Agriculture & Environment · Veterinary

Poultry Development Officer

⚠ Estimate — needs validation · as of 2025

A Poultry Development Officer works in government livestock or animal husbandry departments to support poultry farming, disease control, extension services, and scheme implementation. The role suits candidates with veterinary training who want a stable public-sector career in animal production and rural development.

Who it's for: Best for students who like biology, animal health, fieldwork, and public service. It suits those comfortable with veterinary studies, government exams, and working with farmers and poultry units.

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At a glance

Entry mode: Government Exam
Exam shape: state
Key exam: State
Min qualification: BVSc + State
Duration: 5.5-6.5 yr
Starting salary: 4-8 LPA (approx, as of 2025)
Sector: Govt
Category: Agriculture & Environment

Subjects / Stream

BiologyChemistryPhysicsAgricultureVeterinary ScienceAnimal Husbandry

Step-by-step path

  1. Choose Science in Class 11-12, preferably with Biology.
  2. Clear the required veterinary entrance route and complete BVSc & AH from a recognized college.
  3. Gain practical exposure through internships, livestock/poultry field training, and clinical postings.
  4. Watch for state government notifications for Poultry Development Officer or similar livestock/poultry posts.
  5. Apply for the state-level recruitment exam or selection process and meet age, domicile, and reservation rules.
  6. Clear written test, interview, document verification, and medical checks if applicable.
  7. Join the department and begin field-based poultry extension, scheme support, and disease-prevention work.

Key exams

NEET-UG: admissionState veterinary entrance: admissionState PSC/department exam: recruitmentState livestock/animal husbandry exam: recruitment

Top institutes / boards

National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), KarnalIndian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), BareillyTamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS)West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery SciencesGuru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU)College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University

Similar careers

Veterinary OfficerLivestock Development OfficerAnimal Husbandry OfficerPoultry Extension OfficerAssistant Director, Animal Husbandry
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Frequently asked questions

What is a Poultry Development Officer in India?
It is a government role focused on poultry farming support, extension work, disease prevention, farmer training, and implementation of animal husbandry or poultry schemes.
What qualification is needed for Poultry Development Officer?
Usually BVSc & AH from a recognized university is required. Some states may ask for additional state-specific eligibility, registration, or experience mentioned in the notification.
Is NEET required for this career?
NEET-UG is commonly required for admission to BVSc & AH in many states and institutions. The job itself is usually filled through a state government recruitment process, not NEET.
Which exam is the key exam for this job?
The key exam is the state-level recruitment exam or selection process announced by the state animal husbandry, livestock, or public service commission.
Can I become a Poultry Development Officer after 12th?
No. You first need a veterinary degree, usually BVSc & AH, and then must clear the relevant state government recruitment process.
What subjects should I study in school for this career?
Biology is essential, and Chemistry and Physics are also important for veterinary entrance preparation. Agriculture and animal science interests are helpful.
Is this career only for boys?
No. Girls and women can apply if they meet the educational and recruitment requirements. Veterinary and animal husbandry services are open to all eligible candidates.
What is the age limit for Poultry Development Officer recruitment?
Age limits vary by state and notification, but government recruitments commonly fall in the broad range of about 21-40 years, with relaxations for reserved categories.
Are there reservations in this recruitment?
Yes, state government recruitments usually follow applicable reservation rules for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD, and other eligible categories as per the notification.
How much does BVSc & AH cost in India?
Fees vary widely by college. Government veterinary colleges are usually much cheaper than private ones, often ranging from low thousands to a few lakhs per year, depending on the state and institute.
What is the salary of a Poultry Development Officer?
Starting pay is typically around 4-8 LPA gross in many state government setups, depending on pay level, allowances, and state rules, as of 2025.
Is the job permanent?
Often it is a regular government post if filled through a sanctioned recruitment process, but the exact nature depends on the state notification and cadre rules.
What work does a Poultry Development Officer do daily?
The work may include visiting farms, advising farmers, monitoring poultry health, supporting vaccination or biosecurity, collecting reports, and helping implement government schemes.
Is fieldwork required in this job?
Yes. This role usually involves regular field visits to poultry farms, rural areas, hatcheries, and livestock offices, so it is not a desk-only job.
What are the best institutes for BVSc in India?
Well-known options include IVRI, NDRI-linked veterinary education, TANUVAS, GADVASU, and state veterinary universities or colleges recognized by the Veterinary Council of India.
How many years does it take to become job-ready?
Typically about 5.5 to 6.5 years after Class 12, including BVSc & AH and preparation time for the state recruitment exam.
Is there good scope for this career in India?
Yes, especially in states with active livestock and poultry development programs. Demand is linked to rural poultry growth, disease control, and government extension services.
Can I get this job through UPSC?
Usually no. This post is generally recruited through state-level exams or departmental selection, not through UPSC.
Do I need veterinary registration after BVSc?
Yes, many government and professional roles require registration with the State Veterinary Council or the Veterinary Council of India, as applicable.
Is this career right for me?
It is a good fit if you like biology, animal care, rural development, and government service, and are comfortable with fieldwork and competitive exams.

Figures are indicative and source-stamped with an "as of" year (2025). Confirm on the official exam authority website before deciding.

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