Asia's first veterinary university, the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) stands as a pioneering institution dedicated to veterinary education, animal sciences, and livestock research. With its headquarters in Chennai and a network of constituent colleges across Tamil Nadu, it continues to lead innovation in animal health, food technology, and dairy science[reference:0].
The Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) was established on 20th September 1989 through the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Act, 1989 (Tamil Nadu Act 42 of 1989)[reference:1]. It is the first veterinary university in Asia, with its headquarters at Madhavaram Milk Colony, Chennai[reference:2][reference:3]. The seed for this institution was sown as early as 1876 when the Madras Veterinary College was started as an Agricultural School in Chennai, offering diploma and certificate courses in veterinary and animal sciences[reference:4]. It attained the status of a college on 1st October 1903, functioning at Dobbin Hall, Chennai, with 20 students admitted to a three-year diploma course called GMVC (Graduate of Madras Veterinary College)[reference:5].
The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. Its flagship course is the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.), along with B.Tech programmes in Food Technology, Dairy Technology, and Poultry Technology[reference:6]. At the postgraduate level, it offers M.V.Sc., M.Sc., M.Tech, and Ph.D. programmes across various disciplines[reference:7]. The university is also the first veterinary university in India to offer distance education programmes in livestock and poultry farming activities[reference:8].
TANUVAS operates through a network of seven veterinary colleges and several specialised institutions across Tamil Nadu[reference:9]. Its constituent colleges include the Madras Veterinary College, Chennai (est. 1903), Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal (est. 1985), Tirunelveli (est. 2011), Orathanadu (est. 2011), Salem (est. 2019), Udumalaipettai (est. 2020), and Theni (est. 2020)[reference:10]. It also has specialised institutions like the Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi, the College of Food and Dairy Technology, Koduvalli, and the Post Graduate Research Institute in Animal Sciences, Kattupakkam[reference:11].
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University Type
State University
Location
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Academic Focus
Veterinary Sciences, Animal Husbandry & Food Technology
Legacy
Since 1989 – Asia's First Veterinary University
Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc. & A.H.)
Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry – 5.5 Years[reference:12]
Food Technology (B.Tech)
Food Processing, Safety & Quality Assurance[reference:13]
Dairy Technology (B.Tech)
Dairy Science, Processing & Management[reference:14]
Poultry Technology (B.Tech)
Poultry Production, Processing & Management[reference:15]
Postgraduate (M.V.Sc.)
Master of Veterinary Science in Multiple Specialisations[reference:16]
M.Sc. & M.Tech Programmes
Animal Sciences, Dairy & Food Technology[reference:17]
Ph.D. Programmes
Doctoral Research in Veterinary & Animal Sciences[reference:18]
Fisheries Science
Aquaculture & Marine Biology[reference:19]
PG Diploma Programmes
Distance Education & Skill Development[reference:20]
Skill Development Courses
Livestock & Poultry Farming[reference:21]
Self-Employment Courses
Animal Husbandry & Agri-Business[reference:22]
Animal Biotechnology
Genetic Engineering & Molecular Biology[reference:23]
TANUVAS operates through a network of constituent colleges, specialised research institutes, and extension centres spread across Tamil Nadu. These academic units work in synergy to advance veterinary education, animal sciences, and food technology.
Disclaimer: The colleges, departments, and research centres listed below are representative and subject to periodic updates. For the most accurate and current information, please refer to the official TANUVAS website .
