West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences (WBUAFS)

The West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences: A Legacy of Excellence. The West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences (WBUAFS) is a prestigious public state veterinary university located in West Bengal, India.

Established on 2nd January 1995 by an Act of the West Bengal legislature, the university is dedicated to providing education and training in veterinary and animal sciences, dairy sciences, and fishery sciences. With its rich history, diverse faculties, and commitment to academic excellence, WBUAFS has emerged as a leading institution in the field.

History: Nurturing Veterinary Education

Before the establishment of the West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, veterinary education in West Bengal was primarily imparted by Bengal Veterinary College. Founded in 1893, Bengal Veterinary College was a premier veterinary institution in the country and the second oldest veterinary college in India.

It operated under the University of Calcutta until 1974 when it merged with Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya in Mohanpur, Nadia, functioning as a Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.

In 1993, recognizing the need for a separate animal science university, the Animal Resources Development Department of the Government of West Bengal formed a Working Group. This group discussed the modalities for establishing a specialized institution.

As per the recommendations of the Working Group, the West Bengal state government enacted the West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences Act in 1995, separating the veterinary and animal science departments from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya.

Thus, the West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences came into existence on 2nd January 1995, carrying forward the legacy of Bengal Veterinary College.

Faculties and Departments: A Multifaceted Institution

The West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences consists of three distinct faculties, each offering specialized courses and departments dedicated to their respective fields.

Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

This faculty is situated at two different locations, Belgachia in Kolkata and Mohanpur in Nadia district. It comprises 21 departments that cover a wide range of areas in veterinary and animal sciences.

These departments include

• Veterinary Anatomy & Histology,
• Veterinary Pathology,
• Veterinary Parasitology,
• Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology,
• Veterinary Physiology,
• Veterinary Biochemistry,
• Veterinary Microbiology,
• Veterinary Public Health,
• Veterinary Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine,
• Veterinary Gynaecology & Obstetrics,
• Veterinary Surgery & Radiology,
• Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Extension Education,
• Veterinary Medicine,
• Ethics & Jurisprudence,
• Animal Genetics & Breeding,
• Animal Nutrition,
• Livestock Production Management,
• Livestock Products Technology,
• Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex,
• Livestock Farm Complex,
• Avian Science, and
• Animal Biotechnology.

Faculty of Dairy Technology

Located in Mohanpur, Nadia district, this faculty comprises five departments specializing in various aspects of dairy technology.

The departments include

• Dairy Chemistry,
• Dairy Microbiology,
• Dairy Engineering,
• Dairy Technology, and
• Dairy Business Management.

Together, they provide comprehensive education and research opportunities in the field of dairy technology.

Faculty of Fishery Sciences

Situated in Chakgaria, Kolkata, the Faculty of Fishery Sciences houses nine departments focused on fishery sciences.

These departments include

• Aquatic Animal Health,
• Fishery Resource Management,
• Fishery Extension,
• Aquatic Environment Management,
• Fishery Economics & Statistics,
• Fishery Engineering,
• Aquaculture,
• Fish Processing Technology, and
• Fish Nutrition.

The faculty offers a broad range of courses and research programs to promote the sustainable development of fisheries.

Organisation and Administration: Ensuring Effective Governance

The governance of the West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences is overseen by the Governor of West Bengal, who serves as the chancellor of the university.

The Vice-chancellor, currently Chanchal Guha, acts as the chief executive officer, responsible for the university’s overall functioning and development.

Academics: Nurturing Future Leaders

The West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences offers a wide range of diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-level programs in various fields. These programs aim to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen areas of specialization.

Some of the key programs offered by WBUAFS include:

1. Diploma Course: Diploma in Veterinary Pharmacy (D.V.P) (Two-year program)
2. Undergraduate Degree Courses:
   • Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & A.H.) (Five and a half years)
   • B.Tech in Dairy Technology (Four years)
   • Bachelor of Fishery Sciences (B.F.Sc)
3. Postgraduate Degree Courses:
   • Master of Veterinary Sciences (M.V.Sc)
   • M.Tech in Dairy Technology
   • Master of Fishery Sciences (M.F.Sc) (Two-year programs)

Additionally, the university offers Ph.D. programs in Veterinary Sciences, Dairy Technology, and Fishery Sciences. The curriculum for Veterinary Sciences follows the guidelines prescribed by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI), while Dairy Technology and Fishery Sciences adhere to the standards set by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Admission: Gateway to Excellence

Admission to the undergraduate programs, B.V.Sc & A.H., B.F.Sc, and B.Tech (Dairy Technology), is based on the candidates’ performance in the higher secondary (10+2) examination in the science stream.

Selection is made through a merit-based system using the results of the higher secondary examination. For admission to the B.Tech (Dairy Technology) program, candidates must qualify in the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination for Engineering/Technology (WBJEE).

For postgraduate programs such as M.V.Sc, M.Tech, and M.F.Sc, candidates must have a minimum Overall Grade Point Average (O.G.P.A.) of 6.2 in their respective undergraduate courses.

Final selection for these programs is based on written examinations and personal interviews conducted by the university. The admission process for the Ph.D. program also includes written examinations and personal interviews.

Ranking and Accreditation: Recognized for Excellence

The West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Its commitment to academic rigor and research has contributed to its ranking of 29th among agricultural universities in the ICAR ranking.

Conclusion : West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences

The West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences stands as a testament to the commitment of West Bengal towards the advancement of veterinary, animal, dairy, and fishery sciences.

With its rich history, diverse faculties, and rigorous academic programs, the university has created a nurturing environment for students to excel and become future leaders in their respective fields.

By providing high-quality education, conducting cutting-edge research, and promoting sustainable practices, WBUAFS continues to contribute to the development of the agricultural and animal sciences in the region.

FAQs : West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences

Official Website: http://wbuafscl.ac.in/