The Government of Tamil Nadu established the Periyar University at Salem on 17th September 1997 as per the provisions of the Periyar University Act, 1997.. The University got the 12(B) and 2f status from the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, AICTE and respectively reaccredited by the NAAC with “A” grade in 2015. The University bagged 83th rank among Indian Universities by MHRD NIRF 2020. The University is named after the Great Social Reformer E.V. Ramasamy, affectionally called “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 esteemed Periyar University. Periyar University imparts higher education through three modes, viz., through its Departments of Study and Research, the affiliated Colleges.The University has 28 departments and 109 affiliated colleges.