Background: Undernutrition is a significant public health concern in India because of poverty and hunger. Nearly half of under five children deaths are linked to undernutrition especially Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). Objectives: To assess prevalence of SAM and its associated risk factors in children aged 6 months to 5 years in selected villages of Bhopal.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 356 children, using a structured proforma to collect data on maternal factors, dietary factors, socio-environmental and economic factors.Results: The prevalence of SAM was 4.8%, with significant associations found between SAM and low birth weight (p=0.001), calorie deficit (p=0.018), and protein deficit (p=0.012). Conclusion: A study in Bhopal found prevalence of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) (4.8%) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) (5.1%) among children aged 6 months to 5 years. Low birth weight, calorie deficit, and protein deficit were significant risk factors for SAM. Improving maternal health services during antenatal period can lead to reduce low birth weight and consequently SAM prevalence. Enhancing food security and promoting breast feeding, complementary feeding and balanced diet practices for children of underprivileged sector will lead to reduce protein and energy deficiency in diet. This will improve nutrition status of children since birth.