Aims: This study was done to determine the efficacy of melatonin as a pre-operative anxiolytic and to compare the effect of two different doses of melatonin for the same. Settings and Design: This is a randomised double blinded study. Methods and Material: 90 patientsundergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in the study. They were randomised to three groups using a computer generated random number table. They received the study drugs (either placebo, tab. Melatonin 3mg, or tab Melatonin 6mg) placed in identical opaque envelopes. Anxiety was assessed using the VAS anxiety scale and the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS). Heart rate and blood pressure were measured as the physiological markers of anxiety. Sedation was assessed with the Ramsay Sedation Scale. All these values were recorded before and 60- 90 min after administration of the study drugs. Haemodynamics were also recorded 1 min after intubation. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way ANOVA was used for intergroup comparisons of normally distributed data. For comparison of beforeafter data within a group, students t- test was used. For comparing binomial data like sex and ASA status, the Chi square test was used. Results: Anxiety and sedation scores were found to be significantly reduced in patients receiving melatonin 3mg or 6mg, compared to those receiving placebo. Patients receiving melatonin also had lower heart rate and blood pressure after medication and also 1min after intubation. Conclusions: We conclude that oralmelatonin is effective for pre-operative anxiolysis in adult patients and a dose of 3mg is adequate for anxiolysis.