Pattabhirama Rao was appointed to the Madras Revenue Settlement Department on 15 April 1882. He served as an Assistant Commissioner from March 1895 to August 1902, when he was appointed Diwan of the Cochin kingdom.
During Pattabhirama Rao's tenure as Diwan, the scientific settlement introduced during the time of his predecessor P. Rajagopalachari were completed. The Cochin-Shoranur Railway and the Cochin tramway were also opened for traffic. Pattabhirama Rao also brought about reforms in the excise administration of the state.
