Centre for Development Studies, Kerala was established in the year 1971 by legendary economist late Professor K.N. Raj.  The college is situated in the capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram city. Centre for Development Studies is an autonomous research institute also internationally popular, institute know for its progressive research in applied economics and topics germane to socio-economic development, impeccable pedagogy, and extensive and exhaustive training programmes. Institute is affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru University. The campus is spread across sprawling 10 acres of land designed and delivered by late Laurie Baker, whose love for nature has few parallels in history. The Institute main objective is to promote research, teaching and training in disciplines relevant to development.