Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a constellation of risk factors: central obesity, glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, lower high density lipoprotein (HDL), higher triglycerides & blood pressure. Individuals with MS are at a higher risk of developing myocardial infarction, stroke & type II diabetes mellitus. Prevalence of MS is on the rise in lower middle income group countries of south east Asian region. Although several studies have been done on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in children and adults in Asia yet there is no data on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the college going age group of 18-25 years. Estimating the prevalence in this group of students is important since this is the transition phase for the adolescent who is leaving behind his childhood, becoming independent and entering into college thus venturing into the outside world. With more freedom and increasing pressure of academic life, the dietary and physical activity pattern also undergoes a drastic change. 616 healthy students of both genders were selected. Waist circumference, height, weight and blood pressure were recorded. Venous blood samples were analyzed for fasting blood glucose, HDL and triglycerides. Prevalence of MS was determined using the International Diabetic Foundation consensus definition for Indian subjects using ethnic specific cut offs for waist circumference. According to this definition MS is diagnosed if any three of the following risk factors occur together. Waist circumference more than 80 cm in females and more than 90 cm in males. Systolic blood pressure more than or equal to 130 and/ or diastolic blood pressure more than or equal to 85 mm of mercury. Fasting blood glucose more than or equal to 100 mg/dl. Serum triglycerides more than or equal to 150 mg/dl. Serum HDL less than 40 mg/dl in males and less than 50 mg/dl in females. Overall prevalence of MS was 18.3%. Gender or socioeconomic status did not significantly affect the prevalence of MS. The prevalence of MS varied highly significantly across various Body Mass Index categories (p<0.001). Even in the underweight and normal BMI categories, the prevalence of MS was 8.8% and 15.4 % respectively. Elevated triglycerides were most strongly related with increased risk of MS.For the first time prevalence of MS (18.3%) in college going students of an urban territory of India using ethnic specific cut offs has been reported. An alarming trend observed in the young population of India is that even the with India heading towards being declared as the diabetic capital of the world.