieldwork components, though exact standards vary by institution.
Key Eligibility Points
Age Limit: Minimum 17 years as of 31 December of admission year; upper age limit may follow NEET rules (subject to regulatory updates).
Entrance Exam: NEET-UG is mandatory for most recognised BVSc & AH colleges.
Subjects Required: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English in 10+2.
Minimum Marks: Typically 50% PCB (47.5% for OBC, 40% for SC/ST; may vary by institution/state).
NEET Cutoffs: Vary annually based on seat availability and competition; fixed scores like 500+ are not guaranteed.
Counselling: Conducted through All India Quota and respective state counselling authorities.
Physical Fitness: Medical fitness certificate may be required during admission.
Eligibility Criteria
Details
Entrance Exam
NEET-UG (mandatory for most VCI-approved colleges)
Age
Minimum 17 years; upper age as per NEET/VCI norms
Required Subjects
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English in 10+2
Minimum Marks
Usually 50% PCB (relaxation for reserved categories as per norms)
Physical Fitness
Medical fitness certificate may be required
Counselling
15% All India Quota + 85% State Quota counselling system
Top BVSc Colleges
The following table lists top BVSc & AH colleges in India approved by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI). The BVSc & AH program is a 5.5-year course (including internship). Tuition fees in government colleges are generally low, while state universities may have moderate fees depending on domicile policies. NEET cutoffs are not fixed numbers and vary every year based on competition, category, and state quota. Placement outcomes differ widely — many graduates enter government veterinary services through state PSC exams, while others work in private clinics, livestock companies, dairy sectors, NGOs, and research organisations. Typical starting salaries range around ₹3–8 LPA, increasing significantly with experience, government roles, or specialisation.
High NEET ranks under AIQ; among most competitive BVSc colleges
TANUVAS Chennai
₹20,000 – ₹50,000 per year
High to moderate NEET ranks depending on state quota
GADVASU Ludhiana
₹40,000 – ₹70,000 per year
Moderate to high NEET ranks
KVASU Kerala
₹30,000 – ₹60,000 per year
Moderate NEET ranks; strong state quota preference
BHU – Institute of Agricultural Sciences
₹25,000 – ₹60,000 per year
High NEET ranks under central university counselling
College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University
₹15,000 – ₹40,000 per year
Moderate NEET ranks (state quota heavy)
Bombay Veterinary College (MAFSU)
₹40,000 – ₹80,000 per year
Moderate to high NEET ranks
Rajasthan University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences (RAJUVAS)
₹25,000 – ₹50,000 per year
Moderate NEET ranks
Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences (LUVAS)
₹40,000 – ₹70,000 per year
Moderate to high NEET ranks
Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University (NDVSU)
₹30,000 – ₹60,000 per year
Moderate NEET ranks
BVSc & AH Syllabus
The Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH) syllabus follows the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) Minimum Standards of Veterinary Education (MSVE) and spans 5.5 years, including a 1-year compulsory rotating internship (not six months). The curriculum progresses from basic veterinary sciences to para-clinical subjects, clinical veterinary practice, and livestock production & management. Training includes laboratory work, farm practice, field visits, and clinical exposure in veterinary hospitals. Rather than electives each semester, most universities follow a structured professional curriculum with integrated practical and clinical components.
BVSc & AH fees in India vary depending on whether the college is a central institute, state government university, or private veterinary college. Government veterinary colleges are usually highly subsidised, while private veterinary institutions have significantly higher tuition. Fees listed are approximate ranges and may vary based on domicile quotas, university policies, and facilities.
Central Institutes / ICAR Institutes (e.g., IVRI): approx. ₹10,000 – ₹40,000 per year
State Government Veterinary Colleges: approx. ₹15,000 – ₹60,000 per year
Private Veterinary Colleges / Universities: approx. ₹1.5 lakh – ₹4 lakh per year
Hostel Fees: approx. ₹30,000 – ₹90,000 per year (separate from tuition)
Total Program Cost (Govt Colleges): approx. ₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh for full course
Total Program Cost (Private Colleges): approx. ₹8 lakh – ₹20 lakh+ for full course
Scholarships: ICAR National Talent Scholarship, State Govt schemes, SC/ST/OBC fee concessions, merit scholarships, and livestock sector fellowships
College Type
Course
Total Tuition Fees (Approx.)
Hostel Fees (Approx.)
ICAR-IVRI / Central Govt Institutes
BVSc & AH
₹80,000 – ₹2 lakh total
₹30,000 – ₹70,000 per year
State Govt Veterinary Colleges
BVSc & AH
₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh total
₹35,000 – ₹80,000 per year
Private Veterinary Universities
BVSc & AH
₹8 lakh – ₹20 lakh+ total
₹60,000 – ₹1 lakh per year
Career After BVSc & AH
A BVSc & AH degree opens career opportunities across government veterinary services, livestock & dairy industries, pharmaceuticals, research, wildlife conservation, academia, and private clinical practice. Salary ranges vary depending on experience, employer, state pay scales, and whether the professional works in public service or private practice. Government Veterinary Officers are commonly recruited through state public service commissions and central agencies. Private practice earnings vary widely based on clientele and specialization. Corporate roles in animal health companies and livestock management also offer competitive packages.
