Born to Mathulla Kuruvilla and Mariama and belonging to Tiruvilla Karakkal Kallupara Chakkamootil (Aaruvid Kudumbam), he was the lone brother to four sisters. After his primary education from Karakkal LP school and Peringara Prince Marthandaverma high school, he completed his degree and post-graduation from Tiruvilla Marthoma College and Trivandrum University College. He also served as the Union Speaker in Marthoma College. It was in that year that Alexander Karakkal finally bagged the prestigious Inter-collegiate elocution competition for Marthoma College, after a long drought.

During his time there, he racked up numerous wins in various elocution competitions and essay competitions. Out of these, the most prestigious would be the Tagore centenary prize which Alexander Karakkal received from the former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. At the University level, Alexander Karakkal is the recipient of Sajeevothama gold medal, CV Chandra Shekaran gold medal, AM Varkey Memorial Cup, Sri Narayana centenary debate competition and All-India Speech Competition (conducted by Trivandrum Corporation). He also won the Lion’s International Essay Competition on World Peace. He also won the American Historical Association from President Clinton.