Background Neonatal mortality remains high in developing countries and neonatal sepsis is a major contributing cause.This study was undertaken to establish the clinical features commonly associated with outborn neonatal sepsis to enable timely cinical detection and management.

Material and Methods This was an observational cross sectional study conducted on 250 neonates brought to the out born nursery of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, with clinical features of sepsis. A detailed history,examination was carried out  and treatment details were recorded. Data was analysed using SPSS Statistical Software Version 15.0.

Result In the present study on outborn neonates admitted with sepsis 74.2% had late onset sepsis. The common clinical features associated with definitive  neonatal sepsis in this study were fever (82.4%), refusal to suck (82.4%), respiratory distress (76.5%), lethargy (70.6%),  vomiting (20.6%), abdominal distension(20.6%),poor cry (17.6%), diarrhoea (17.6%), multiple pustules (8.8%), abnormal movements of hands and feet (8.8%), cold extremities(5.9%) and up rolling of eyes (5.9%)

Conclusion Definitive neonatal sepsis was strongly associated with clinical features of fever, refusal to suck, respiratory distress , lethargy ,  vomiting  abdominal distension,poor cry and diarrhoea. Since timely detection of neonatal sepsis is crucial to reduction of neonatal mortality, clinical detection of cases in the community by peripheral health staff  and timely referral and institution of therapy are vital.