The pooled data, indicated significant difference among the genotypes for different characters. The GCV and PCV were highest for character % double on number basis, % bolter bulb on number basis and % rotten bulb on number basis. Heritability estimates were high for gross yield (kg plot-1), marketable yield (kg plot-1), marketable yield (q ha-1) and gross yield (q ha-1) indicating that the selection based on phenotypic performance of these characters would be more operative. High heritability coupled with high GAM was observed for characters gross yield (kg plot-1), marketable yield (kg plot-1), marketable yield (q ha-1) and gross yield (q ha-1). It indicated that additive gene effect was more important for these traits. Therefore, improvement in these traits would be more effectively by selection in the present material studied. High genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for weight of 20 bulb, average weight of marketable bulb, % double on number basis, % bolter bulb on number basis and % rotten bulb on number basis, gross yield (kg plot-1), marketable yield (kg plot-1), marketable yield (q ha-1) and gross yield (q ha-1). On the basis of D2 analysis, the 18 genotypes were grouped into five clusters. The cluster I was the largest with ten genotypes followed by cluster II and IV with four and two genotypes respectively. While, clusters III and V had one genotypes each. The intra and inter-cluster D2 represent the index of genetic diversity among clusters. The cluster IV recorded the maximum intra cluster distance followed by cluster I and cluster II. Maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster II and IV, suggesting thereby that the genotypes belonging to cluster II and IV, II and V and I and II are more divergent than the rest of the clusters, can be undertaken in a hybridization programme for evolving superior hybrids or segregants. Percent character contribution towards genetic divergence among the onion genotypes was maximum for average weight of marketable bulb followed by gross yield (kg plot-1) and days to maturity 60-70% neck fall showing selection of these characters. Hence, the importance of selection for divergent parents based on these characters will be useful for heterosis breeding in onion. It can be concluded that, selection and hybridization of genotypes from high divergent clusters II (Bhima Safed, Agrifound Dark Red, Bhima Dark Red, Bhima Red) & cluster IV (Bhima Super, Bhima Shubhra) and between cluster II and V (L-883) are expected to yield potential F1s and transgressive for further exploitation.