Vijayaraghavacharya joined the provincial civil service in 1898 and served, initially, as a district officer.

From 1912 to 1917, he served as Secretary in the Board of Revenue, Madras Corporation and as Deputy Director of Industries from 1918 to 1919.

Local Self-governing bodies such as village panchayats and municipal councils were given increased powers and privileges.

In 1922, he was appointed Commissioner for India at the British Empire Exhibition, Wembley and was, in 1926, made Director of Industries.

He also served for a short time as member of the Public Service Commission and in 1929, was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Imperial Council for Agricultural Research.