Established in 1997, Periyar University covers the area comprising of four districts namely Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, and Krishnagiri. The university is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Periyar University is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a grade of ‘A’. In total, the university has 27 departments under its administration. There are more than 100 colleges affiliated with Periyar University Salem. The university has nine schools under its umbrella namely the School of Biosciences, School of Mathematics, School of Physical Sciences, School of Business Studies, School of Languages, School of Professional Studies, School of Social Sciences, School of Life Sciences, and School of Energy and Environmental Sciences. The university is ranked 83rd in the university’s category by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MHRD in 2020. The university has secured 73rd rank in the University category in NIRF 2021 Ranking. Periyar University is a state university that offers various courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels.
The university is located in Salem, Tamil Nady, India. The nearest railway station is Salem Junction at a distance of 7.8 km from the university. It will take 12 minutes for students to reach Periyar University Salem. Salem Domestic Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 9.7 km which will take around 14 minutes to reach Periyar University. Students can take a bus from Tharamangalam Bus Stand to reach Periyar University.
The university has a well maintained and spacious guest house to accommodate visiting faculty and students' family members. All the rooms offer the necessary facilities to students’ family members.