Veterinary Science Courses in India are meant for only those who really have a heart for the welfare of animals. Also termed as ‘Veterinary Sciences’, it is a branch of Science which is involved in study, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in animals. Veterinary Science is also referred as ‘Veterinary Medicine’ as it primarily deals with the health of all types of animals – mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes and amphibians. Veterinary Science Practitioners or Professionals are commonly known as Vets - Veterinarians and less commonly as Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, probably because Vet is short and easily pronounced. The primary duty of a Veterinarian is to take care of sick and injured animals. Like doctors of humans, they treat animals; prescribe medicine, perform surgery etc. Veterinarians are considered as ‘Guardians of Animal Health and Welfare’ and ‘Guardians of Human Health’. This is because they prevent disease transmission from animals to humans and humans to animals through various agents. Various countries have different levels of Veterinary Training. There are about 450 veterinary degree programs worldwide based on the recognition of World Health Organization (WHO) or the government of a country. Only about 1/3 rd of these programs provide a doctor's degree to aspirants. In India, Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry are almost the smae with minor differences in course curriculum. Veterinary Council of India conducts an All India Common Entrance Examination for admission to Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Course.
Veterinary Courses in India at graduate and postgraduate level are mainly provided by variousAgricultural Institutes in India. Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree course is known as B.V.Sc. & A.H.B.which stands for Bachelor's in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry. It is also known as B.V.Sc. which is one and the same thing in India. The duration of B.V.Sc & AHB is mostly 5 academic years including compulsory internship of 6 months duration. The duration of the course may vary from 4½ to 5 years depending on the duration of internship.
Admission to most veterinary colleges is done on the basis of marks obtained in the entrance examination conducted by the university concerned. This test is known as All India Pre-Veterinary Test (AIPVT). It is conducted by Veterinary Council of India for filling up 15% of the total number of seats of the Veterinary Colleges.
