The Periyar University has established a directorate for distance education namely PERIYAR INSTITUTUE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION (PRIDE). The PRIDE has been started functioning from the year 2001-2002. The PRIDE offers various undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The course materials are supplied to the students well in advance. There are about 54 PCP Centers throughout the Country. Well qualified and experienced faculties are involved in the classroom teaching . The Periyar University has also introduced its off Campus regular academic programmes from the academic year 2005 - 06 through PRIDE.