The beginning of the Institute goes back as far as 1917, when the need for training and capacity building of elected representatives and local body officials in Municipal Administration was felt. Thus, All India Institute of  Local Self Government  was designed to promote and support activities of Research and Training in Municipal Administration.

Launched in 1926.the institute reaches out across the country through it's regional centers and peripatetic as well as permanent centers.

Its activities at Regional and National levels includes research studies, organizes and conducts specialized courses, seminars, conferences and provides an open forum for the officials, non-officials of  Urban Local Bodies.