The Institute has been named after Rajashree Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, who was known for love and affection for the lowest and loneliest of his subjects. He was instrumental in spreading education and message of equality amongst the people in the beginning of the 20th Century.

Imparting management education in the Shivaji University commenced in the late sixties with a provision for very limited sears. However, the demand for management and social work education was large and growing continuously. With a view to cater to the needs of this growing demand, Prof. Dr. A. D. Shinde, the renowned Charted Accountant and former Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, established this Institute: Chhatrapati Shahu Institute of Business Education and Research (SIBER) in July 1976 with active support of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Hon’ble (Late) Shri Vasantraodafa Patil and Hon’ble (Late) Shri Shripatraoji Bondre.

The Institute offers instruction in several Graduate  and Post Graduate courses in Management, Social Work, Computer Science, Environmental Science, M.Phil.& Ph.D. programmes, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Food Technology, Management, Economics, Social work, Computer and Environmental Science. The Institute is well known for its qualified faculty and the Institute always strives to attract highly qualified persons as the faculty to provide the best possible environment for teaching and research with well –equipped laboratories and library facilities. In recognition of its reputation, facilities and proven abilities, the Government of Maharashtra and the Shivaji University have conferred the Status of “AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTE” upon SIBER in July 1995.
The Institute has got  the honor of recognition as College with Potential for Excellence from U.G.C., New Delhi.

Considering the role of modern women in National Development, the Institute has started College of Non-Conventional Vocational Courses for Women in 1994 for strengthening women empowerment.