This Central School or Seminary was shifted to Nagercoil in 1818 by the Revd Charles Mead.

The Revd Dr James Duthie took charge of the Seminary in 1860, and played a vital role in raising it to a college.

In 1893 the Seminary was elevated to a Second Grade College affiliated to the University of Madras with twelve students under the Revd Dr James Duthie as the first principal.

After Mr Dennison severed his connection with the South Travancore Mission in 1898 the Revd Duthie nourished the young institution till the arrival of the Revd George Parker who assumed charge in January 1901.

The Revd Parker built the Science Block for the college in 1908–1910 with a legacy of £1000 from the family of Mr. Septimus Scott and a grant from the government of Travancore.

With money donated by the Revd Parker's father-in-law, Mr. E. D. Pochin of Manchester an extensive plot of ground was purchased for the recreation of students.

By selfless and untiring work he built up the small Intermediate College of about 140 students.

In 1934 Intramural games were organised and so enthusiastically did the students participate in these events that from among them blossomed forth outstanding sportspersons.

In 1936, Mr. Marsden's great interest in Astronomy brought him the rare distinction of being chosen to observe the Solar Eclipse in Japan.

When the University of Travancore was established in 1938 the Scott Christian College was admitted to its privileges.

Mr. A. Nesamony, who had played a distinguished role in Church and public life, took up the responsibility of building the new Degree College block.

The first majors introduced were Mathematics and History, and this was followed by Chemistry (1952), Economics (1954), Physics (1954) and Zoology (1956).

In 1967 the Scott Christian College celebrated its 75th anniversary as the Platinum Jubilee.

They include zoology (1984), botany (1986), economics (1986), commerce (1991), Tamil (1996), physics (1996), English (2001), chemistry (2006), history (2006) and mathematics (2006).

In addition to the following Centres that offer facilities for doctoral research - zoology (1996), Tamil (1998), botany (1999), commerce (2000), English (2003), chemistry (2004), history (2008) and physics (2010).

The Status of Autonomy was conferred on Scott Christian College, in April 2005, perhaps the most historic moment in the annals of this pioneering seat of higher learning in the South.

The NAAC Peer team visit in campus in April 2009 and College was awarded 'A' the highest grade.

The UGC has constituted an Expert Committee to evaluate the performance and academic attainments for the Extension of Autonomous Status.