GetMyUni's Verdict on Periyar University

Parvathy Krishnakumar

"Periyar University upholds a robust academic standing and provides diverse courses. Nevertheless, the available opportunities for placements and research at the university are restricted."

Located in Salem, Tamil Nadu, Periyar University is a well-established university accredited by NAAC with an A grade. Besides a few drawbacks, the university imparts to its students a decent curriculum and decent career prospects. Along with regular courses, the university also offers Distance Education across various disciplines, which is highly regarded by the graduates.

The university has a good academic reputation and is known for its strong programs in Science, Technology and Management fields. The faculty at the university is well-qualified and experienced, and the university offers a variety of teaching and learning methodologies. Apart from the academic activities, student life at the university is generally vibrant and active, with various student-led clubs and events.

Even though the university offers a variety of higher study options, the research opportunities are limited compared to the other universities in the country. Overall, it is a good choice for students looking for quality education at an affordable price. However, students should be aware of the potential drawbacks before deciding.

Table of Contents

• Diverse & Well-Rounded Courses
• Experienced & Passionate Professors
• Multifaceted Infrastructure
• Various Hostels
• Wholesome Campus Experience
• Limited Placement Prospects
• Overall Impression of Periyar University

Diverse & Well-Rounded Courses

The university offers a wide range of courses at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels in Science, Arts and Management disciplines, along with Vocational Studies. The university also offers various other programs through its affiliated colleges. The different departments at the university provide a comprehensive curriculum that covers all the aspects of the fields and ensures students have a holistic approach to both theoretical and practical knowledge. 

Although there are limited bachelor’s programs at the university, it offers a plethora of master’s courses in different subjects in the arts and sciences. Some interesting programs available at the university at various levels are as follows.

• B.Voc Augmented & Virtual Reality
• B.Voc Food Science & Nutrition
• Bachelor of Education (Part-Time)
• M.Tech in Energy Technology
• M.Sc in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics
• M.Sc Textiles & Apparel Design

Apart from the regular undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the university also offers five-year integrated Environmental Science and Journalism and Mass Communication courses. 

At the doctoral level, M.Phil, PhD, D.Litt and D.Sc courses are also available at the university. Besides the programs mentioned before, working professionals and others who cannot pursue regular courses can also have Certificate and Diploma programs at the university.

Affordable Course Fees

The fee structure for the courses offered by the university varies based on the course level and student category. However, the tuition fees are generally affordable to all students. 

The annual course fees for undergraduate programs in the general category range between INR 25,000 and INR 35,000; postgraduate programs fall between INR 20,000 and INR 50,000. In addition to the annual tuition fees, students are also required to pay additional costs, such as registration fees, exam fees, student welfare funds, and others.

The university also offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid schemes to support students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. These schemes include merit and mean scholarships, special scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students and educational loans.

Attendance Policy

The university mandates a minimum attendance of 75% for its students to appear for the end-semester examinations. If the students fail to meet the required attendance percentage, they are obliged to apply for condonation along with the prescribed documents based on their attendance. However, those students who have attendance lower than 50% will only be allowed to appear for the examinations in the following academic year.

Experienced & Passionate Professors

Based on the reviews shared on online platforms, the professors at the university are highly qualified and possess deep knowledge in their respective fields. They hold doctoral degrees from reputed universities and have extensive experience in research and teaching. The professors are passionate about education and employ engaging and effective teaching methods. 

The professors are known to utilise a variety of teaching approaches, including lectures, discussions, group projects, and case studies, to cater to different learning styles and ensure that the students grasp even complex concepts thoroughly. 

However, while the faculty is highly qualified, there is less emphasis on bringing in professors from diverse backgrounds and experiences to enrich the learning environment and provide students with broader perspectives.

The faculty at the university is actively involved in research and makes significant contributions to their respective fields by publishing extensively in renowned journals, presenting their research at international conferences and collaborating with researchers from around the world. 

Although some professors are well-versed in incorporating technology into their teaching, a few lack training and experience in utilising technology to enhance their teaching methods to engage their students more effectively.

Most professors at the university are committed to providing personalised guidance, mentorship, and support to help students overcome challenges in achieving their academic goals and preparing for their future careers. Yet, certain faculty members are inaccessible to students and less approachable than others.

Overall, the students have high regard for their teachers, apart from a few. The professors play a significant role in providing students with a quality education. 

Multifaceted Infrastructure

Spread over 95 acres of land, the university campus is designed to provide all the necessary facilities and amenities to enhance the student's overall learning experience. It has a well-developed infrastructure, separate buildings for each department, and classrooms and laboratories dedicated to the related subjects. The well-rounded facilities at the university provide a conducive environment for learning, research and extracurricular activities.

The spacious classrooms are designed to promote a comfortable and engaging learning atmosphere. They are well-lit and equipped with modern teaching aids like whiteboards, projectors and computers. The facilities ensure students can access the latest technology and resources to support their understanding of the subjects.

The university has state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with cutting-edge equipment and instruments for students to conduct practical experiments, perform useful work, and gain valuable insights into their respective fields. The university recognises the importance of hands-on learning and functional experience and is constantly changing to provide updated facilities to its students.

The university has a central library houses a vast collection of books and other resources. Students have access to a wide range of academic materials, such as textbooks, reference books, research papers and periodicals. 

