He underwent training as a cadet officer at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, England, from January 1964 until December 1965.

He was installed as the 12th Ruler of Perlis on 17 April 2000, the day after the death of his father, Putra, who had been the raja since 1945, and was the world's longest reigning monarch at the time.

This was earlier than expected because the previous and 11th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Salahuddin of Selangor, died in office on 21 November 2001 while his term should have ended in 2004.

At that time, he was the fastest ruler to become the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from his accession to his state's throne, at 1 year and 241 days (record now held by Sultan Abdullah of Pahang).

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin has one son and one daughter: Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin has travelled to many countries including United Kingdom, France, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Egypt, Spain, Libya, the Netherlands, Belgium, Thailand and Saudi Arabia.

With the establishment of the Tuanku Syed Putra Foundation in 1986, many Perlis students have been able to further their studies locally and abroad.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin is especially concerned that the religious affairs of the state are based on the 'Ahlis Sunnah Waljamaah' doctrine.