Periyar University

Periyar University, established on 17 September 1997, is a prominent state university located in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. Named after the renowned social reformer Thanthai Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, the university is known for its commitment to high-quality education and research. It operates on a sprawling urban campus of 140 acres and is affiliated with the University Grants Commission (UGC). The university offers a wide array of academic programmes through its 27 teaching and research departments, which are organised into eight schools. These departments provide 79 different academic programmes, promoting an environment of interdisciplinary research and learning.
 

The university's achievements are noteworthy, having received an 'A++' grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a commendable CGPA of 3.61. This top-tier accreditation reflects the institution's dedication to maintaining excellent standards in education and research. Periyar University ranks 56th among universities in India according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for 2025  and is recognised for its innovation, being placed in the 11-50 band in the NIRF Innovation rankings. It has been a leader in Tamil Nadu's state university sector, showing significant improvement in national rankings over recent years.
 

With over 140,000 students enrolled across its affiliated colleges and constituent institutions, Periyar University plays a crucial role in higher education in the region. The university supports a network of 106 affiliated colleges spread across four districts, offering a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. Its comprehensive educational offerings and robust infrastructure highlight its mission to advance knowledge and support students in achieving their academic and professional goals.

Periyar University, located in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India, has a rich history marked by its dedication to education and social reform. Established on 17 September 1997, the university was set up by the Government of Tamil Nadu under the Periyar University Act, 1997. The university was named in honour of Thanthai Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, a well-known social reformer and leader who advocated for social justice and equality.

The university began its journey to provide high-quality education and promote research in various fields. Its establishment marked a significant step towards enhancing higher education in the region. In its early years, Periyar University focused on building a solid foundation and expanding its academic offerings. The University Grants Commission (UGC), a key regulatory body in India, recognised the university’s potential and granted it the 2f status in 1998 and the 12(B) status in 2005. These recognitions were crucial for the university as they enabled it to receive grants and support for its educational and research activities.
 

In 2007, the university was first accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a B+ grade, reflecting its commitment to quality education. This accreditation was a significant achievement and provided the university with valuable feedback to enhance its programmes and facilities. Over the years, Periyar University continued to grow and improve its standards. In 2015, it underwent a reaccreditation process and was awarded an 'A' grade by NAAC, a testament to its progress and the quality of education it offered.

The university's achievements in the field of education did not go unnoticed. In 2021, Periyar University reached a new milestone by securing an 'A++' grade in the NAAC reaccreditation. This grade, with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.61 out of 4, marked the highest level of accreditation and highlighted the university’s outstanding performance in various aspects of higher education. This achievement made Periyar University the first state university in Tamil Nadu to earn an 'A++' grade.
 

Periyar University has also made notable strides in national rankings. According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2022, the university was ranked 4th among Indian universities in the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARRAI). In the NIRF 2023 rankings, it secured the 59th position among universities in India and was placed in the 11-50 band for innovation. These rankings reflect the university’s growing reputation and its contributions to research and development.
 

The university’s growth is also evident in its expansion and development. Initially, Periyar University catered to affiliated colleges in the districts of Salem, Dharmapuri, Namakkal, and Krishnagiri. It has now grown to include a network of 106 affiliated colleges, five constituent colleges, and a PG extension centre. With over 140,000 students enrolled, Periyar University plays a crucial role in the higher education landscape of Tamil Nadu.

Periyar University offers a wide range of academic programmes designed to cater to the diverse interests and career aspirations of its students. The university’s courses are spread across various disciplines, reflecting its commitment to providing a comprehensive education that meets the needs of today’s dynamic job market.
 

At the undergraduate level, Periyar University offers a variety of Bachelor’s programmes in fields such as Arts, Science, Commerce, and Social Sciences. These include popular courses like Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English, History, and Economics; Bachelor of Science (BSc) in subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology; and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in General, Computer Applications, and Accounting. These courses are designed to provide a strong foundational knowledge in each subject, preparing students for both advanced studies and professional careers.

The university also provides a range of postgraduate programmes that allow students to deepen their expertise in specific areas. Master’s programmes available include Master of Arts (MA) in English, History, Economics, and Political Science; Master of Science (MSc) in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Environmental Science; and Master of Commerce (MCom). These courses are aimed at students who wish to pursue advanced studies and research in their chosen fields.
 

In addition to the conventional courses, Periyar University offers several specialised programmes. For example, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme is designed for students aspiring to build careers in management and business leadership. It covers various aspects of business administration, including finance, marketing, human resources, and operations management. Similarly, the Master of Computer Applications (MCA) is tailored for students interested in careers in information technology and computer science.
 

The university is also home to several research-oriented programmes. It offers doctoral studies (PhD) in various disciplines, providing opportunities for in-depth research and academic exploration. These programmes are supported by the university’s well-established research departments and are aimed at students who wish to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their fields.
 

Periyar University’s curriculum is designed to foster a holistic educational experience. The university places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, encouraging students to explore connections between different subjects and apply their learning in diverse contexts. This approach is reflected in the wide range of elective courses and specialisations available within each programme.
 

To support its academic offerings, Periyar University has established several schools and departments, each focusing on specific areas of study. For instance, the School of Social Sciences, the School of Science and Technology, and the School of Commerce and Management are just a few examples of how the university structures its academic programmes. These schools help in organising courses and facilitating specialised research and training.

Global Ranking:

• Periyar University is ranked #1953 in the US News Best Global Universities rankings.

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025:

• Overall Ranking: Periyar University is ranked 56th among all institutions in India.
• University Category: The university is ranked 90th among universities in India.

Resulting in a job integration rate of approximately 70%, Periyar University saw 20 students from the Energy Science and Technology Department receive job offers with an average package of INR 3.6 LPA in 2023. For the 2022 placements, the median salary was INR 3.5 LPA for undergraduates in their 3-year programmes and INR 3 LPA for postgraduates in their 2-year programmes. Additionally, out of 660 PG students, 153 were successfully placed, highlighting the university's strong placement performance and effective job integration for its graduates.

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