INTRODUCTION: Community acquired pneumonia has a variety of ways of clinical presentation and different prognosis for different epidemiological and patient related risk factors. Hence a better understanding of this condition will help clinicians in early detection of cases with poor prognosis leading to improved clinical practice and disease prognosis. AIM : The aim of this study is to assess epidemiological and clinical risk factors affecting morbidity and mortality in community acquired pneumonia at a tertiary care center. METHOD AND MATERIALS : 60 patients with clinical diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia were included at Rajendra Institute Medical Sciences Ranchi. detailed clinical history, physical examination and relevant investigations were performed. Patients with diagnosis of HIV and hospital acquired pneumonia were excluded. RESULT : The incidence of community acquired pneumonia was more common in elderly age group (>49 years of age) as compared to younger population. Rural population has increased proportion of patients. Risk factors like Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking , diabetes and alcoholism had worse prognosis as compared to otherwise healthy individuals. 15 patients developed complications and 10 of these patients died. CONCLUSION : elderly patients and patients who develop complications at the time of admission require special attention with close monitoring and early categorization for intensive care.