The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of different concentration of arsenic on some physiological parameters of rice in the early growth phases. Arsenic was applied as Na 2HAs₃O₄ and As₂O₃ at concentrations of 5, 10, 15 ands 20 mg l^-1. The results revealed that under the influence of arsenic, there occurs stress in the plants, which results in the significant decrease in amylase activity, promptness index, germination stress indices, growth efficiency, tolerance index, plant height stress index. Relative water content in the root and shoot also changed in the negative aspect, whereas relative membrane lipid peroxidation changed to positive aspect. The inhibitory effect of arsenite was more pronounced in reducing physiological parameters as compared to arsenate stress.