Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (RIVER)

About

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (RIVER) was inaugurated on the auspicious day of Vijayadasami on the 14th October 1994.  Initially it was called Pondicherry Veterinary College, later christened as the Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, named after Rajiv Gandhi (RAGOVAS), in a state function presided over by Sonia Gandhi.  In due time, a full-fledged 59-acre (240,000 m2) campus was established adjoining the Krishi Vignan Kendra campus at Kurumbapet, Puducherry.   In 2013, RAGACOVAS was renamed as Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (RIVER).  It is the first veterinary college in India to adopt the course curriculum advocated by the Veterinary Council of India, as per Minimum Standards of Veterinary Education in India.

Over the past 30 years RIVER has contributed towards educating and grooming some of the finest veterinarians of the country.   Since its inception the institute has made spectacular progress owing to the excellent support extended by the Board of Governors and the Government of Puducherry.  The Pondicherry Veterinary College Society (PVCS) is governed by the Board of Governors with the Secretary (Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare), Government of Puducherry as the Chairman and the Dean, RIVER as Member-Secretary.   Management of Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Pondicherry is working under Thiru S. Velmurugan (Chairman).  The Academic Departments have been established as per the mandatory stipulations of the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) and the current faculty strength is 56. The faculty members are from reputed colleges and institutions of the country.

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research is set in 59 acres of land and located in1st Main Rd, Pipdic Industrial Estate, Vazhudhavur Road, Kurumbapet, Mettupalayam, Puducherry, India.

The campus is spread across three locations. The main campus adjoining the Krishi Vignan Kendra campus is on the Thirukanur Road, at Kurumbapet, which is 6 km from the Pondicherry bus station and the railway station. The campus can be reached by buses from Pondicherry to Thirukkanur.

The main campus houses Campuses A and B.  Campus A consists of the administrative block, departments, central library, herbal garden, mini-zoo and the livestock farm. Campus B consists of the ICAR block, student hostels, dean's quarters, faculty and non-teaching staff quarters, playground, gymnasium/badminton Court and basketball court. The teaching hospital campus is in the industrial estate at Mettupalayam. The campus can also be reached through Vazhudhavoor Road.

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research is fully funded by the Government of Puducherry and Affiliated to the Pondicherry University.  RIVER is Approved by Veterinary Council of India, New Delhi, Recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC) and Accredited Grade "B+" by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council.  In May 2006 the Institute was added to the American Veterinary Medical Association list of veterinary colleges of the world.  There was also a Review on landless livestock farming by women in Southern states of India published at FAO.

 Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Puducherry is an Educational institute imparting Undergraduate and Post graduate specializations in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, as well as having a veterinary Hospital/Clinic providing Veterinary health care in the region.  RIVER offers BVSc &AH and MVSc (10 programs) in Veterinary Medicine and Allied Sciences.  The Institute has adopted Veterinary council of India (VCI) regulations and curricula since its inception for the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) degree program and the degree is recognized by the VCI.  The accepted eligibility exam for admission is NEET. 

The alumni from RIVER have established sound basis across the country and globe.  It is yet another moment to cherish that current the Dean of RIVER Puducherry, is one among them.  A rare occasion to witness wherein a graduate from the college who travelled across the globe and established himself as the world’s top 2 percent researcher is now back to the same college to lead it from the front as the Dean

Facilities provided at RIVER include spacious Classrooms, Library, Computer Section, Sports & recreational Facilities, Gymnasium,separate Hostels for Men and Women, Canteen, Transport, Central Instrumentation Facility, and more.  The college also has Exclusive Animal Farms for practical Training of Students.  The clinical training facility was established after a veterinary hospital run by the Animal Husbandry Department of Puducherry State Government was taken over by the college to establish a full-fledged teaching hospital for imparting veterinary clinical training to the students.

Some Highlights Of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Puducherry

Vision
To be an institution of international repute in Veterinary education, research and extension having competent faculty committed for the development of livestock
Mission
To produce Veterinarians of calibre by imparting quality Veterinary Education to the students of UG and PG
To promote Veterinary research and extension
To coordinate with State Govt., ICAR, State Veterinary Universities and other research organizations in all aspects of research, extension, training
To Undertake studies for efficient animal production
To provide farm advisory services

Admission Procedure

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research admission to the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry is done on the performance of the student in either NEET or CUET UG, and application is to be made on the centralised admission committee (CENTAC) portal.

