Introduction: Chickpea blight caused by Ascochyta rabiei is the most destructive disease of chickpea. The knowledge based on genetic variation of agro-morphological traits is crucial to improve chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Material and Methods: We 21 chickpea genotypes, such as ascochyta blight (AB) resistant and susceptible checks were evaluated regarding 12 agro-morphological traits in a field trial in Ilam. A randomized complete block design was used with 6 replications and the experiment was done in October 2019 to June 2020 as dry farming. Results: Results showed all traits had significant variation. The 100-seed weight showed the highest (35.72%) coefficient of variation (CV). All genotypes were divided into three main clusters based on the UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean) dendrogram. The lowest yielding genotypes were observed in Cluster II. IDDMAR-2012-32 was in the group that was a susceptible genotype and desi type. Cluster III was found with the highest yielding genotypes. Gebres 419-2 that was a resistant genotype desi type was in this group. However, regarding Kabuli types, ILC482 was in cluster III, as high-yielding cultivar and semi resistant against A.rabiei and FLIp-02-65C and FLIp-01-164C were in cluster I as low-yielding cultivar along with resistance against AB. Thus, Gebres 419-2 could be crossed with FLIp-02-65C or FLIp-01-164C to develop A.rabiei resistant, high-yielding, and large-seeded Kabuli chickpea varieties. Conclusion: Information regarding the present genetic diversity allows the classification of our existing germplasm into various groups that seems important for hybrid/cross-breeding programs for chickpea
