SVYM's principle area of operation is the Heggadadevanakote Taluk in Mysore District of Karnataka, India. Here it has various institution-based and community based Health and Education projects and also undertakes several Community Development Initiatives, catering to a populace of about 300,000 comprising both tribals and non-tribals. The reach of these activities also extend to the neighbouring Taluks, namely Hunsur, Nanjangud and Gundlupet.

SVYM has a state-of-the-art training cum resource center at Mysore . This center also serves as a base for urban-based health and education initiatives and also for the students' wing of the Mysore Chapter.

SVYM also works in the most backward regions of North Karnataka , particularly in the districts of Bijapur , Raichur and Bagalkot. Here, in addition to direct intervention in Health and Education sectors, it also trains and builds capacities of like-minded budding NGOs.

SVYM also works in Hassan district of Karnataka, mainly in the field of HIV/AIDS.

SVYM has a pan-India foot print through its Training, Research, Advocacy and Consultancy activities.

SVYM has chapters in Kodagu & Dakshina Kannada districts of Karnataka. These chapters, run by members of SVYM, carry out locally and contextually relevant projects, with guidance from the administrative office.

An independent and registered body named Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement of North America (SVYM of NA), established by members of SVYM, coordinates activities in USA and Canada.

The soon-to-be commissioned office at Bangalore will serve as SVYM's liaison center and also as a focal point for all state level projects run by SVYM.

Vivekananda Institute of Indian Studies (VIIS), created for promoting and facilitating the study, Research, Development and Dissemination of Indian Culture, Spirituality, Arts, Dance,Music, and the like. Looking beyond the 'art and culture' in itself, the Institute attempts to augment holistic Human Development Initiatives through the forum of Art and Culture.

VIIS is located at Hebbal, Mysore right off the Ring Road, which makes it easily accessible. The academic activities of all courses of VIIS are conducted in the Training centre, which houses the spacious classrooms, Library, Knowledge centre, Computer lab and the Administrative section. The well organised Resource Centre in the Institute provides for appropriate resource support for the individual as well as academic requirement.