By Deepika Dehru | Final-Year Vet Student – TANUVAS | @MyVetJourney
If you're passionate about animals and dream of a career in veterinary medicine, you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process of becoming a veterinary doctor in India—from selecting the right subjects in high school to earning your license to practice.
Let’s get started! 🩺🐾
✅ Step 1: Complete Your 12th Standard (Science Stream)
Your veterinary journey begins with choosing the right academic path in school.
Eligibility Criteria:
Required Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in Class 12
Minimum Marks:
General Category: 50% (45% for PH candidates)
OBC/SC/ST Categories: 40% (40% for PH candidates)
💡 These marks are mandatory for appearing in entrance exams such as NEET or state-level veterinary exams.
✅ Step 2: Clear the Entrance Exams (NEET or State-Level)
To secure admission into a veterinary college, you must qualify in NEET or state entrance exam.
Option 1: NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent with PCB
Subjects Covered: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Classes 11 & 12 – NCERT-focused)
Minimum Age: 17 years (No upper age limit)
Number of Attempts: Unlimited
Who Can Apply: Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals
Official Website: neet.nta.nic.in
Option 2: State Veterinary Entrance Exams
Many states conduct their own veterinary entrance exams.
Note: In Tamil Nadu, admission through state quota is based on 12th standard board marks.
Candidates can appear for both NEET and their respective state exam (if applicable).
✅ Step 3: Apply for Counseling (VCI & State Quotas)
After qualifying for the entrance exam, the next step is to participate in counseling to secure a seat in a veterinary college.
1️⃣ VCI Counseling – All India Quota (15%)
Conducted by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI)
Open to students from any Indian state
Based on NEET scores
Apply via: vci.admissions.nic.in
2️⃣ State Counseling – State Quota (85%)
Conducted by the respective state governments
Reserved for residents of the state only.
Admission is based on either:
State veterinary entrance exam or
NEET score or
12th board marks (depending on the state)
📌 Example: If you are a resident of Rajasthan, you can only apply for Rajasthan's state counseling (RAJUVAS) and are not eligible for vet counseling in other states. To apply in another state like Tamil Nadu (TANUVAS), you must apply through VCI counseling, which considers the NEET score.
✅ Step 4: Understand the Seat Distribution
Veterinary seats are divided between State and All India quotas:
Quota Type | Admission Basis | Eligibility |
85% State Quota | NEET / State Exam / 12th Marks (varies) | State residents only |
15% All India Quota | NEET (via VCI Counseling) | Open to all Indian students |
Indicative NEET Cut-Off for Veterinary Admission:
Category | Minimum NEET Score (Approx.) |
General | 550+ |
OBC/EWS | 530+ |
SC | 470+ |
ST | 410+ |
⚠️ Please note: Cut-off scores vary each year depending on competition and seat availability.
✅ Step 5: Pursue B.V.Sc & A.H. – Your Veterinary Degree
Upon admission, you'll begin the Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & A.H.) program.
Course Details:
Duration: 5.5 years
4.5 years of academic coursework
1-year compulsory internship
Internship Stipend: ₹6,000 to ₹20,000/month (varies by college and state)
✅ Step 6: Get Licensed to Practice as a Veterinary Doctor
After completing your degree and internship, you must register with your State Veterinary Council or the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) to obtain your license to practice legally in India.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Becoming a veterinary doctor is a noble and fulfilling profession for those who truly care about animals. With the right preparation, dedication, and guidance, your dream can absolutely become a reality.
Through myvetjourney.com, I’m here to help you every step of the way with real advice, reliable information, and the personal insights of a fellow vet student.
📌 Useful Links:
💬 Have questions or need help? Feel free to contact me at myvetjourney3@gmail.com — I’m eager to assist!💬 Share this with a friend aspiring to become a veterinary doctor.