CSI College of Commerce was established in 1973 by the Basel Mission Higher Education Centre which has a history of more than 200 years. The College was established at a time when there were no exclusive colleges for Commerce studies in Dharwad. BMHEC known to be a trailblazer in the field of education decided to provide the much needed service. Students from Dharwad and its surrounding villages interested in perusing Commerce had no other options but go to either Hubli or some other town. Looking to the greater need for a Commerce College at Dharwad, the management of Basel Mission Higher Education Centre Dharwad under the able leadership of the great visionary Late R.S. Bangera, Chairman, BMHEC, took initiative and applied for the permission to start a Commerce college at Dharwad. Thus dream of a Commerce College came true on 11th August, 1973 and was officially inaugurated by Dr. A.S. Adke, the then Vice-Chancellor of Karnatak University, Dharwad on 12th September, 1973 as CSI College of Commerce. The College made an humble beginning with an enrollment of 39 students - 37 boys and 2 girls. Since then, the College has been progressing by leaps and bounds.
It is recognised under section 2(f) and 12B of the UGC Act. The College has been accredited by NAAC with CGPA of 2.87 on four point scale at B grade in May 2016
CSI College of Commerce, has completed 49 years of fruitful service in the cause of Commerce education. It is housed in a beautiful building located in the heart of the city of Dharwad. It offers a three year B.Com. degree course. Bachelor of Computer Applications (B.C.A.) was started in the year 2001. M.Com, Masters of Commerce followed in the year 2016. With Faith, Service and Growth being the motto of the College, its main objective is to provide employment-oriented education of excellent quality and to prepare the youngsters to embark into the world of trade, commerce and IT. The strength of the institution is its ability to help students develop a wholesome personality.