Inside the Paradox of Animal Science or Veterinary Science? Choosing the best...

Yes, when choosing between two areas at the end of their BVSc program—animal science or veterinary science—this is the obvious issue that every veterinarian graduate must face. (Most of you didn’t think biotechnology was a viable career path.)

Why are these streams so confusing to one another? It became clear to me after reviewing the many juniors’ questions concerning which stream to pick that they frequently have no idea about the different fields and the chances that come with them. The main cause of this uncertainty is a lack of ability to make decisions as a result of inadequate information and lack of expertise in the sector. We all appear to have a propensity to look for information only when it’s really necessary. If you were to ask yourself how many times you have made decisions in your life, would you be able to answer “yes” when it comes to your job choices after high school? For example, have you ever considered pursuing a certificate in the arts or commerce instead of the science stream in order to become an economist or artist? Following your 12th grade, you had to make a selection either JEE or NEET. After passing NEET, you also chose to specialize in veterinary sciences. I’m not sure what criteria you used to make your selection at that point, but it’s still as straightforward as it was before. The key is that you are old enough to make your own decisions, therefore don’t apply criteria that you used to make decisions in the past that were incorrect or less significant. Since neither I nor the majority of you were admitted to medical college, I know that the majority of you chose to pursue veterinary science.

However, during the past six years of my journey to graduate college and national institute, I have encountered a variety of people and organizations that have made me feel as though I am in the best field in the world—one in which I can help domestic and wild animals, birds, farmers, and my country through organizations like RVC, SSF, ITBP, BSF, and many more—as well as collaborate with organizations like DRDO, WHO, FAO, DAHD, ICMR, and CSIR. Additionally, you can work closely with medical professionals to promote One Health. There are many options available to you in the public sector. In addition, we have the opportunity to work as ARS, SMS, and STO in different ICAR Institutes as Veterinary Officers or Farm Managers with ASRB. You can also sign up for KVK. If teaching is your passion, you can become an assistant professor at a veterinary college. If you’d rather practice pet care, you can open your own clinic, join one of the many well-known ones, or get ready for the NAVLE and practice abroad. If you are someone who is interested in working in the corporate sector, there are many multinational corporations (MNCs) that provide attractive packages and job opportunities both in India and elsewhere. You can become a forest officer or, if you are more interested, you can go into administrative services. Even if I am merely at the shore and long to see the ocean, there are still a lot of prospects in the veterinary area that I haven’t even touched on in this little overview.

The ICAR-PG exam is merely an entrance exam for master’s programs at several national institutes, with the goal of granting PG fellowships. Since there are significant differences between state agricultural or veterinary universities and National Research Institutes in terms of organization, resources, funds, research, instruments, and faculty, you can gain admission to a variety of National Institutes, including IVRI, NDRI, CARI, NIVEDI, CIRC, NIHSAD, DPR, NIANP, and many more through ICAR PG entrance examination.. There are also more opportunities for learning and exploration at these institutions. I can advise you to select biotechnology, veterinary science, or animal science.

To be direct, I’ll give you a shovel so you can dig your own well instead of handing you one that has already been dug. The only thing I want to suggest you is learn, explore, meet new people, visit places, experience, follow your passion find where you will find yourself happy and choose your stream accordingly.

Some of the factors to consider when making your decision include:

Your interests: What are you passionate about? Do you enjoy working with animals directly, or are you more interested in research or policy work?
Your skills: What are you good at? Do you have strong communication and interpersonal skills? Are you able to work independently and solve problems?
Your lifestyle preferences: Do you want a job that requires you to work long hours or be on call? Do you prefer to work in a clinical setting or an office environment?

Once you have considered these factors, you can start to research the different career options available to you. There are many resources available online and in libraries to help you learn more about different veterinary specialties and career paths. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you make your decision:

There is no right or wrong answer. The best career path for you is the one that will allow you to use your skills and interests to make a difference in the world.
It is okay to change your mind. Your interests and goals may change over time, so don’t be afraid to explore different career options.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many people who can help you make your decision, including your professors, seniors, and mentors.

All the Best…

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