The Central Government has given the green light for the establishment of Kamdhenu Veterinary College at Himatnagar, under the aegis of Kamdhenu University, marking a significant boost to veterinary education and animal healthcare in Gujarat. The college will offer 80 seats in the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.VSc) and Animal Husbandry program, with admissions for the 2025–26 academic year set to begin next month. Entry will be based on National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) scores, aligning with national standards for veterinary and medical education.
This development comes after the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) conducted a detailed inspection of the college facilities, curriculum framework, and infrastructure plans. Following the inspection, the council granted formal approval, enabling Himatnagar to join the ranks of Gujarat’s established veterinary education hubs—Anand, Navsari, Junagadh, and Dantiwada.
Expanding Veterinary Education in Gujarat
The addition of the Himatnagar campus takes the total number of veterinary colleges in Gujarat to five. This expansion reflects the state’s commitment to strengthening the veterinary sector, which plays a vital role in agriculture, dairy, and livestock-based livelihoods. With Gujarat being one of India’s leading states in dairy production and animal husbandry, the new institution is expected to meet the growing demand for skilled veterinary professionals.
Kamdhenu University, established in 2009, has been instrumental in integrating veterinary, dairy, and fisheries education under one umbrella. The Himatnagar Veterinary College will further this mission by providing cutting-edge facilities, modern laboratories, and field training programs aimed at producing graduates ready to address both rural and urban animal healthcare challenges.
NEET-Based Admission for Transparency and Quality
Admissions for the inaugural batch in 2025–26 will commence next month, with selection entirely based on NEET scores. This move ensures transparency and aligns the veterinary admission process with national medical and paramedical entrance standards. Aspiring students from Gujarat and other states will now have another high-quality option to pursue veterinary sciences within the state.
Boost to Animal Healthcare and Rural Development
The establishment of Kamdhenu Veterinary College at Himatnagar is not just an educational milestone but also a step towards improving animal healthcare services in North Gujarat. By training competent veterinarians, the college will indirectly enhance livestock productivity, disease control measures, and the overall rural economy. Graduates from the institution will be equipped to work in diverse fields such as clinical veterinary practice, livestock management, public health, animal research, and government services.
With the VCI’s approval and central government backing, construction and operational preparations are in full swing. Kamdhenu University officials have indicated that the college will adopt an integrated approach to learning, combining classroom instruction with extensive fieldwork in surrounding rural areas.
The Himatnagar Veterinary College is set to play a transformative role in shaping the next generation of veterinary professionals in Gujarat. Its establishment underscores the growing recognition of veterinary sciences as a critical field for sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural prosperity.
