Eight improved short duration rice cultivars (83-90 days) viz. Anjali, RR166-645, RR348-6, RR361-1, RR51-1, RR165-1160, Vandana were evaluated with local popular variety Chali for their water use efficiency in rainfed upland during the wet seasons of 2001 to 2003. Rice varieties showed limited but significant yield potential ranging from 1.89 to 2.75 t ha^-1. Among the varieties, Vandana, Anjali, RR 165-1160 and RR 166-645 yielded more than average (2.28 t ha^-1). Total water uptake was more in improved rice varieties (520-607 mm) and higher water use efficiency (4.35 - 5.22 kg ha^-1 mm^-1) was noted in Vandana, Anjali and RR 165-1160. Vandana variety had more vigorous root growth and low root density was noted in RR51-1. Significant positive correlation was observed only for effective tillers (0.661*) with yield.