Periyar University (PU), Salem was established in 1997.The university has been accredited with NAAC and recognized by UGC. The university is named after a renowned social reformer popularly called "Thanthai Periyar". The university thus established had its origin with the three departments (Commerce, Geology and Mathematics) of Postgraduate extension center of Madras University functioning at Salem at that time.

 

Periyar Institute of Administrative Studies (PERIAS) started functioning in  2009. The university has established the following constituent colleges  Periyar University Arts and Science College (PRUCAS) in 2006 at Mettur Dam, Salem District  Periyar University Arts and Science College in 2010 at Pennagaram, Dharmapuri District.

 

Periyar Institute of Distance Education (PRIDE) is imbibing knowledge into the veins of the students who could not take up the regular academic studies in affiliated colleges due to their economic condition. The university tie-ups with various academic, research institutes and universities across the world bring laurels to the academia.

 

The mission of the university is to spread knowledge and skill in general and the thrust is particularly given to enable the knowledge reach the youth of economically, educationally and socially weaker sections. This mission is achieved through the departments of study and research of the university and its affiliated colleges.In the direction of nation building process, this university aims to uplift the society through education to attain self-reliance.