The first written record of Veterinary Medicine was said to be found in ancient Indian Vedic literature, which dates back to 1900 BCE!!! However, it was only in 1762 that the first veterinary college was founded in Lyon, France.

This branch of medicine has evolved through ages as the importance of animal welfare and protection has been highlighted over the years. Especially in India, where there are thousands of endangered species living in various parts of the country.

So, if you are one of those who dreams to become a ‘Vet’, here we provide a list of top 5 veterinary colleges of India.

1. BOMBAY VETERINARY COLLEGE – Mumbai

Established in 1886, the Bombay Veterinary College is one of the prime veterinary colleges in India, and also one of the oldest. This NABL accredited college provides top notch education in the field of animal, dairy, and fishery sciences with the help of efficient strategies. Being the first Veterinary College of Asia, this institute has given our country distinguished graduates over the years.

Courses offered:

• B.V.Sc. & A.H (Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry)
• M.V.Sc. (Master of Veterinary Science)
• Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)
• DVNM (Diploma in Veterinary Nuclear Medicine)

Website : http://bvc.org.in/

2. Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University – Andhra Pradesh

Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University was established with the inception of 3 colleges, one at Rajendranagar in 1946, the second at Bapatla in 1955, and the third at Gannavaram in 1998. In December of 1957, the college constructed at Bapatla was shifted to Tirupati in 1998.

The university has been successful in imparting proficient knowledge and aiding the rural people of Andhra Pradesh through their activities.

Courses offered :

• Under-grad courses – Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & A.H), Bachelor of Fishery Science (B.F.Sc), and B. Tech (Dairy Technology)
• Post-graduate courses – M.V.Sc. and M. F. Sc in various disciplines
• Diploma in Animal Husbandry and Fishery

(Please note : for the list of the disciplines for M.V Sc., M. F. Sc., and Ph.D kindly visit the website)

Website : http://svvu.edu.in/

3. Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences – Haryana

Established only recently (2010), the Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary & Animal Science (LUVAS) is presently located in the campus of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, in Hisar.

Animal rearing has been an integral part of the ‘Haryanvi’ culture and the state holds an important place in the dairying map of our country. The university certainly has certainly added an impetus to this sector and has contributed immensely in raising the standard of living of animal owners.

Courses Offered:

• Under-grad courses – Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry B.V.Sc & A.H
• Diploma in Veterinary and Livestock Development (VLDD)
• Master of Veterinary Science (M.V. Sc)

Website : http://www.luvas.edu.in/

4. Faculty of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry – Jharkhand

Established in the year 1961, has been one of the prime institutes of India. Earlier it was a part of the Ranchi University but after the establishment of Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU), the college became constituent college of R.A.U.

Courses offered:

• Under-grad courses – Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry B.V.Sc & A.H
• Master of Veterinary Science (M.V. Sc)
• Ph. D in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry

Website : http://www.bauranchi.org/colleges/faculty-of-veterinary-science-animal-husbandry/

5. Indian Veterinary Research Institute – Uttar Pradesh

Another prominent veterinary science institute of the country, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) was established in the year 1889. The institute has a rich scientific heritage and boasts more than 275 competent faculty members.

Popularly known as the “Mecca of Veterinary Science”, IVRI is one of the oldest research institutes in India.

Courses offered:

• Master of Veterinary Science (M.V. Sc)
• Diploma courses in varied streams of veterinary science

Webiste : http://ivri.nic.in/

The demand for Veterinary Doctors has certainly seen a rise in the recent years and there’s more to being a ‘vet’ than just vaccinating animals.

There are a plethora of institutes in India that would help you make a career in this field. However, these 5 institutes stand apart from the rest!!!