Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research (MAHER), Institute of Distance Education was recognized by the Indira Gandhi Open University in the year 2011. The Institute is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

MAHER-IDE offers 5 undergraduate and 4 postgraduate courses. The Institute also offers 3 Diploma and 4 PG Diploma courses. Each undergraduate and postgraduate program has its own specializations. Most UG courses are of three years duration, while PG courses are of two years. The Diploma and PG Diploma courses are of one year each.

• Candidates applying for any course can register either online or offline by paying a nominal fee of Rs.100/-
• Candidates must have passed the qualifying examination with minimum marks to apply.
• Bachelor’s degree is necessary for admission into postgraduate courses, while the other courses only need 10+2.
• Admission is based on merit for all courses except MBA and MCA.
• For MBA & MCA courses, candidates must clear the CMAT by AICTE. CMAT is a three-hour online test.
• Reserved candidates have a relaxation of 5% in the total aggregate of the qualifying examination. The Institute follows the reservation policies of the State Govt of Tamil Nadu.

Admission into the undergraduate courses of MAHER, IDE is based on merit in the qualifying examination. The minimum eligibility required of the candidate is passing 10+2/HSCE in the relevant stream with the necessary minimum marks. In the case of B.C.A, lateral entry into the second year is also possible if the candidate fulfills the criteria.

Admission based on merit will be conducted in the admission centers announced by the University. The spot admission will require the candidates to bring attested copies of the qualifying mark sheets for submission. After getting the seal of the spot admission center coordinator, candidates shall be admitted into the course.  

For applying, candidates must first obtain the Application form along with the Prospectus. They can send this through the post to the Director, IDE with the necessary fees and required documents. Candidates can also apply online but the payment of fees shall be done through Demand Draft only. The application must reach the IDE office.

• Candidates must have completed their 10+2/HSCE to be considered eligible.
• For B.C.A, B.Sc. CS, & B.Sc. Mathematics, candidates must have mathematics as one of the subjects of study in 10+2.
• Candidates must at least be 17 years for admission into UG courses.
• The admission into UG courses is on the basis of merit only.

Institute of Distance Education conducts its admission process on the basis of merit for most courses. For other courses, candidates may have to clear the concerned entrance examination. Candidates must have a degree in the relevant stream to be considered for admission.

For merit-based admission, the Institute follows the same procedure as the UG courses. Candidates will have to appear for spot admission along with the necessary documents. For M.B.A and M.C.A, candidates must clear CMAT organized by AICTE. CMAT is an online test conducted at the National level for management courses.

IDE follows the same application process for both PG and UG courses. Candidates can either apply online or offline. If sending by post, candidates must send the filled in form along with the necessary documents so as to reach IDE within the stipulated time. Online admission can be done on the official website of MAHER University. For both methods, fees must be paid through Demand Draft/Challan.

The eligibility & selection criteria for PG courses:  

• Candidates must complete graduation in the relevant field for eligibility.
• The minimum age limit for PG courses is 20 years of age on or before 31^st December.
• For courses like M.C.A. & M.Sc., candidates must have studied Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
• A relaxation of 5% is allowed for reserved category in the minimum aggregate of the qualifying examination.
• Both M.C.A. & M.B.A candidates must clear the CMAT for admission.

Institute of Distance Education under MAHER University also offers Diploma and PG Diploma courses. Admissions into both these courses are on the basis of merit. The minimum eligibility criterion for PG Diploma is graduation in any degree, while Diploma courses only require 10+2 in any stream or equivalent.

The University will conduct spot admission at the admission centres for the Diploma courses. Candidates must bring the relevant documents for completing the admission process.

Candidates can apply for these programs through both offline and online modes. Offline application forms must reach the IDE office within June 30,  along with the necessary documents. Online application can be done on the University website. Candidates must remember to enclose the receipt of Demand Draft /Challan with the filled in form as proof of payment.

The eligibility & selection criteria for PG Diploma & Diploma courses:

• Candidates must have completed 10+2 or any equivalent degree for admission into Diploma courses.
• For PG Diploma courses, candidates must be a graduate in any degree.
• The age limit for Diploma is 17 years and for PG Diploma is 20 years on or before December.
• Admission will be on the basis of merit for both the programs.