Eighteen rice genotypes were screened for seed germination and early seedling growth in polyethylene glycol solutions producing various external water potentials. Significant genotypic variation observed among the rice genotypes for seed germination, shoot length, root length and vigour index under different water potentials. Germination percentage of all rice genotypes decreased as the level of moisture stress increased. Similarly decreasing water potential has marked effect on shoot length. Shoot length of rice seeds significantly reduced at -0.50 MPa and -0.75 MPa in all the genotypes. Genotype GR 8 followed by GR 9, Ashoka 200F and Kamod Deshi had higher root length at very high moisture stress (-1.00 MPa). There is decreasing trend in vigour index as water stress increased. The genotype GR 8 recorded significantly higher vigour index, shoot length and germination percentage at -1.00 MPa water potential showed its overall drought tolerance ability at germination and early seedling growth stage.