Admission Criteria

B.V.SC & AH - 5.5 Years Course

Admission Process

• Application: Submit online through CENTAC.

• Selection: Based on merit in qualifying examination marks.

• Documents Required: Original CENTAC Provisional Allotment Order, Birth Certificate, Higher Secondary Mark Sheet, Transfer Certificate, Conduct Certificate, Migration Certificate (if applicable), Nationality Certificate, Residence Certificate, Community Certificate (if applicable), Medical Fitness Certificate, Passport-size Photos (2), Aadhar Card (Photocopy), Regional Reservation Certificate (if applicable), Horizontal reservation certificate (if applicable).

Eligiblity

• Academic Qualifications: Pass in Higher Secondary (10+2) or equivalent examination with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology/Botany & Zoology (40% for OBC/MBC/BCM/EBC/BT/SC/ST candidates).

• NEET 2025: Qualified NEET 2025 (for Self-Supporting (National) & NRI candidates).

• Age Limit: Minimum age of 17 years as on December 31 of the year of admission; no upper age limit.

• Physical Fitness: Candidates should not have disabilities as specified by the VCI regulations.

M.V.SC - 2 Years Course

Admission Process

• Application: Candidates must apply through the official RIVER website or as per the guidelines provided by the institute.

• Selection: Based on academic performance and other criteria specified by the institute

Eligiblity

• Academic Qualifications: B.V.Sc. & A.H. degree recognized by the Veterinary Council of India with a minimum Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) of 6.0 on a 10.0 scale (5.5 for SC/ST candidates).

• Age Limit: Should not have completed 35 years as on December 31 of the year of admission; relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST candidates.

Placement

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research Puducherry provides good placement opportunities for its students The institute has collaborations with various veterinary hospitals research organizations government departments and animal health companies Many students get placed in reputed organizations both in the public and private sectors The training and internship programs offered by the institute help students gain practical experience which enhances their employability The placement cell actively assists students by organizing campus interviews job fairs and career guidance sessions to help them secure suitable jobs after graduation

Scholarship

Benefits

• Merit and Need-Based Aid
  Around 40% of undergraduate students (UG, ~40 out of 446) benefit from scholarships or fee reimbursements, often based on academic merit or financial need.

• Subject-Toppers and Overall Excellence
  RIVER offers Academic Excellence Awards to high-achieving B.V.Sc. & A.H. students, granted during the annual College Day celebration. Some notable examples:

  • Chief Secretary's Cash Award for topper in ICAR All‑India PG Entrance Exam

  • Intas Best Student Award for outstanding work in Clinical Subjects

  • Awards in specific subjects like Animal Genetics & Breeding, Microbiology, Parasitology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology & Toxicology

  • Tmt. V. Geetha Endowment Awards for outstanding Girl and Boy students, as well as student toppers in Biochemistry.

Government & External Scholarships

• Reservation-Based Scholarships
  Students belonging to SC, ST, OBC categories may be eligible for fee reimbursement or scholarships from the State Government based on eligibility criteria.

• Minority or Welfare Department Scholarships
  Scholarships are also available via the Adidravida Welfare Department or the Education Department, typically targeting underprivileged or minority students.

• External Funding and Financial Assistance

  • Students may apply for central government scholarships such as “Top Class Education Scheme” for SC/ST candidates, or other merit-based or income-based scholarships administered via the National Scholarship Portal.

  • Corporate or NGO scholarships might also be available via CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programs—these are not institution-specific but can support qualified students nationally

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Puducherry

The Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (RIVER), Puducherry, boasts state-of-the-art facilities that provide an excellent learning and research environment for students and faculty alike. The institute is equipped with modern classrooms, well-stocked laboratories, and advanced veterinary hospitals that offer hands-on clinical training. The campus includes well-maintained animal farms and research centers focusing on animal health, breeding, and biotechnology. Additionally, the library houses a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources to support academic pursuits. Students also benefit from comfortable hostel accommodations, sports complexes, and recreational areas, ensuring a balanced and holistic educational experience. The institute continually upgrades its infrastructure to stay at the forefront of veterinary science education and research.

Transport

The Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research Puducherry provides transport facilities for students and staff to ensure easy commuting The institute operates buses on fixed routes connecting the campus with key locations in Puducherry and nearby areas The transport service is reliable and affordable helping students attend classes and clinical postings on time Additionally there are options for students to use public transport and shared vehicles The institute encourages safe and timely travel to support academic activities and campus events