Gandhi stayed away from public sphere for much of his childhood and early youth; he attained primary education in New Delhi and Dehra Doon but was later home schooled because of security concerns. He later attended Rollins College under a pseudonym, his identity being known only to a select few including university officials and security agencies. After obtaining degrees in International Relations and Development Studies at the universities of Rollins and Cambridge, Gandhi worked at the Monitor Group, a management consulting firm in London. He established the Mumbai-based technology outsourcing firm, Backops Services Private Ltd.
Gandhi entered politics in 2004 and successfully contested the general elections held that year from Amethi, a seat that was earlier held by his father; he won again from the constituency in 2009 and 2014. Amidst calls from Congress party veterans for his greater involvement in party politics and national government, Gandhi was elected Congress Vice-President in 2013, having served as the General Secretary previously. Gandhi led Congress' campaign in the 2014 Indian general elections; the party suffered its worst electoral result in its history, winning only 44 seats compared to 206 seats won previously in the 2009 general election.
Gandhi took over as the president of the Congress in December 2017. He is also a Trustee of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust.
