Veterinary Education in India: Evolution and Future Perspectives

Veterinary education in India has undergone a profound transformation, evolving from its ancient roots in the Mauryan period to its institutionalization during the colonial era and expansion within the framework of agricultural universities after Independence. Historically, veterinary training was closely tied to animal welfare and rural livelihoods, but over time it has acquired a broader mandate encompassing food security, public health, and One Health. The post-independence decades witnessed rapid establishment of veterinary colleges, primarily under state agricultural universities, while regulatory oversight was consolidated under the Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984. Despite this progress, persistent challenges remain in terms of uneven geographic distribution of institutions, shortages in faculty and research capacity, limited experiential learning opportunities, and the growing demand for veterinarians in emerging areas such as biotechnology, food safety, and climate-resilient livestock systems. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 presents an opportunity to re-envision veterinary education by fostering multidisciplinary integration, outcome-based curricula, professional standard-setting bodies, and strengthened accreditation mechanisms. This paper traces the historical trajectory of veterinary education in India, critically reviews its current status, and explores future pathways for aligning veterinary training with national priorities in animal health, rural development, and global One Health frameworks.