Acute onset CIDP(A–CIDP) is an often unrecognized  CIDP variant which needs differentiation from Guillain –Barre syndrome(GBS) due to its different prognostic and treatment outcomes. METHODS: We report clinical course and investigations including electrophysiology of 4 patients of A–CIDP and comparison with neurophysiology of 20 GBS patients. RESULTS: Four patients with initial GBS like clinical presentation were later diagnosed as A–CIDP. Three patients improved with immunotherapy but had exacerbation of weakness more than 8 weeks later while one patient had subacute onset progressive weakness. These patients were further managed with steroids and maintenance immunotherapy. CONCLUSION:  GBS is diagnosed on the basis of clinical and electrophysiological criteria and managed with IVIg. Although some clinical features and initial electrorophysiology can suggest the possibility of A– CIDP, the diagnosis is confirmed on follow up only.