The Centre for Development Studies (CDS), operating under the aegis of the Government of Kerala and ICSSR, Government of India, is a renowned institution specializing in research and education in the field of social and economic development. With a rich history and a strong commitment to excellence, CDS offers a wide range of programs and services. The faculty at CDS comprises esteemed experts and scholars, including honorary fellows and visiting faculty, who contribute to the institute's research and teaching activities.

Students benefit from a stimulating academic environment and have access to state-of-the-art resources. CDS focuses on various research areas, such as culture and development, gender and development, human development, health and education, industry and trade, innovation and technology, labor, employment, and social security, macroeconomic performance, migration, plantation crops, and politics and development. The institute also offers programs like MA in Applied Economics, PhD in Economics, and Post-Doctoral Fellowships.

Additionally, CDS provides certificate courses, research affiliation, and internship opportunities. Publications by CDS, including books, working papers, commentary series, and annual reports, further contribute to the intellectual discourse in the field of development studies. CDS is a hub of knowledge and expertise, dedicated to fostering research and education, and shaping policies for sustainable development