Background: The presence of obsessive–compulsive symptoms in schizophrenia ranges from 2–30%. There are conflicting reports regarding the effect of OCD on the course and outcome of schizophrenia. The present study sought to resolve the issue by assessing OCD early in the course of schizophrenic illness. Materials & Methods: A cross–sectional hospital–based study was carried out in a sample of 70 consecutive patients with non–chronic schizophrenia after informed consent. Sociodemographic factors, clinical correlates, symptomatology, and functioning were assessed and compared between patients with schizophrenia and schizo–obsessive disorder. Results: 10% (n=7) of the sample had comorbid OCD and schizophrenia. There were no significant differences between both group of patients on socio–demographic and clinical features. Conclusions: When OCD co–occurs with schizophrenia before chronicity sets in, the course and symptomatology of the illness are unaffected.