Dr Varma had a long-term successful career with the National Centre for Earth Science Studies, Thiruvananthapuram. He has also served in several govt bodies and missions in various positions such as the Member Secretary of Kerala State Council for Science Technology & Environment and Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority; as the Executive Director of Suchitwa Mission, and as the Director of Clean Kerala Mission. His expertise is in Environmental management planning, Sustainable development and Geophysical explorations. He is acting as the Chair of the Academic Committee constituted for conducting the training programme in River Health Management.