Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, popularly known as SKUAST-Jammu, was established on 20th September 1999 through an amendment to the SKUAST Act of 1982. It came into existence after the bifurcation of the erstwhile Sher-e-Kashmir University to cater specifically to the agricultural, veterinary, and allied needs of the Jammu region. The university was founded with the aim of providing region-specific solutions in the fields of agriculture and animal sciences, considering the distinct climatic and topographical conditions of the Jammu division.
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technologyis a state agricultural university governed by statutory bodies. The Chancellor of the institution is the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, while the Vice-Chancellor heads the academic and administrative affairs along with other statutory councils and boards. Through this structure, the university ensures effective management of its academic, research, and extension activities.
The primary objectives of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technologyare to advance quality education in agriculture, veterinary and animal husbandry sciences, and allied disciplines. It also emphasizes conducting need-based research in animal health and production, alongside disseminating knowledge to farming communities through strong extension programs. In this way, the university seeks to play a pivotal role in enhancing livestock productivity and improving the livelihood of farmers in the region.
The university headquarters is located at Chatha in Jammu district. The Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry functions from the R. S. Pura Campus of Jammu, which is specifically dedicated to veterinary education and research. The university is conveniently accessible from important transport points. Jammu Airport is the nearest air connectivity point, located at a distance of about six kilometres from the campus, while Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the closest major railhead, situated approximately fourteen kilometres away.
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu is recognized by national regulatory and academic bodies. It is affiliated with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and has approvals from higher education authorities such as the University Grants Commission and the All India Council for Technical Education. These recognitions ensure that the university maintains quality standards in teaching, research, and outreach activities.
In the field of veterinary sciences, the university offers a comprehensive range of academic programs. At the undergraduate level, it conducts the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) program, which is a professional degree course of five and a half years including internship. At the postgraduate level, the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences provides opportunities for advanced learning and research through Master’s and Doctoral programs in various specializations. The Ph.D. programs cover areas such as veterinary medicine, surgery, gynaecology, pharmacology, animal nutrition, microbiology, pathology, public health, animal genetics, parasitology, physiology, and extension education, among others. These programs are designed to produce competent veterinary professionals, teachers, researchers, and extension specialists capable of contributing to the growth of animal husbandry and livestock development.
The academic infrastructure of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, particularly in the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, is well-developed to support quality teaching, research, and clinical training. The faculty is equipped with modern lecture halls, laboratories, and department-wise facilities catering to different veterinary disciplines such as medicine, surgery, pathology, microbiology, nutrition, and animal genetics. A well-established veterinary clinical complex provides hands-on training in diagnosis, treatment, and animal care. The faculty also maintains livestock farms and experimental units to give students practical exposure in animal production and management. In addition, the library with digital resources, computer labs, and research centers further enhance academic learning and scientific inquiry.
The Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry at SKUAST, Jammu comprises highly qualified and experienced teaching staff drawn from diverse fields of veterinary and animal sciences. The faculty members are actively engaged in teaching, research, and extension activities, ensuring a strong balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. They contribute to advancing veterinary education through innovative teaching methods, quality research publications, and active participation in national and international forums. In addition, many faculty members are involved in field-oriented projects and farmer training programs, which help in addressing region-specific animal health and livestock management challenges. This blend of academic expertise and practical outreach makes the faculty a strong pillar of veterinary education at the university.