Sector
Job Role
Salary Range (Approx.)
Government Veterinary Services
Veterinary Officer / Livestock Development Officer
BVSc & AH salary in India varies with sector, clinical specialization, location, experience level, and postgraduate qualifications (MVSc/PhD). Government roles follow structured pay scales, while private practice and industry roles may offer performance-based earnings.
Government Veterinary Officer: approx. ₹5 – ₹9 LPA (Level-10 pay scale + allowances depending on state)
Private Clinical Practice: approx. ₹4 – ₹8 LPA initially; ₹12 – ₹30 LPA+ for experienced or established veterinarians
Dairy & Livestock Industry: approx. ₹3.5 – ₹8 LPA depending on farm size and experience
Pharmaceutical / Animal Health Companies: approx. ₹4 – ₹10 LPA (entry to mid-level); ₹12 – ₹20 LPA+ for senior technical roles
Research & Academia: approx. ₹4 – ₹7 LPA for JRF/Research Associate; ₹6 – ₹12 LPA+ for lecturers (after MVSc/PhD)
Own Veterinary Clinic: income varies widely based on specialization, urban location, and clientele
International Opportunities: approx. USD 50,000 – USD 110,000 annually after licensing/equivalency exams (country dependent)
Salary by Sector & Experience (Typical Trends)
Entry-Level (0–2 years): approx. ₹3.5 – ₹6 LPA
Mid-Level (3–7 years): approx. ₹6 – ₹12 LPA
Senior / Specialist (8+ years): approx. ₹12 – ₹30 LPA+ (private practice or industry leadership roles)
MVSc & Further Studies
After completing BVSc & AH, graduates can pursue postgraduate and research pathways to specialise in veterinary sciences, move into academic careers, or enter advanced government and industry roles.
Higher Study Option
Details
MVSc (Master of Veterinary Science)
2-year postgraduate degree with specialization; admission mainly through ICAR AIEEA-PG or university exams
PhD in Veterinary Science
Research-focused program (3–5 years) for academic, research, and senior scientific roles
UPSC / State PSC Exams
Recruitment to central/state animal husbandry departments, research bodies, and policy roles
International Licensure / Studies
Practice or higher education abroad after country-specific licensing (NAVLE, RCVS, AVMA pathways etc.)
Additional Academic & Professional Pathways
MVSc Specializations: Veterinary Medicine, Surgery & Radiology, Pathology, Microbiology, Epidemiology, Animal Genetics & Breeding, Livestock Production & Management, Veterinary Public Health
PhD Opportunities: Advanced research roles in universities, ICAR institutes, veterinary research centres, and biotechnology labs
Research Fellowships: Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Senior Research Fellow (SRF), and ICAR-funded research projects at institutes such as IVRI and veterinary universities
International Board Certifications: Diplomate programs through recognized international veterinary boards (country eligibility required)
Advanced Certifications: Animal Behaviour, Small Animal Surgery, Wildlife Medicine, Veterinary Rehabilitation, Food Safety & Public Health
Global Higher Education: Opportunities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU countries subject to academic equivalency and licensing requirements
FAQs
Q1. What is the duration of the BVSc & AH course?
The BVSc & AH course lasts 5.5 years, including an internship, and focuses on veterinary medicine and animal management. Core subjects include Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Surgery.
Q2. What are the eligibility criteria for BVSc admission?
To be eligible for BVSc admission, you need a NEET cutoff of 500+ (General Category), must be between 17-25 years old, and have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 10+2. Physical fitness as per VCI guidelines is also required.
Q3. What is the total fees for the BVSc & AH course in government colleges?
The total fees for the BVSc & AH course in government colleges is approximately INR 1-5 Lakhs. For IVRI (Government), the total fees are approximately INR 2 Lakhs.
Q4. What are the career opportunities after completing BVSc?
After completing a BVSc degree, you can find career opportunities in government, the dairy industry, pharmaceuticals, private practice, and research. Job roles include Veterinary Officer, Dairy Farm Manager, Veterinary Sales Representative, and Research Scientist. Salaries range from ₹4-24 LPA, depending on the sector and experience.
Q5. What are the higher study options after BVSc?
Higher study options after BVSc include MVSc (Master of Veterinary Science), PhD, and opportunities through UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). MVSc leads to specialization, while a PhD is research-oriented. UPSC offers opportunities in government services related to animal husbandry and veterinary science.
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