“Care for animals” is found in all humans. The love and affection we have for them is sometimes even more than what we have for humans !. To make it more meaningful and rewarding, a career in Veterinary sciences awaits today’s young minds. Its an opportunity to work with those who cannot voice their concern, but obey the humans who care for them. Let’s know more about this career.

About Veterinary Sciences : Veterinary Science is a medical profession that deals with the control of disease in animals. It also involves the breeding and scientific handling of livestock. It also involves the treatment for injuries in domestic animals (as well as ferocious animals), making a study of their lifecycles and do enough research to implement plans / programs for their development and sustenance under growing environmental hazards.

Courses

BVSc. & A.H. (Bachelor Degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry)

Eligibility: Pass in 10+2 (PCB & English, 50%) or BSc with Physics, Chemistry, OR Biology (Botany/ Zoology)

Duration: 5 ½ years plus 6 months compulsory internship

Selection: Most of the veterinary colleges have the admissions through an entrance examination. The Veterinary Council of India conducts the All India Entrance examination during the month of May. 15% of seats in all veterinary colleges in India are filled through this entrance examination. Universities of various states hold their own entrance test also.

Personality Requirements:

1. Love, affection, care for animals and the will to know more about their behaviour.

2. Good communication, interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team player.

3. Mental and Physical strength to face all odds and difficulties since animals are unpredictable.

4. Likeness and willingness to travel and work in villages, towns (if required) for more exposure.

Job Prospects

1. Employment in veterinary hospitals, departments (State and Central Govt jobs).

2. Opportunities as Public Veterinary Health professionals, zoo and wildlife experts.

3. Set up animal, birds – breeding farms.

4. Private veterinary clinic.

5. Teaching – As faculty in veterinary colleges and research units.

6. Join Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Further Education

1. Post-graduate courses like MVSc from Indian / Foreign Universities with specialisation in Animal Anatomy, Biochemistry, Animal Bio-technology, Animal Husbandry, Animal Economics, Micro-biology, Animal reproduction and livestock extension etc.

2. PG courses in Biotechnology.

Admission Notification for Veterinary Courses - 2006

The Veterinary Council of India will conduct the All India Pre-Veterinary Test –2006 for admissions to 5 ½ year BVSc and AH course on 13th May 2006. Candidates who are appearing for +12 / 2nd PUC exams this year (2006) or have passed 10+2 (PCB & English, 50%) or BSc with Physics, Chemistry, OR Biology (Botany/ Zoology) can apply. Last date to Apply is 28th February. For more details, visit the Website : www.vci.nic.in or www.careerzfoundation.blogspot.com

(The author is a Career counselor working with M.S.W – Career Guidance and Info. Center, Bangalore) Any queries, kindly post or email.

M.S.W – Career Guidance & Info Center, # 214, United School Building, Ilyasnagar, J.P.Nagar Post, Bangalore – 560078. Phone : 22909339, Cell : 9845567687. Website : www.mswt.org Email : careerguidance@mswt.org