The university infrastructure also includes different departmental libraries catering to specific disciplines, ensuring students can access specialised resources in their respective fields. However, the students can utilise the resources only during working hours at the university and are inaccessible during weekends and holidays. 

The university has a well-maintained sports complex, encompassing a cricket ground, football ground, athletics track and swimming pool. In addition, the university has a multi-purpose indoor stadium, basketball court and well-equipped gym to ensure students have the facilities to maintain their physical health. Yet, like the libraries, students have limited access to the sports facilities, as there are specific rules and regulations regarding using them.

The university infrastructure also includes a large canteen/food court that can accommodate up to 1000 students and faculty members at a time. It offers various options from different cuisines at affordable prices. Despite the space, the food court can sometimes get crowded and messy. The tables and chairs are not always clean, and the floors can be sticky. There have been some concerns in the past regarding the hygiene of the food served, as students have reported finding things in their food. 

Apart from the abovementioned facilities, the university has a well-equipped computer lab with a high-speed internet connection, seminar halls and a large auditorium. Overall, the university’s infrastructure is comprehensive and well-equipped. Also, the university is committed to maintaining these facilities and providing modern amenities to ensure students have access to updated learning experiences.

Various Hostels

The university has several hostels for undergraduate and postgraduate students that are well-maintained and offer comfortable and secure living conditions. The students can access amenities such as study rooms, common rooms and dining facilities. The hostels accommodate up to 500 students. 

The main hostel is within the university campus, with separate wings for boys and girls. Apart from that, the other four hostels are located near the university. 3 of these are mixed hostels; the fourth is a women-only hostel.

Students can choose the hostels based on their preferences and needs. The rooms are well-furnished with basic amenities such as beds, desks and wardrobes, and regular upkeep and cleaning services are available. 

The safety and security of the students are assured by the hostel wardens and security personnel placed at the gates. Additionally, there are strict rules and regulations regarding visitors and the overall conduct of the hostel. Timely meals, which are clean and hygienic, are served at all the hostels in designated dining areas. 

The hostel fees vary depending on the hostel type and room occupancy, and they cover the charges for electricity, maintenance and washing facilities. However, the approximate annual price for single occupancy rooms is INR 30,500, and for double occupancy rooms, it is INR 25,000.

Besides the university-managed hostels, students also have the option to stay in PGs available near the university, which offer different facilities based on the rents. Typically, the PG rents range between INR 5000 and INR 15,000, based on the availability of amenities.

Wholesome Campus Experience

The university offers a vibrant campus life that provides students with engaging opportunities for academic growth, personal development and social engagement. The diverse student body at the university has student organisations, and numerous events and activities contribute to dynamic and enriching campus life.

The university encourages students to engage in activities that promote personal growth and development. Multiple student-led organisations cater to various interests, from academic pursuits to cultural activities and sports. Students can develop their leadership skills, teamwork and communication abilities by participating in the events and activities conducted by these organisations.

The university hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year to foster a sense of community and active participation among students. These events include cultural fests, sports competitions, seminars, workshops and social events.

Students have ample opportunities to connect with their peers, create new friendships and create lasting memories. According to the university students, the campus life here is a blend of academic rigour, personal growth opportunities and social engagement.

Diversity on Campus

The university attracts students from diverse backgrounds, creating a rich and vibrant campus environment. Students from all walks of life represent different cultures, religions, genders and socioeconomic backgrounds. The diversity on campus nurtures inclusivity, respect and understanding among students. 

The university is also committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all students by offering its students a range of services and financial support. The university strives to make its facilities and services accessible to students with disabilities.

Dress Code

Although the university does not have uniforms for its students, the students and professors must maintain a strict dress code. Boys are only allowed to wear full pants or shorts that are knee-length or longer, with their shirts tucked in. They can only wear shoes or sandals.

Girls can wear churidar with properly pinned dupattas, pants and shirt, salwar kameez, kurta and palazzo, knee-length skirts, and blouses. In general, students must wear clean clothing that is not revealing or offensive.

Limited Placement Prospects

The university’s placement record is just above average, with a consistent track record of increasing placement percentage for its graduates in various industries. The university has a dedicated placement cell that connects students with potential employers and provides them with the necessary skills and guidance to successfully find employment.

The university organises a centralised placement drive every year, bringing together a fairly large pool of employers and providing students with a platform to showcase their skills and talents. The placement drive typically lasts for several days and involves various stages, such as shortlisting, interviews and final selections. 

According to the previous years’ placement records, around 70% of the university’s graduates secured job placements in various companies across different sectors. The highest salary package offered to these students was INR 15 LPA, and the average salary package was INR 3.5 LPA. The university attracts a diverse range of recruiters from different fields, such as IT, Finance, Manufacturing and Retail.

However, although there is a decent record of placements at the university, as it is located in a comparatively smaller town, there are limitations to the students finding internships and other successful placements.

Overall Impression of Periyar University

It can be concluded that Periyar Univesity is a well-established and reputable university that has been offering several courses across different disciplines since its inception. The university has a strong academic record and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the state. The university offers a variety of challenging and comprehensive programs led by experienced faculty. 

Along with academic excellence, the university has a vibrant and engaging campus life that provides students opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, there are limited good placement offers and research opportunities compared to other universities in the country. 

In any case, the pros and cons of Periyar University are tabulated below for better understanding.

*Source: periyaruniversity.ac.in and periyar_univesity_official Instagram