The Government of Tamil Nadu established Periyar University in Salem on 17th September 1997 as per the provisions of the Periyar University Act, 1997. The University covers the area comprising four districts namely Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, and Krishnagiri. The University obtained 12(B) and 2(f) status from the University Grants Commission, New Delhi and it was reaccredited by the NAAC with “A++” Grade in 2021. The University secured 73rd rank among Indian Universities by MoE NIRF 2021.

The University is named after the Great Social Reformer E.V. Ramasamy, affectionately called as “Thanthai Periyar”. The University aims at developing knowledge in various fields to realize the maxim inscribed in the logo “Arival Vilayum Ulagu” (Wisdom Maketh the World). “Holistic development of the students” is the primary objective of the University.

Periyar University imparts higher education through three modes: Departments of Study and Research, the affiliated Colleges, and Periyar Institute of Distance Education (PRIDE). The University has 27 departments and 113 affiliated colleges.

The Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) was introduced for various programmes offered by the University from 2008-09 onwards. From 2009-10 onwards, the University has been offering certificate courses to cater to the current needs of the public. Periyar University provides the Student Support Services such as Library, National Service Scheme, Youth Red Cross, Women’s Welfare Centre and various avenues for sports and games.

Periyar University has a PG Extension Centre in Dharmapuri with 8 Departments.

Periyar University has taken the significant step of promoting interdisciplinary study and research. The Departments have been clustered into schools in order to identify and work on productive intersections between disciplines.

At present, 4 departments have SAP, sanctioned by the UGC and 7 departments have FIST programme sanctioned by DST. Textiles and Apparel Design, and Food Science and Nutrition Departments have been granted Rs. 1.5 crores by UGC to run the B.Voc Programme in the respective disciplines.

The schools, departments, institutes, chairs, centers, and cells contribute their best through various academic, research, and extension activities. The University is playing a paramount role in bringing multifaceted development for the country. It is consistently organizing innumerable academic activities to bring academicians and industrialists under one umbrella to discuss, deliberate and carve out time-demanding solutions to social problems.

The University has tie-ups with a number of academic, research institutes, and universities across the world to stay up to date on quality benchmarks. Important days at the International and National levels are observed by the University to promote awareness on key issues that impact human life and mother earth.