The Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD) is a self-governing educational institution founded by the Kerala government in 1987. The Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific, and Charitable Societies Registrations Act 12 of 1955 governs the institute. The institute is managed by a Governing Body that includes the Honorable Minister of Education, Government of Kerala, as Chairman and the Chief Secretary to the Government of Kerala as Vice-Chairman. Through human resource development, the Institute of Human Resources Development is dedicated to the advancement of science, technological progress, and economic growth in the country. It strives to improve the nation's well-being by adhering to the principle of "Think Globally, Act Locally." It strives to provide education and training of consistently high quality through innovative and versatile programs tailored to the community's current and emerging needs.

College of Applied Science Pinarayi, founded in 2010 by the Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD), is affiliated with Kannur University and offers three regular courses: B.Sc. Computer Science, B.Sc. Electronics, and B.Com with Computer Application. The college is currently located in Pinarayi, close to Thalassery.