Panaji: Goa's long-awaited first veterinary college at Curti has received central government approval. The letter of permission (LoP) for the establishment of the Goa College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, offering a BVSc and animal husbandry degree programme, was issued by the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying on Tuesday.
The Department of Animal Husbandry is set to commence operations of the college from September for the academic year 2026-27. Dr Nitin Naik, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS), credited the dean of the college, Dr Antoine D, AHVS Assistant Director Dr Harsh Bhatini, and Deputy Director Shirishkumar Betkekar for the achievement.
Approval Based on VCI Recommendations
The approval was granted based on recommendations from the Veterinary Council of India (VCI), which after inspection and evaluation found that the institution meets the minimum requirements regarding land, infrastructure, veterinary clinical complex (VCC), livestock farm complex (LFC), equipment, and other essential facilities as prescribed under the VCI Rules, 2017, and the Minimum Standards of Veterinary Education (MSVE) Regulations, 2016.
Infrastructure Nearing Completion
Infrastructurally, the college is in its final stages of completion. Public Works Department (PWD) officials have confirmed that construction is approximately 90-95% complete. Sandeep Chodnekar, Principal Chief Engineer of the PWD, stated, 'The project is now in its final phase. Only minor modifications, as required by the VCI, are being addressed.'
A veterinary teaching hospital, essential for clinical training, is also in the pipeline. Authorities have initiated the tendering process for constructing the hospital, which will be attached to the college. Chodnekar emphasized, 'Without a hospital, there is no meaning for a veterinary college. Students need hands-on training.'
Admission Process and Academic Calendar
The college is expected to admit students through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), with the academic session tentatively scheduled to begin around September, aligning with national timelines. Admissions are likely to commence after NEET results are declared, typically in June.
As reported by Times of India in July 2024, Dr Antoine D, a retired professor from Pondicherry Veterinary College, Puducherry, was appointed as the first dean of the Goa College of Veterinary Science. Dr Naik informed TOI, 'He is currently assisting the state in establishing the college's academic framework. Meanwhile, the Goa Public Service Commission has initiated the process of appointing a permanent dean, with selection reportedly in its final stages.'
