=0Hypertension, a critical determinant of vascular disease and component of metabolic syndrome, remains scarcely studied in youth. Objectives: 1. To study the prevalence of hypertension in the age group 14-26years 2. To study its association with the variables- gender, stress, obesity, dietary habits, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, religion and family history of hypertension Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 600 individuals in the age group 14-26 years were enrolled from a metropolitan city. Prevalence of hypertension and its association with contributory variables was studied for 2 months. Hypertension was diagnosed according to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and Joint National Committee 7 guidelines. Data regarding contributory factors was collected on a pre-validated questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann Whitney U test and Pearson__ampersandsignrsquo;s Chi square test. Binary logistic regression was performed to eliminate confounding factors. Results: The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension in the age groups 14-18 years, 19-22 years and 23-16years was 40.5%, 45.5% and 53% respectively. 42.2% hypertensives belonged to the age group 23-26years. Of the prehypertensives and hypertensives, 77% were males; 8.3% obese; 54.7% admitted that they took stress; 66.5% had a family history of hypertension and 23% were alcohol consumers. No significant association was noted with smoking (p=0.071), religion (p=0.102), exercise and dietary pattern (p=0.452). Conclusion: Prevalence of hypertension in age group 14 to 26 years is 10.67% and prehypertension is 35.67% showing an increasing trend with age and a higher prevalence in males, obese and alcohol consumers