Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

The Post Graduate Diploma in Companion Animal Practice at Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Chennai, is a 1-year full-time diploma programme offered on campus at Madras Veterinary College (MVC), Chennai. The programme is designed to provide advanced clinical training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of companion animals (dogs, cats, and other small animals), equipping BVSc graduates with specialised skills for small animal practice. With a total fee of Rs. 49,675 for the entire course duration and 6 seats available, the programme is highly sought after by veterinary graduates looking to build expertise in the rapidly growing companion animal sector in India. Admission is through merit-based counselling conducted by TANUVAS.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are expected to follow a similar timeline to 2025-26, with applications typically opening in September-October 2026. For 2025-26, the last date to apply was October 3, 2025, with an online entrance examination held on October 17, 2025. The 2025-26 batch has commenced.

Key Points

Specialised 1-year programme focused exclusively on companion animal (small animal) clinical practice
6 seats available; admission through TANUVAS merit-based counselling with an online entrance examination
Offered at Madras Veterinary College (MVC), Chennai - the premier veterinary institution in Tamil Nadu
Covers advanced topics including small animal medicine, surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, dentistry, and emergency care
Highly relevant for veterinary graduates seeking to establish or work in small animal clinics and hospitals
Growing demand for companion animal specialists in urban India makes this a career-forward qualification

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

TANUVAS PGD Companion Animal Practice Fees

The total fee for the Post Graduate Diploma in Companion Animal Practice at TANUVAS is Rs. 49,675 for the entire 1-year duration, payable at the time of admission. This is significantly lower than comparable programmes at private institutions, making it an affordable option for veterinary graduates. SC/SCA/ST and differently-abled candidates from Tamil Nadu may be eligible for tuition fee exemptions as per Government of Tamil Nadu orders.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee	As per university norms
Special Fee / Other Charges	As per university norms
Caution Deposit (Refundable)	Included in total
Hostel Fee (optional)	Approx. 10,000 - 15,000 per year
Total Fee (excluding hostel)	49,675

The total fee of Rs. 49,675 is payable at the time of admission (first year only, as it is a 1-year programme)
Hostel accommodation is available on campus but is not mandatory; hostel fees are charged separately
Fee structure is subject to revision as per University/Government orders
No EMI facility is officially available

TANUVAS PGD Companion Animal Practice Admission 2026

Admissions to the Post Graduate Diploma in Companion Animal Practice at TANUVAS are conducted through merit-based counselling. Unlike MVSc programmes, this diploma does not require ICAR AIEEA (PG). Selection is based on performance in an online entrance examination conducted by TANUVAS. For 2025-26, the last date to apply was October 3, 2025, and the online entrance examination was held on October 17, 2025. The 2026-27 admission cycle is expected to follow a similar timeline, with applications opening in September-October 2026.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Online Application Opens	September 2026
Last Date for Online Application	October 3, 2026
Online Entrance Examination	October 17, 2026
Orientation Programme	October/November 2026
Batch Commencement	November 2026

Note: For 2026-27, dates are tentative and expected to follow a similar schedule (September-November 2026).

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must possess a BVSc or BVSc & AH degree from TANUVAS or any other university recognised by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI)
The degree must be recognised by the VCI for the purpose of registration as a veterinary practitioner
Candidates in employment must apply through proper channel with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer

Admission Process

Register and submit online application on the TANUVAS PG Admission portal (adm.tanuvas.ac.in)
Pay the application fee online as notified
Appear for the online entrance examination conducted by TANUVAS
Merit list is prepared based on entrance examination performance
Attend counselling and submit original documents
Pay fees within the stipulated time to confirm admission

TANUVAS PGD Companion Animal Practice Scholarships 2026

Scholarship options for PG Diploma students at TANUVAS are limited compared to MVSc programmes. However, state government scholarships for BC/MBC/SC/ST students may be available based on parental income criteria. Students are encouraged to check the National Scholarship Portal and Tamil Nadu e-District portal for applicable schemes.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship	Offered By	Amount	Eligibility
Post Matric Scholarship	Govt. of Tamil Nadu	As per government norms	BC/MBC/Minority students with parental annual income below prescribed limit
SC/ST Scholarship	Govt. of Tamil Nadu / Govt. of India	Tuition fee exemption + stipend	SC/SCA/ST candidates from Tamil Nadu
TANUVAS Merit Scholarship	TANUVAS	As per university norms	Full-time students on merit basis (subject to availability for diploma programmes)

ICAR PG Scholarship (JRF) is not applicable for PG Diploma programmes
Students must apply separately for government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal or Tamil Nadu e-District portal
Scholarship amounts are subject to revision by the respective awarding bodies

TANUVAS PG Diploma Companion Animal Practice Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#19 out of 53 in India 2025

#3rd in Tamil Nadu

NIRF Ranking

#26 out of 40 in India 2025

#1st in Chennai

#3 in Tamil Nadu

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TANUVAS PGD Companion Animal Practice FAQs

Ques. Is the Post Graduate Diploma in Companion Animal Practice from TANUVAS recognised by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI)?

Ans. The programme is offered by TANUVAS, a VCI-recognised university. However, the PG Diploma is a certificate of specialisation and not equivalent to an MVSc degree. It enhances clinical skills but does not qualify the holder for faculty positions that require an MVSc. Candidates should verify VCI recognition for specific purposes before applying.

Ques. What is the entrance examination pattern for admission to this programme?

Ans. The admission is through an online entrance examination conducted by TANUVAS. The exam tests knowledge of veterinary sciences at the BVSc level, with a focus on small animal medicine and surgery. Detailed syllabus and exam pattern are notified at the time of application.

Ques. Can I pursue this diploma while working as a veterinary officer in the government?

Ans. Yes, employed candidates can apply, but they must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. The programme is full-time and requires physical attendance at MVC, Chennai, so candidates must obtain leave or deputation from their employer for the duration of the programme.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing this diploma?

Ans. Graduates can work as companion animal specialists in private small animal clinics, veterinary hospitals, and pet care chains. The growing urban pet industry in India offers significant opportunities. Some graduates also use this qualification to set up their own small animal practice or join corporate veterinary chains.

Ques. Is there a distance mode option for the Post Graduate Diploma in Companion Animal Practice?

Ans. No, the Post Graduate Diploma in Companion Animal Practice at TANUVAS is offered only in full-time on-campus mode at MVC, Chennai. TANUVAS does offer some PG Diploma programmes in distance mode through its Distance and Continuing Education wing, but Companion Animal Practice is not among them.

Ques. How does this diploma compare to the MVSc in Veterinary Medicine at TANUVAS?

Ans. The PG Diploma in Companion Animal Practice is a 1-year programme focused specifically on clinical skills for small animal practice, while MVSc in Veterinary Medicine is a 2-year research-oriented degree. The diploma is ideal for practitioners who want to upgrade their clinical skills quickly, while MVSc is better suited for those interested in academic or research careers. The diploma does not carry the same academic weight as an MVSc degree.