Is Veterinary Science a Good Career in India? Myths, Reality & Opportunities

By Deepika Dehru | Final-Year Vet Student – TANUVAS | @MyVetJourney

Veterinary science is often misunderstood, especially by students considering it as a career option. In this blog, I, Deepika , a final-year veterinary student will share my personal journey, clear common misconceptions, and explore the wide range of career opportunities that the veterinary field actually offers in India. Whether you’re a student, parent, or simply curious, this blog will help you understand what a future in veterinary really looks like.

🌱 Before I Joined the Veterinary Field: My Misconceptions

After I completed my NEET exam, like many students, I was unsure about which path to choose. I was hesitant about veterinary science because I didn't know much about it. The common stereotype — and one I believed — was that veterinarians only treat cows and buffaloes in rural areas, or dogs and cats in cities. That was all I thought this field offered.

But once I entered veterinary college and began my B.V.Sc. & A.H. degree, everything changed.

🌟 What I Discovered After Joining

Once inside the field, I quickly realized how diverse, dynamic, and fulfilling veterinary science can be. There is so much more to it than what most people believe. Here’s what I discovered:

• It’s not limited to just treating animals.

• There are opportunities in public health, research, defense, biotechnology, teaching, the corporate sector, and more.

• You can build a government career or start your own business.

  
  

🔍 Career Opportunities After B.V.Sc. & A.H.

Here's a comprehensive look at what you can actually do after becoming a vet:

🏥 1. Clinical Practice

• Government Veterinary Officer / Veterinary Assistant Surgeon: Work in state-run hospitals or dispensaries, treating livestock and pets.

• Private Practice: Open your own clinic or work in established animal hospitals in urban and rural areas.

💼 Salary Range: ₹30,000 to ₹70,000 per month (depending on experience and state).

🪖 2. Indian Army & Paramilitary Forces

• Veterinary doctors are recruited into the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) of the Indian Army.

• You can work with military animals like dogs, horses, and mules.

🎯 Competitive entrance required, but it’s a prestigious and adventurous path.

🧪 3. Research & Education

• Join ICAR institutions, IVRI, or state agricultural universities.

• Work in biotechnology, animal genetics, vaccine development, or zoonotic disease research.

• Become a professor or lecturer after M.V.Sc. and qualify via NET (National Eligibility Test).

🎓 Scope for international research and fellowships too!

🧬 4. Pharma & Biotech Industries

• Veterinary graduates are in demand in animal pharmaceutical companies.

• Roles in product development, clinical trials, and animal nutrition are available.

💊 Join companies like Zoetis, Virbac, Himalaya, and many more.

🌳 5. Wildlife & Conservation

• Work in national parks, zoos, or wildlife rehabilitation centers.

• Join forest services or work with organizations like WWF, WCS India, and more.

  
  

🐟 6. Fisheries & Livestock Management

• Veterinarians also work in aquaculture and dairy industries.

• There are positions in breed development, disease control, and food production safety.

  
  

🧾 7. Banking, Insurance & Civil Services

• Become a Veterinary Officer in NABARD or an Insurance Development Officer in companies like LIC.

• Join civil services (UPSC, State PCS) and bring your scientific knowledge into policy-making.

  
  

🐓 8. Entrepreneurship & Agri-Tech

• Start your own:

  • Pet clinic

  • Dairy or poultry farm

  • Breeding farm

  • Pet grooming center

• Collaborate with agri-tech startups or launch your own vet-centric platform.

💡 You can also become a veterinary content creator or influencer, just like I did, through YouTube and blogging.

❗ Addressing Misconceptions

Let’s tackle some common myths:

Misconception	Reality
"Vets only treat cows."	Vets work with dogs, cats, horses, exotic pets, zoo animals, and more.
"There are no jobs."	Vets are needed in public and private sectors, and even internationally.
"It's not for girls."	Absolutely false — many successful female veterinarians are leading in every area of this field.
"Only MBBS is a real option."	BVSc is a respected, professional, and rewarding medical degree too.

❤️ Should You Join Veterinary Science?

This field isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. It requires:

• Deep love for animals

• Compassion and patience

• Mental and physical resilience

• Passion for learning and science

If your primary motivation is helping animals and contributing to society’s well-being through animal health, this could be your calling.

✨ Final Words

Veterinary science in India is a career filled with variety, stability, and meaningful impact. Don't let old stereotypes or misinformation stop you. Today, veterinary professionals are not just doctors for animals—they are researchers, entrepreneurs, educators, public health experts, and innovators.

So yes, there is not just one — but many amazing career paths in veterinary science. Choose it only if you're truly passionate. And if you are, there’s nothing stopping you from achieving great success in this beautiful, animal-loving field. 🐶🐮🦜

📌 Want to Learn More?

• Follow me on YouTube

• Join me on Instagram

• Telegram: My Vet Journey

• Email: myvetjourney3@gmail.com

  
  

Let’s learn and grow together! 💬