AIM– To compare the effects of perineural and intravenous dexamethasone as an adjuvant to Ropivacaine in single shot supraclavicular blocks with Ropivacaine in upper limb surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHOD– 120 patients of ASA grades I & II, aged 18 to 55 years, scheduled for any elective orthopedic or plastic surgery on upper limb were selected. Patients were given supraclavicular block after elicitation of paresthesia after randomizing them into 3 groups; Group A and B received 30 ml 0.5% ropivacaine + 8 mg dexamethasone perineurally and IV respectively and Group C received 30 ml 0.5% ropivacaine without any adjuvant. All the groups were observed for sensory and motor blockade characteristics and duration of analgesia. RESULTS– Patients who were administered dexamethasone through either route showed a significantly short period of sensory and motor blockade (p<0.001) compared to patients receiving only ropivacaine. The difference in the duration of sensory and motor blockade was also significant (p<0.001) with both dexamethasone groups showing longer duration compared to Ropivacaine group. Perineural route was more effective way of decreasing the onset time and increasing the duration of sensory and motor blockade. No post–op complications or residual weakness were reported in any of the patients. CONCLUSION– Dexamethasone decreased the onset time of sensory and motor blockade and increased the duration of blockade without causing any intraoperative or post operative complications.