| S.No. | College / Department / Centre | Primary Focus | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Madras Veterinary College, Chennai | Veterinary Medicine, Research & Clinical Training | Constituent College |
| 02 | Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal | Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry | Constituent College |
| 03 | Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli | Veterinary Education & Research | Constituent College |
| 04 | Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu | Veterinary Science & Livestock Management | Constituent College |
| 05 | Veterinary College and Research Institute, Salem | Veterinary Education & Research | Constituent College |
| 06 | Veterinary College and Research Institute, Udumalaipettai | Veterinary Science & Animal Sciences | Constituent College |
| 07 | Veterinary College and Research Institute, Theni | Veterinary Education & Research | Constituent College |
| 08 | Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi | Aquaculture, Marine Biology & Fisheries Science | Constituent College |
| 09 | College of Food and Dairy Technology, Koduvalli | Food Technology, Dairy Science & Processing | Constituent College |
| 10 | College of Poultry Production and Management, Hosur | Poultry Science & Management | Constituent College |
| 11 | Post Graduate Research Institute in Animal Sciences, Kattupakkam | Animal Genetics, Nutrition & Health Research | Research Institute |
| 12 | Department of Veterinary Anatomy & Histology | Animal Structure & Tissue Studies | Academic Department |
| 13 | Department of Animal Genetics & Breeding | Genetic Improvement & Breeding Strategies | Academic Department |
| 14 | Department of Veterinary Microbiology | Infectious Diseases & Pathogen Research | Academic Department |
| 15 | Department of Animal Nutrition | Feed Science & Nutritional Management | Academic Department |
| 16 | Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension | Community Outreach & Livelihood Development | Academic Department |
| 17 | Department of Veterinary Biochemistry | Metabolic Studies & Molecular Research | Academic Department |
| 18 | Food Business Incubation Centre | Startup Support & Agri-Entrepreneurship | Innovation Hub |
| 19 | Livestock Research Station, Kattupakkam | Livestock Management & Research | Research Station |
| 20 | Directorate of Distance Education | Flexible Learning & Skill Development | Academic Unit |
| 21 | Central Library | Veterinary & Animal Sciences Resources | Learning Resource |
| 22 | Placement & Career Guidance Cell | Employability & Industry Connect | Student Support |
| 23 | Student Counselling & Welfare Centre | Mental Health & Student Well-being | Support Cell |
| 24 | NSS & NCC Units | Community Service & Youth Leadership | Student Activity |
| 25 | Sports & Physical Education Department | Fitness, Games & Recreation | Student Facility |
| 26 | Examination & Evaluation Wing | Academic Assessment & Standards | Administrative Unit |
| 27 | Faculty Development Centre | Research Methodology & Teaching Skills | Academic Support |
| 28 | Alumni Relations Office | Alumni Engagement & Networking | Alumni Support |
Asia's First Veterinary University
TANUVAS holds the distinction of being the first veterinary university in Asia, established in 1989 with a rich legacy dating back to 1876[reference:24].
Cutting-Edge Research & Innovation
With specialised research institutes and a Food Business Incubation Centre, the university drives innovation in animal health, food processing, and agri-entrepreneurship[reference:25].
NIRF Ranked 17th in Agriculture
The university is ranked 17th among Agriculture institutes in India by NIRF 2024, reflecting its academic excellence and research output[reference:26].
Extensive Clinical Training Network
With seven veterinary colleges and specialised institutes across Tamil Nadu, students gain hands-on clinical exposure and practical training in diverse settings[reference:27].
Pioneer in Distance Veterinary Education
TANUVAS is the first veterinary university to offer distance education programmes in livestock and poultry farming, reaching learners across the country[reference:28].
Strong Industry & Research Collaborations
The university has established partnerships with national and international organisations, providing students with research opportunities and industry exposure[reference:29].
Follow these steps to begin your journey at TANUVAS.
Note: Admissions to undergraduate programmes (B.V.Sc. & A.H. and B.Tech) are based on merit in Class 12 examinations[reference:30]. Postgraduate and doctoral admissions are through entrance examinations as per university norms. Candidates are advised to check the official website for programme-specific eligibility, application deadlines, and counselling schedules.
01
Explore the wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral programmes in veterinary sciences, food technology, dairy technology, and poultry technology.
02
Fill out the online application form with accurate academic records, personal details, and upload the necessary documents through the official TANUVAS admission portal.
03
Based on merit or entrance exam scores, you will be called for counselling to select your preferred programme and constituent college.
04
Present original certificates, mark sheets, transfer certificates, and identity proofs for verification at the allotted college or institute.
05
Pay the programme fees within the stipulated time to confirm your seat and complete enrolment formalities.
06
Attend orientation, receive your student ID, and begin your transformative journey in veterinary and animal sciences at Asia's premier veterinary university.
Be part of the legacy of veterinary excellence at TANUVAS.