Top Veterinary Science Colleges in India: Ranking, Fee & Admissions 2026

Veterinary science has become one of the most promising career options in India due to the rising demand for animal healthcare, dairy technology, livestock management, wildlife conservation, and poultry farming. With India being one of the largest producers of milk, eggs, and livestock, veterinary graduates have strong career opportunities in government sectors, private hospitals, research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and entrepreneurship.

In 2026, admission to most veterinary colleges in India is based on the NEET exam, as per the Veterinary Council of India guidelines. The flagship degree is BVSc & AH (Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry) which is a 5.5-year program including internship.

Top Veterinary Colleges in India 2026: Highlights

Eligibility Criteria for Veterinary Admission 2026

Students must fulfill the following requirements:

• Must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English
  
  

• Minimum 50 percent marks for General category
  
  

• Minimum 47.5 percent for OBC and 40 percent for SC/ST
  
  

• Must qualify NEET UG 2026
  
  

• Minimum age should be 17 years at the time of admission

Admission Process for BVSc & AH 2026

1. Appear for NEET UG 2026
   
   

2. Qualify the NEET cutoff for veterinary courses
   
   

3. Participate in All India VCI Counselling
   
   

4. Choose colleges based on rank and seat availability
   
   

5. Complete document verification and fee payment

Seats are divided into:

• 15 percent All India Quota through VCI
  
  

• 85 percent State Quota through respective universities

Top Veterinary Colleges in India 2026

Entrance Exams Accepted by Top Veterinary Sciences Colleges in India 2026

The most widely accepted entrance test for BVSc and AH programs is the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, which is conducted annually for admission to medical and allied health science courses. Many reputed veterinary colleges, including those affiliated with the Indian Veterinary Research Institute and state veterinary universities, consider national level scores along with state quota policies.

Apart from the national exam, several state level veterinary colleges conduct their own counselling based on state entrance exams or accept scores through agriculture stream entrance tests. Universities such as Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, and Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Sciences University offer BVSc admissions through state counselling authorities that use national entrance scores combined with domicile criteria.

For postgraduate veterinary courses like MVSc and PhD, candidates are generally required to appear for the All India Competitive Examination conducted by the National Testing Agency on behalf of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. This exam is specifically designed for agricultural and veterinary sciences and is accepted by most central and state agricultural universities.

Top Government Veterinary Sciences Colleges in India 2026

Government veterinary colleges are the most preferred institutions because they offer low tuition fees, strong clinical exposure, well-equipped teaching hospitals, ICAR recognition, and excellent placement opportunities. Admission to most colleges is based on NEET-UG scores for BVSc & AH programs, followed by state counselling or ICAR counselling. In 2026, students are increasingly choosing government veterinary universities for their advanced laboratories, research facilities, livestock farms, and internship programs.

Top Private Veterinary Sciences Colleges in India 2026

In 2026, private veterinary colleges are attracting students because of better infrastructure, global collaborations, advanced diagnostic facilities, and internship tie-ups with dairy farms, NGOs, and veterinary hospitals.

Most private colleges offer the BVSc & AH (Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry) program, which is regulated by the Veterinary Council of India. Admission is primarily based on the NEET score, and candidates must meet the VCI eligibility criteria. The course duration is 5.5 years including a compulsory internship, and graduates can work as veterinary doctors, livestock officers, research associates, pet surgeons, or start their own clinics.

Career Scope After BVSc & AH

Graduates from private veterinary colleges can pursue:

• Veterinary Doctor in government hospitals
  
  

• Livestock Development Officer
  
  

• Dairy Farm Consultant
  
  

• Poultry Farm Manager
  
  

• Pet Clinic Owner
  
  

• Wildlife Veterinarian
  
  

• Research Associate
  
  

• Animal Nutrition Specialist
  
  

They can also appear for state veterinary officer exams, pursue MVSc, or work with dairy cooperatives and pharmaceutical companies.

Top Veterinary Sciences Courses in India 2026

Veterinary science is one of the fastest growing career domains in India, driven by rising demand in animal healthcare, dairy technology, livestock management, wildlife conservation, and pet care services. With the expansion of the dairy industry, poultry sector, and veterinary public health, students are increasingly opting for veterinary courses after PCB. In 2026, top veterinary programs in India offer strong clinical training, research exposure, internship opportunities, and government job pathways in animal husbandry departments, food safety, and pharmaceutical industries.

Salary After Veterinary Courses in India

Veterinary salaries vary by qualification and sector.

Government veterinary officers receive additional benefits, DA, HRA, and pension schemes.

State-wise Top Veterinary Sciences Colleges in India 2026

India has several ICAR-approved veterinary universities and colleges that offer quality education, modern laboratories, clinical training, livestock farms, and strong placement support. Admission to most top veterinary colleges is based on NEET UG scores, while a few state universities conduct their own counselling through state quotas.

City-wise Top Veterinary Sciences Colleges in India 2026

The demand for skilled veterinarians in India is rising due to the expansion of the livestock economy, pet care industry, and public health sectors. Cities like Bareilly, Hisar, Ludhiana, Bikaner, Chennai, and Nagpur host the top veterinary colleges in India in 2026, offering quality education, research opportunities, and strong career outcomes. Students aiming for BVSc & AH should target ICAR-recognized government universities through NEET-based counselling to secure the best academic and job prospects.

FAQs