INTRODUCTION: Dexmedetomidine,a stereoisomer of medetomidine is a highlyselective alpha 2 adrenergic agonist and has been shown to decrease anaesthetic requirements by upto 90% and to induce analgesia in rats ,volunteers and patients. It has been used successfully in combination with local anaesthetics for procedures like spinal, epidural and brachial blocks.The present study was designed to evaluate the quality,onset and recovery of IVRA with 0.5mcg/kg Dexmedetomidine added to 3mg/kg of 0.5% lignocaine. METHODS: After institutional approval and informed consent, 60 ASA 1 &2volunteers, were taken into the study. In Group A 30 patients were randomly allocated to receive IVRA for upper limb with 3mg/kg for 0.5% lignocaine; in Group B 30 patients randomly received IVRA of upper limb with 3mg/kg of 0.5% lignocaine with 0.5mcg/kg Dexmedetomidine. The onset and recovery of sensory block were tested in six sites of the forearm and hand, determined by pin prick, touch and cold. The cuff was released after 45 minutes. The onset of complete motor block was also assessed and any symptoms after cuff deflation were recorded. Usual haemodynamic monitoring was used. Both groups were compared statistically and results wereanalysed using SPSS version 18. Independent T test and chi–square test were used to find significant difference of study parameters; p value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The speed of onset of sensory and motor block was higher in Group Bthan in Group A(p<0.05). The recovery of sensory and motor block was prolonged in Group B than in Group A(p<0.05). The tourniquet pain occurred significantly later in Group B as compared to Group A. There were few incidence of bradycardia in Group B. CONCLUSION: Addition of 0.5mcg/kg of Dexmedetomidineas an adjuvant to IVRA effectively enhance the anaesthesia and post–operative analgesia obtained with lignocaine. The low dose of Dexmedetomidine was effective and did not cause any major side–effects .