Haryana: Over half of Animal Husbandry officials fail departmental exam

Officials of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Haryana, may hold impressive academic degrees, but clearing their own departmental examination appears to be a challenge. In what has raised serious questions over their professional competence and subject expertise, 56% of the officials, including veterinary doctors, have failed the departmental test.

Sources revealed that nearly 163 of the 290 officials could not clear the exam, which was conducted to evaluate their knowledge, performance and skill — parameters crucial for promotion and service progression.

“These examinations are considered a barometer to test staff members’ requisite expertise for the performance of their duties,” said an official source. The duties of animal husbandry staff primarily include livestock health and breeding, disease control and providing veterinary services to the farming community.

The examination was conducted on March 22, 2025, by the state government, and the results were recently notified by Vijay Singh Dahiya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

A senior government functionary, expressing concern over the high failure rate, told The Tribune that the results could have serious repercussions for the officials concerned. “Failure in the department examination could lead to disqualification, being debarred from future exams, and even a negative entry in the Annual Confidential Report (ACR). It may also result in delayed or denied promotion and career advancement benefits,” the functionary said.

However, the department may exercise discretion in the matter. “These failed officials may be given a ‘golden chance’ to improve their performance,” the functionary added.