Idhaya College of Arts and Science for Women was founded in the year 2004. It is a minority institution run by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Congregation, Pondicherry, which was established in 1844 by Rev. Fr. Louis Savenian Dupuis, MEP, with the objective of uplifting oppressed women.

The college is a long-cherished dream of the Diocese of Vellore. When the proposal to start a college in Pudupalayam was initiated by the Diocese, the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (FIHM) gladly accepted it. Since then, they have been working for the development and empowerment of the women in this region.

Most Rev. Bishop Dr. MalayappanChinnappa, Bishop of Vellore, generously donated 70 acres of land belonging to the Diocese for establishing the college. Rev. Fr. Joe Lourdusamy, the Chancellor of the Vellore Diocese, volunteered to make further arrangements, and Rev. Fr. Pancras, the Procurator of the Diocese of Vellore, played a vital role in the establishment of the institution.

Rev. Mother Regina Mary, the Principal of Idhaya College, Pudupalayam, is the true architect behind the college building. Through her tireless efforts, the foundation stone was laid on 24th July 2004. Under her leadership, the college building was beautifully completed within a year, and the institution commenced its academic journey on 30th July 2004 with 60 students. The college is now stepping into its twenty-second year (2026–2027).

• Founded in 2004 with initial strength of 60 students
• 70 acres campus generously donated by Vellore Diocese
• Managed by Franciscan Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary
• Foundation stone laid on 24th July 2004
• Academic journey began on 30th July 2004
• Now entering 22nd academic year (2026–2027)

Over the past twenty-two years, Idhaya College has grown steadily in strength, vision, and academic excellence. The institution has continued to uphold its founding mission of empowering women through value-based education, while adapting dynamically to the evolving needs of society. With dedicated faculty, expanding infrastructure, and a supportive management, the college has produced countless graduates who now serve in diverse fields with distinction. As it celebrates its successful twenty-second year, Idhaya College stands as a beacon of hope, faith, and transformation for rural area young women, reaffirming its commitment to holistic education and societal upliftment.