Periyar University is a university in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. It was established by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1997. It is named after social reformer Thanthai Periyar E. V. Ramasamy. It is accredited by NAAC with 'A' grade. It has been awarded a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.15 points. The university caters to affiliated colleges under the area comprising the districts of Salem, Dharmapuri , Namakkal and Krishnagiri. The university got 12(B) and 2f status from the University Grants Commission and was accredited by NAAC with B+ grade in 2007, which was upgraded to 'A' during the reaccreditation in May 2015. A total of 106 colleges from four districts of Tamil Nadu are affiliated with the university and PG extension centre at Dharmapuri (Periyar University PG Extension Center, Government Arts College Campus), which includes five autonomous colleges, 65 colleges with PG departments and 45 colleges with research departments. More than 1,35,000 students are studying in the affiliated colleges. Periyar University has 24 teaching and research departments in eight schools. The departments are clustered into schools to promote inter-disciplinary research. A total of 79 academic programmes are offered by the departments. A proposal has been submitted to the state government for approval to start a History Department. Apart from its teaching and research departments, the university has established five constituent colleges at Mettur Dam, Iddapadi (both in Salem District), Pennagaram, Harur, and Pappiredipatty (in Dharmapuri District).