The Government of Tamil Nadu established the Periyar University at Salem on 17th September 1997 as per the prOvisions of the Periyar University Act, 1997. The University covers the area comprising the districts of Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri. The University got the 12(B) and 2f status from the University G nts Commission and has been accredited by NAAC with B+ grade in 2007. Periyar University imparts higher education at three levels, i.e., through its Departments of Study and Research, Periyar Institute of Distance Education (PRIDE) and the affiliated colleges. The University has eighteen departments of study offering Post Graduate and Research Programmes and sixty six affiliated colleges The Choice Based Credit System (CBC S) has been introduced for the various courses offered by the University from 2008-09 onwards. Periyar University is offering four certificate courses from 2009-2010 onwards. The Certificate Courses are designed in order to cater to the current needs of the public.