Rao graduated from the University of Madras in two subjects, with a double bachelors in Arts as well as Law. Thereafter he did further studies, on completion of which he was awarded a Masters in Law and subsequently a doctorate.[4]
Career
Chandrasekhara Rao initially worked as a researcher for the Indian Society of International Law from 1963-67. He then joined the Ministry of External Affairs (India) where he worked as a Law Officer (1967–1971) and subsequently Assistant Legal Adviser (1971–1976) in the Legal and Treaties Division. During this time, he acted as counsel for the Government of India in the case concerning an Appeal relating to the Jurisdiction of the ICAO (India v. Pakistan) before the International Court of Justice in 1972.[5]
Thereafter Rao was appointed Legal Adviser to the Permanent Mission of India at the United Nations (New York City) from 1972–1976. He continued to hold high level posts in the Indian government's Ministry of Justice, including Deputy Legislative Counsel, Additional Legal Adviser, Joint Secretary and Legal Adviser, Additional Secretary (1976–1988), Secretary (1988–1996), Union Ministry of Law and Sole Arbitrator in Government contracts (1979–1983). He was the Secretary-General of the International Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution, New Delhi (1995–1996).[5]