The Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) was established as an autonomous research Centre in 1980. Appreciating its role in the promotion of research and training, the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, recognized it as a national institute in the year 1986 and included the Centre in its network of institutions. The predominant activities of the Centre constitute conducting interdisciplinary research in analytical and applied areas of social sciences, encompassing socio-economic and other aspects of development. It has been recognized as a Centre for advanced research by the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University and the Osmania University. The (Central) University of Hyderabad has also recognized it as Research Centre for external registration for Ph.D programs in Economics and Anthropology. The Centre has evolved a unique teaching–cum-research training programme leading to M.Phil and Ph.D in development Studies.