Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (RIVER) (formerly Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, RAGACOVAS: French: Collège Rajiv Gandhi des sciences vétérinaires et animales) is a veterinary college in Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry), India. Founded in 1994 in accordance to the standards of Veterinary medicine education in India, set by the Veterinary Council of India, the college is affiliated to the Pondicherry University. It is an educational institute for imparting undergraduate and masters specializations in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, as well as having a veterinary hospital/clinic providing veterinary health care in the region.

 

The Pondicherry Veterinary College later renamed as Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (RAGACOVAS) is now renamed as the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (RIVER). 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. Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research is fully funded by the Government of Puducherry and affiliated to the Pondicherry University. 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 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 are from reputed colleges and institutions of the country. VCI has recognized the BVSc & AH degree program offered by this institute with effect from 25/11/1999, the day the first batch of students completed their five year course. The BVSc & AH degree awarded by this institute is included in the First Schedule of Indian Veterinary Council (IVC) Act.