Distribution of Veterinary Colleges in India: A State Wise Need-Capacity Analysis

Dr. Jayant Kumbhakar

Abstract: Veterinary education in India plays a critical role in strengthening livestock development, rural service delivery, and One Health imperatives. Despite the steady expansion of veterinary colleges, their distribution remains uneven, often misaligned with livestock density and human resource needs. This paper employs a Composite Need Gap Index (NGI) to assess state-wise disparities in veterinary education capacity. The NGI integrates five indicators-Veterinarian Availability Ratio (VAR), Institution Coverage Ratio (ICR), Seat Intensity (SI), College Intensity (CI), and Seats per Node (SPN) to generate a composite ranking of states. Results reveal that eastern and central states such as West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar face acute shortages, while others require selective consolidation and specialization. Findings underscore the importance of evidence-based planning in line with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Embedding NGI into policy, accreditation, and funding frameworks can ensure equitable veterinary colleges distribution, enhance educational outcomes, and contribute to sustainable rural development.

Keywords: Veterinary Education ? India; Need Gap Index (NGI); Veterinary Colleges Distribution; Livestock Development; Rural Service Delivery; Veterinary Service Institution

How to Cite?: Dr. Jayant Kumbhakar, "Distribution of Veterinary Colleges in India: A State Wise Need-Capacity Analysis", Volume 14 Issue 9, September 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 374-381, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25909140011, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25909140011