How to Become a Vet in India (2025 Guide): Eligibility, Course Duration, Salary & Career Path

If you’re dreaming of becoming a veterinarian, you’re choosing one of the most respected medical professions in the world. But many students still ask:
“How to become a vet?”, “Why is it so difficult to be a successful vet?”, and “How many years does it take?”

This complete 2025 guide explains everything — from qualifications and entrance exams to job roles, salary, and the growing demand for pet vets, online vet consultations, and 24/7 emergency clinics.

What Does “Vet” Mean? (Regional Meanings Included)

Before starting the journey, let’s clarify the term:

• Vet meaning in Tamil: விலங்கு மருத்துவர்
• Vet meaning in Gujarati: પશુચિકિત્સક
• Global meaning: A licensed doctor who diagnoses, treats, and performs surgery on animals.

Veterinarians today work not only with pets but also with farm animals, birds (avian vets), wildlife, and exotic animals like rabbits.

Who Can Apply to Become a Veterinarian?

To pursue veterinary science in India, you must:

• Complete 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• Secure at least 50% marks
• Be at least 17 years old
• Clear NEET-UG (mandatory since 2020) or state-level veterinary entrance exams
• Why Is It So Difficult to Be a Successful Vet?

Being a vet is rewarding — but challenging.

1. Long and Intensive Education

The veterinary course in India is 5.5 years, similar to MBBS.

2. Handling Animals Is Physically & Emotionally Stressful

Pets cannot explain symptoms. Vets must diagnose from behaviour, tests, and experience.

3. Lower Initial Salary Compared to Human Doctors

Freshers often start with lower earnings unless they join a busy vet pet clinic or set up their own dog & cat clinic.

4. Constant Need for Learning

New diseases, new treatments, and new vet medicines appear every year.

5. High Responsibility

Every animal’s life is in your hands — that pressure is real.

But if you stay committed, the profession is deeply fulfilling and financially rewarding.

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How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Vet?

In India, the official veterinary degree is B.V.Sc & A.H. (Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry)

Total Duration: 5.5 Years

• 4.5 years academic study
• 1 year mandatory internship

After this, you are legally a Veterinary Doctor and can practice anywhere in India.

Entrance Exams for Becoming a Vet in India

1. NEET-UG (Mandatory)

Your NEET score decides admission to most veterinary colleges.

2. State Veterinary Entrance Exams

Some states conduct their own counselling or quota-based admissions.

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Veterinary Career Paths in 2025

Today’s veterinarians have more opportunities than ever:

1. Companion Animal Vet (Dog/Cat Vet)

Most people search “dog vet near me”, “best vet near me”, “vet near me for dogs”, or “pet vet near me.”
This field has booming demand due to increased pet ownership.

2. Avian Vet

Specialists for birds. Search volume is rising for “avian vet near me.”

3. Exotic Animal Vet

Rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, reptile vets — high urban demand.

4. Large Animal & Farm Vet

Works with cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, poultry, and horses.

5. Online Vet Consultation

India is seeing explosive growth in online vet doctor platforms offering remote diagnosis and prescriptions.

6. Emergency & 24/7 Vet Services

People increasingly look for “24 7 vet near me” for late-night emergencies.

7. Home Visit Vet

Popular in metros where pet parents search:
“home visit vet near me”
Convenient and high-paying.

8. Vet Lab Professionals

You can specialize in pathology, radiology, blood tests, and diagnostic imaging in a veterinary lab.

9. Veterinary Medicine & Supplies

Demand is rising for vet medicine online, pet supplements, and prescription foods.

10. Government & Research Jobs

Work with animal husbandry departments, FSSAI, ICAR, NABARD, etc.

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How to Become a Vet: Step-by-Step Roadmap

✔ Step 1: Take science with PCB in 11th–12th

Focus on Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

✔ Step 2: Prepare for NEET

Aim for a competitive score to enter good veterinary colleges.

✔ Step 3: Apply for B.V.Sc & A.H program

Choose government or private veterinary colleges.

✔ Step 4: Complete 5.5-year course

Includes surgery, medicine, pathology, and hands-on training.

✔ Step 5: Register as a Veterinary Practitioner

You must register with the State Veterinary Council.

✔ Step 6: Choose your specialization

Small animals, large animals, surgery, dermatology, dentistry, lab medicine, etc.

✔ Step 7: Start your career

Join a vet pet clinic, open your own practice, or join an animal hospital.

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What Is the Career Scope for Veterinarians in India?

The Indian pet industry is booming — expected to reach ₹10,000+ crore by 2030.
Demand is highest for:

• Small animal vets
• Home visit vets
• Online vet consultation
• Rabbit & exotic vets
• Emergency care vets
• Veterinary medicine & diagnostic experts

You can also start a Vet Plus Dog & Cat Clinic, pet pharmacy, or an online vet medicine store.

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Salary of Veterinarians in India (2025)