Background & Objectives: Hypertension is a major public health problem. It is one of leading causes of death & disability worldwide & a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Nebivolol a 3rd generation beta blocker with high selectivity for β1 adrenergic receptors also causes vasodilatation by nitric oxide pathways. This dual mechanism of Nebivolol reduces heart rate, BP & improves systolic & diastolic function. Therefore we evaluated the effect and safety of Nebivolol 5 mg once daily against Atenolol 50 mg once daily in patients with stage I hypertension. Methods: This study comprised of 60 patients of Stage I hypertension. 60 patients in age group of 18-70 years were assigned into two groups. First group of 30 patients administered Tablet Atenolol 50 mg once daily & second group included 30 patients administered Tablet Nebivolol 5 mg once daily. Patients were evaluated at the beginning (baseline) & then at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks for BP reduction and adverse effects, if any. A comparative, prospective, open labeled, parallel group study was conducted at medicine department, MMIMSR, Mullana, Ambala. 60 patients in age group of 18-70 years were randomly assigned into two groups first comprising 30 patients administered Atenolol 50 mg oral once daily & second group also comprising 30 patients administered Nebivolol 5 mg oral once daily. Patients not responding to treatment in both the groups would be put on Amlodipine 2.5 -5mg oral once daily. Patients were evaluated at the beginning & then at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks for BP reduction and adverse effects, if any. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, both groups showed significant (P<0.001) reduction in B.P from baseline. Mean SBP was reduced from 150.07 ± 6.84 mm Hg to 130.87 ± 2.72 mm Hg (Atenolol) and 153.27 ± 5.99 mm Hg to 128.40 ± 4.36 mm Hg (Nebivolol) after 12 weeks treatment (percentage difference was 12.79%, 16.22%). Mean DBP was reduced from 93.00 ± 3.17 mm Hg to 80.33 ± 2.37 mm Hg (Atenolol) and 94.88 ± 2.57 mm Hg to 80.00 ± 2.58 mm Hg (Nebivolol) after 12 weeks treatment (percentage difference was 13.62%, 15.68%). CONCLUSION: Both the groups were well tolerated and equally effective in reducing blood pressure and heart rate. All reported adverse effects were mild and did not require any alteration or discontinuation of treatment.