PANAJI
Goa’s first College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences will begin its five-and-a-half-year undergraduate programme on November 16 for the academic year 2026-27, opening a new chapter in veterinary education in the State.
The inaugural batch of 40 students will undergo four-and-a-half years of academic training followed by a one-year internship offering hands-on experience across clinical, farm and industrial settings.
Dean Rajkumar Solomon, when contacted by The Goan, revealed that all students in the first batch have qualified NEET, as required for admission to veterinary courses. “All our 40 students have qualified NEET, as required for admission, just as in MBBS and dental programme. This batch comprises 26 girls and 14 boys,” Solomon said.
Although veterinary colleges follow a 50 per cent All India quota, the first four batches will entirely comprise Goan students. The dean revealed that these students will also be the first to undertake internships across the country.
“The Veterinary Council of India (VCI) has mandated an MoU with other institutions to facilitate student exchange,” he added.
The one-year internship will expose students to clinical practice, livestock farms and industry, including at dairy plants, meat-processing units and zoos, giving them practical experience beyond classroom learning.
Solomon added that the college will further establish strong linkages with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, opening new avenues in veterinary pharmaceuticals, clinical trials, biomedical sciences, toxicology and regulatory sciences. “These initiatives will prepare veterinary graduates for diverse professional opportunities beyond conventional clinical practice,” he explained.
About the faculty, the Goa Public Service Commission has recruited faculty for the first year, with 29 posts earmarked. Most positions, including associate professors, assistant professors and librarian, among others, have been filled.
The academics will begin at the State 16-acre site at Curti, while another 25 acres at Codar will accommodate animal sheds, fodder facilities and other practical training infrastructure.
“The College aims to develop into a technology-enabled, student-centric institution integrating strong clinical training with digital learning, artificial intelligence, tele-veterinary services and international academic collaborations. So also, it aspires to become a leading hub for One Health, Pashu Ayurveda, climate-resilient livestock production, and pet and livestock entrepreneurship,” the Dean said.
