Veterinarian
Medical professional who diagnoses, treats and prevents diseases and injuries in animals.
Overview
A veterinarian is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and injuries in animals. They are trained to work with a variety of animal species, including pets, livestock, and wildlife. Veterinarians may work in private practice, animal hospitals, research, or public health roles.
Where they work
- Animal Hospitals and Clinics
- Zoos and Aquariums
- Food-processing plants
- Farms
- Colleges and Universities
- Research labs
- Animal shelters
- National parks
Work environment
You are likely to work both indoors and outdoors, and travel is likely to be part of your job profile. You are likely to work a minimum of 45 hours per week. Entrepreneurship: you can start your own private clinic.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to take care of animals
- You have interest in understanding how the animal body functions
- You like helping people
- You like to analyse things (problems/situations)
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology).
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Science/Veterinary Medicine.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree and then pursue a Master's degree (M.V.Sc.) in the same or related field.
Alternative route 3
- 1Opt for a Diploma in Veterinary Science/Animal Husbandry/Veterinary Pharmacy.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Veterinary Science or Medicine.
Government institutes
- Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Bombay Veterinary College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Krantisinh Nana Patil College of Veterinary Science, Satara, Maharashtra
- UP Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
- Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, West Bengal
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Apollo College Of Veterinary Medicine, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Arawali Veterinary College, Sikar, Rajasthan
- Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand
- College Of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Junagadh, Gujarat
- College Of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Aizawl, Mizoram
- Govind Ballash Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand
- Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab
- Krantisinh Nana Patil College of Veterinary Science, Satara, Maharashtra
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern
- 2Junior Doctor
- 3General Veterinarian
- 4Senior Veterinarian
- 5Head of the Department
- 6Chief Medical Officer
- 7Dean of the Hospital
Expected income
₹41,000 – ₹60,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Animal Health Worker
Provides preventive health care, disease-control support and first aid to farm animals and poultry.
Dairy Farmer/Entrepreneur
Manages the day-to-day care of dairy cows and the production, quality and marketing of milk.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. Sakkubai Ramachandran — India's first woman veterinarian. She did her Bachelor's in Veterinary Science from Madras Veterinary College at Vepery, Chennai. She later assumed many prestigious posts, and retired as scientist from IVRI, Bangalore in 1971.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 45 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/veterinarian-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.