Drawing inspiration from founder, St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a great visionary, reformer and religious leader of the 19th century, the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) were the first indigenous religious congregation for men in India. The CMI have dedicated themselves to education at all levels. At present, their mission of education comprises a vast network of 448 institutions - including over 200 schools, 14 university affiliated colleges, 1 engineering college, 12 technical institutes, 1 university, 1 medical college, 3 B.Ed. colleges, 5 special schools, 18 non formal educational institutions and 17 cultural centres spread all over India and beyond.

Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous) was established as a result of the indefatigable industry and foresight of the CMI. The School of Social Work is one of the pioneering institutions in South India, establishing programmes and setting the standards for the field. The School of Management is nationally ranked and recognized. The School of Computer Science and the School of Library and Information Science maintain the axiomatic spirit of Rajagiri - ‘Relentlessly Towards Excellence’.

Rajagiri has successfully established and maintained the apt ambience for learning and the highest level of academic performance by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities in these institutions. International partnerships have been established with reputed Management and Social Work institutions across the globe. This allows the College, the faculty and the students to stay abreast of the constant changes occurring as Rajagiri is becoming truly global, with its graduates being placed and working around the world.