Background: Sevoflurane, a widely used volatile anaesthetic in children is associated with an increased risk of emergence agitation. Agitation can lead to increased bleeding from the operative sites, pulling out drains or catheters and often a major cause of dissatisfaction for parents and health care providers. Dexmedetomidine, a newer alpha 2 adrenoreceptor agonist, hassedative, analgesic and anxiolytic actions A i m :This study was to evaluate the effect of a single dose of dexmedetomidine given before extubation, on reducing emergence agitation. Method and Materials: In this prospective study, 60 children aged 3–8 years, scheduled for adenotonsillectomy were divided into two groups.Induction and maintenance of anaesthesia was with sevoflurane. One among the two groups received dexmedetomidine 0.3mcg in 10ml normal saline 10 minutes before extubation and the other group did not receive dexmedetomidine. Emergence agitation was assessed on a 5 point Watcha scale.Adverse airway events during extubation like coughing or breath holding and adverse hemodynamic effects such as bradycardia, hypotension and the time taken for recovery were also assessed.  Results: Incidence and severity of emergence agitation was significantly reduced in children who received dexmedetomidine prior to extubation (p value <0.05). No significant difference was noted in the incidence of adverse airway events, adverse hemodynamic effects and time taken for recovery. Conclusions: A single dose of dexmedetomidine 0.3 mcg, given prior to extubation significantly reduces the emergence agitation seen after sevoflurane anaesthesia. Administration of dexmedetomidine was not associated with any adverse effects on hemodynamics or recovery.