Institute to start with 40 seats in 2026-27
Panaji: Goa is set to get its first-ever veterinary college after the central government granted permission to establish the Goa College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Curti in Ponda, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Tuesday.
The college will be set up under the Goa University and will offer the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) degree programme with an annual intake of 40 students. The institution has been given the approval to start from the academic year 2026-27.
In a post on X, Sawant said that the Centre has issued a Letter of Permission for the institution, marking a significant step towards strengthening veterinary education and animal healthcare in the state. He said the college will boost sectors such as dairy development and livestock services, while creating new opportunities for Goan students to pursue professional veterinary education within the state.
The Chief Minister said that the institution will contribute to the welfare of farmers, livestock owners and the broader animal husbandry sector.
The approval letter has been issued by Joint Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Vikram Singh Vashisht, based on recommendations made by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) following inspection and evaluation, which found that the institution meets the prescribed minimum standards in terms of land, infrastructure, clinical and livestock facilities, equipment and other requirements. The Letter of Permission has been granted for the first two academic years, subject to conditions.
According to the letter, the state has been directed to ensure compliance with VCI rules and Minimum Standards of Veterinary Education (MSVE) regulations.
The state has also been directed to appoint regular teaching faculty and staff before the admissions begin.
The letter further states that the institution must maintain the required standards in terms of infrastructure, instructional facilities and livestock strength.
The permission granted will remain subject to verification and further inspections by VCI and any deficiency or non-compliance may invite action, including withdrawal of the permission, the Letter of Permission states.
