Bachelor of Occupational Therapy [BOT]

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) is a 4.5-year full-time undergraduate program (4 years of coursework + 6 months internship) offered by the Faculty of Occupational Therapy at Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), Chennai. This specialized course trains students to become skilled occupational therapists who help individuals with physical, mental, developmental, and social disabilities regain independence in daily activities. The program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical training in various therapeutic settings. The total program fee is ₹3.20 lakhs, with a seat intake of 30 students per batch. The course is offered in full-time mode on campus, requiring regular attendance and active participation in clinical rotations. Occupational Therapy is increasingly popular due to the growing recognition of mental health, rehabilitation services, and the critical demand for trained occupational therapists in healthcare settings globally.

Admissions for the 2026-2027 academic year are currently ongoing. Based on MAHER's admission calendar, applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should register on the official MAHER website (maher-apply.mastersofterp.com) to access the application form. The application form can be obtained on payment of Rs 850/- through Demand Draft drawn in favor of "The Registrar, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research" payable at Chennai. Completed application forms should be submitted to: The Registrar, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, 12 Vembuliamman Koil Street, West K.K. Nagar, Chennai-600 078, Tamil Nadu, India. For specific application deadlines and counselling dates for the 2026-2027 batch, candidates are advised to contact the admission office directly at admissions@maher.ac.in or call 91-44-2364 3955/2364 3956.

Key Points

• Comprehensive training in occupational therapy techniques, therapeutic activities, and patient rehabilitation
• Hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community health centers
• Experienced faculty with expertise in physical rehabilitation, mental health, and pediatric occupational therapy
• Strong emphasis on patient-centered care and professional ethics
• Internship opportunities in leading hospitals and rehabilitation centers across Chennai and Tamil Nadu

MAHER BOT Fees

Fees Structure

• The above fees are for the 4.5-year program (4 years coursework + 6 months internship).
• Hostel fees are optional and charged separately.
• MAHER offers hostel accommodation at Rs 30,000 per year (approximately Rs 2,500 per month) for interested students.
• No refund of tuition fees is provided once the admission is confirmed.
• Payment can be made in installments as per the college's payment schedule.
• Additional charges may apply for examination fees, registration, and other miscellaneous expenses during the course.

MAHER BOT Admission 2026

Online registration on MAHER's official admission portal (maher-apply.mastersofterp.com)

Submission of completed application form with required documents and DD of Rs 850/-

Merit-based selection based on marks obtained in qualifying examination (12th standard)

Counselling and seat allocation as per merit list

Document verification and final admission confirmation

Important Dates for 2026-2027 Admission

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

The above dates are tentative based on previous year's admission schedule.

Candidates are advised to regularly check MAHER's official website for confirmed dates and any updates.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have completed 17 years of age on or before the year of admission
• Passed Higher Secondary School Certificate (12 years of study) or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (or Botany and Zoology) from a recognized board
• Minimum aggregate marks as per MAHER's eligibility criteria (typically 50% or above in qualifying examination)

MAHER BOT Scholarships 2026

Scholarships

MAHER offers institutional scholarships to deserving and meritorious students. Details of available scholarships include:

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students with excellent academic performance in the qualifying examination
• Financial Assistance Scholarships: Available for economically disadvantaged students meeting specified criteria
• Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports and representing the institution

• Scholarship Application Process: Applications are typically invited at the beginning of the academic year.
• Interested students should contact the admission office or visit the MAHER website for detailed eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines.
• Scholarship amounts and schedules vary based on the category and merit of the candidate.

According to an external review site Ranking 2025, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research Chennai ranks 488 out of 632 colleges in India and 52 in state Tamil Nadu for its BOT program.

Read more on Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research Chennai Rankings here

MAHER BOT FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy?

Ans. While both are rehabilitation professions, they have different focuses. Occupational Therapy helps individuals regain independence in daily living activities (ADLs) such as eating, dressing, bathing, and work-related tasks through therapeutic activities and adaptive equipment. Physiotherapy focuses on improving physical movement, strength, and mobility through exercises and physical modalities. Occupational therapists work with a broader range of conditions including mental health, developmental disorders, and social disabilities, whereas physiotherapists primarily focus on musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.

Ques. What is the duration of the BOT program and what does it include?

Ans. The program is 4.5 years long, consisting of 4 years of classroom and laboratory coursework divided into 8 semesters, followed by 6 months of mandatory internship in affiliated hospitals and rehabilitation centers. The coursework covers subjects like anatomy, physiology, psychology, occupational therapy techniques, therapeutic activities, community health, and professional ethics. The internship provides practical experience in managing patients with various disabilities and developing therapeutic intervention plans under professional supervision.

Ques. What are the career prospects and salary expectations after completing BOT?

Ans. Graduates can work as Occupational Therapists in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, psychiatric facilities, schools, community health centers, and private practice. Career progression includes roles like Senior Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Coordinator, and Clinical Educator. The average salary for entry-level positions ranges from 2.5 to 3.9 lakhs per annum in India, with potential for growth based on experience, specialization, and location. Experienced therapists in metropolitan areas and specialized settings can earn up to 8-12 lakhs per annum. International opportunities are also available in countries with advanced healthcare systems.

Ques. Is NEET required for admission to BOT at MAHER?

Ans. No, NEET is not mandatory for BOT at MAHER. Admission is based on merit in the qualifying examination (12th standard). However, candidates who have appeared for NEET-UG 2026 (scheduled for May 3, 2026) may have an advantage in certain cases. NEET-UG registration begins from February 8, 2026, and the admit card will be released on April 26, 2026. It is advisable to check with MAHER's admission office for any recent changes in admission criteria.

Ques. What are the clinical training opportunities during the internship period?

Ans. During the 6-month internship, students gain hands-on experience in occupational therapy departments of hospitals and rehabilitation centers affiliated with MAHER. They learn to conduct patient assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, implement therapeutic interventions, and evaluate patient progress. The internship provides exposure to various patient populations including pediatric, geriatric, psychiatric, and physically disabled individuals. Students work under the supervision of experienced occupational therapists, ensuring comprehensive practical training in real clinical settings.

Ques. Are there hostel facilities available for students, and what is the process to apply?

Ans. Yes, MAHER provides separate hostel facilities for boys and girls with hygienic dining, Wi-Fi, laundry, and 24/7 security. Hostel fees are approximately Rs 30,000 per year. Hostel accommodation is optional and allocated based on availability and merit. Students interested in hostel accommodation should indicate their preference during the admission process. Priority is given to students from distant locations and those with financial need. For detailed information about hostel facilities and application procedures, candidates should contact the admission office at principal.fot@maher.ac.in or call 04423643913.