Periyar University was established by the Act 45 of Government of Tami Nadu in 1997. The University is named after a renowned social reformer popularly known as 'Thanthai Periyar'. The origin of the University lies in the etsablishment of 3 Departments (Commerce, Geology and Mathematics) of Postgraduate extension centre of Madras University functioning at Salem during late 1990's. The University Grants Commissions, New Delhi bestowed the 2f status on 09.10.1998 and 12(B) status on 17.05.2005 to the Periyar University. The University Grants Commissions, New Delhi bestowed the 2f status on 09.10.1998 and 12(B) status on 17.05.2005 to the Periyar University. The University is certified accredited with NAAC. It is an Affiliating University.