He joined the Judicial Department Indian Civil Service on 3 May 1886 and was appointed deputy collector in December 1887.

The Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham was established in 1907 by social reformer Ayyankali to campaign for education for Scheduled Castes.

Rajagopalachari was supportive of the movement, and in 1907 the government of Travancore passed an order for the admission of scheduled castes children in schools.

In 1910, Rajagopalachari and Mitchell, who headed the education department, made the order for admission of Scheduled Caste children public, thereby putting an end to the controversy.

Scheduled Castes, who were previously excluded from the administration, were made eligible for nomination to the State Assembly.

[citation needed] Rajagopalachari also donated 8acres of land for the construction of an Islamic college by Sheikh Mohammad Hamadani Thangal.

When the Madras Legislative Council came into being, as per the provisions of the Government of India Act 1919, on 17 December 1920, Rajagopalachari was elected as the first President.

[6] It is believed that he was instrumental in formulating the no-confidence motion against the Justice Party Government of the Raja of Panagal.