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. The University Grants Commissions, New Delhi bestowed 2f status in 1998 and 12(B) status in 2005 to the university. It is accredited by NAAC with 'A++' grade. It has been awarded a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.61 out of 4 points (performance descriptor "Excellent"). University ranked Second in India only after to Mumbai University and First in Tamil Nadu among State Universities. Periyar University is the first State University to rank "A++" grade. Source: Wikipedia (en)