Panaji, April 28:
In a significant boost to veterinary education in Goa, the Central Government has granted a Letter of Permission (LoP) for the establishment of the Goa College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Curti, Ponda, to offer the B.V.Sc. & A.H. degree programme.

The approval, issued by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, allows the college under Goa University to commence operations from the academic year 2026–27, with an annual intake capacity of 40 students.

According to the official communication, the approval follows recommendations from the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) after a detailed inspection and evaluation. The institution has been found compliant with minimum requirements related to land, infrastructure, clinical and livestock facilities, equipment, and other academic standards as prescribed under the VCI Rules, 2017 and the Minimum Standards of Veterinary Education (MSVE) Regulations, 2016.

However, the permission comes with strict conditions. The State’s Animal Husbandry Department must ensure full compliance with all regulatory provisions. The college is also required to appoint qualified teaching faculty and staff before admissions begin, and maintain all infrastructure and academic standards consistently.

The Centre has made it clear that the approval remains subject to ongoing verification by the VCI, including further inspections if necessary. Any deficiency or non-compliance could lead to withdrawal of permission.

The move is expected to strengthen veterinary education and support Goa’s livestock and animal healthcare sectors by producing qualified professionals within the state.