Protests erupt over vacant Veterinary seats in Kerala: Parents demand mop-up allotment

Kozhikode: Protests have arisen concerning the closure of admissions to the Bachelor of Veterinary Science course at veterinary colleges approved by the Veterinary Council of India, despite the availability of 15 percent of all-India quota seats that remain unfilled. Last year, there were four allotments for the course, but this year only three allotments were conducted.

A parent from Vadakara has lodged a complaint with Union Minister George Kurien, urging that a mop-up allotment be held to fill the vacant seats, similar to the process followed last year. The Minister's office has assured that they will take action to address the issue.

Mop-up allotments for MBBS and BDS create vacancies for BVSc

Allotment will be based on NEET UG ranks. During the MBBS and BDS admissions, higher-ranked students sometimes temporarily secure seats in veterinary courses if they do not receive their preferred options. However, during mop-up allotments for MBBS and BDS, those who initially entered veterinary courses often shifted to MBBS, leaving vacant spots in the veterinary programs.

With all allotments now complete and admissions closed, students who ranked just below those who were admitted have lost their chance to enrol in the veterinary course. This situation has led parents and students to demand a mop-up allotment to utilise the available seats.

Parents have pointed out that vacancies exist in two veterinary colleges: College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy (Thrissur) and College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Pookode (Wayanad), both under the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Science University. Dr. M. Shainu, Associate Dean of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Science University, stated that there are vacant seats in the colleges, and the allotment process are conducted through the Kerala government's KEEM.