Sir Syed College was established in 1967 by a handful of educational visionaries of Kannur under CDMEA (Cannanore District Muslim Educational Association) with a vision to impart moral and liberal education to the public, especially socio politically backward minority communities of North Malabar region. The college, named after Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the founder of Aligarh Muslim University, was started in 1967 as a junior college under the University of Kerala. It came under the University of Calicut in 1968 and under the Kannur University in 1996.

The institution was reaccredited by NAAC with A grade in 2017. Today Sir Syed College is one of the biggest post graduate institutions under Kannur University. The college at present offers Under Graduate programmes in Botany, Chemistry, Forestry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Zoology, Arabic, Economics, Functional English, History, Malayalam, Commerce and Multimedia & Communication ; Post Graduate programmes in Arabic, Botany, Chemistry, Physics and Commerce. Apart from that the departments of Botany and Chemistry are research centers as well. The college has strength of about 2100 students, 62 teaching staff and 30 non-teaching staff. 23 of the teachers are Ph.D holders and 17 have M.Phil degree. There are 13 research guides attached to the research departments of Chemistry and Botany and 41 research scholars are working under them. 38 scholars have been awarded Ph.D from these research centres so far (30 Botany, 8 Chemistry). Many teachers are engaged in minor and major research projects funded by various agencies. The members of the faculty have contributed extensively to literatures in their respective fields. 10 books have been published by the teachers out of which one has attained national award. About 375 research papers of teachers and students have been published in various international and national journals. The Publication division of the college publishes the research journal, SEARCH. The college boasts of an extensive library with more than 50000 books, 25 research journals and INFLIBNET facility.

The other facilities offered by the college include Sir Syed IT Centre, UGC aided Coaching Centre, Career Guidance and Counseling Cell, Photostat Centre, Gymnasium, Health Club, Sports Pavilion, Ladies Retreat room etc. There are separate hostels for men and women. A well equipped and multi-faceted indoor stadium is constructed funded by UGC and CDMEA. An ambitious project of the institution, the PG and Research block as GOLDEN JUBILEE BUILDING with four floors, is under construction. The students are provided ample opportunities for co-curricular and extra-curricular activities through National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme and different clubs like Language Club, Farm Club, Forestry Club, Hindi Club. E D Club, Film Club, Music Club, Tourism Club, Literary Club, Media Club, Cultural Forum, Arts Forum, Science Forum etc. The Internal Quality Assurance Cell, Tutorial Scheme, Grievance Redressal Cell, Parent Teachers Association, College Co-Operative Society etc. ensure that the students get an ideal environment congenial to bring out the best in them. The college office ensures that maximum number of students get scholarships and endowments. Presently more than half the strength of students are enjoying the benefits of different scholarships and endowments. Hortus Sir Syedicus, the district medicinal plants demonstration garden developed by the Garden Club and NSS with the financial aid of State medicinal Plants Board is one of a kind under the Kannur University. Sir Syed College is a front runner in academics with the maximum number of students becoming toppers year after year. The college has also left its mark on account of its envious success, excellent performance and participation in the arts festivals and many a time students from this institution have represented the University and state at sports meets across the country. The institution is extremely proud that in its 55 years of glorious existence it has stood true to its mission of changing the social fabric of North Malabar region. The role played by Sir Syed College is undeniable and pivotal in the cultural, political, economic and social uprising and development of the region.