Alagappa University was brought into existence by a Special Act of the Government of Tamil Nadu in May 1985 with the objective of fostering research, development and dissemination of knowledge in various branches of learning. Alagappa University is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India. The University has 44 Departments, 9 Centres and 2 Constituent Colleges on its campus. 46 Affiliated Colleges located in the districts of Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram are part of the University. Of which one Autonomous College and one Alagappa University Model Constituent College of Arts and Science are located in Kilakkarai and Paramakudi respectively.

The University offers education through Regular, Week-end, Distance and Collaborative modes. Through all modes of education, the University caters to the needs of the student community of around 1.12 lakhs.

As a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), as well as the member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), it has rewarding relations with other academic institutions, research laboratories and industrial establishments that promise a spectacular future

The University is having International Collaborations with Universities / Institutions of Higher Learning in countries like U.S.A, UK, Australia, Singapore, China, Malaysia and South Korea. Innovative programmes are designed and offered at the University for the foreign students. 41 international exchange programmes attract the attention of the teachers and students from abroad.

The University’s motto is “Excellence in Action” and the University keeps before it the vision of excellence in all spheres of its action.

In order to promote quality education, the MHRD has taken several initiatives and they expect the institutions to attain good position in various parameters such as (i) Accreditation by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with good grade, (ii) Categorization of Institutions by MHRD-UGC, (iii) Autonomy Status by MHRD-UGC, (iv) NIRF Rank within 50, (v) Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) Grant and (vi) Institution of Eminence (IOE) Status.