The phenotypic as well as genotypic correlation and path analysis of maturity, agronomic yield and yield contributing characters were analysed in 50 early generation inbreds (S1 lines) of maize (Zea mays L.). Grain yield had positive and significant correlation with ear length, ear height, kernel rows per ear and 100-seed weight both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path analysis revealed that days to 50% tasselling, anthesis silking interval (ASI), ear height and 100-seed weight had highest direct effect on grain yield. The direct effects of ear length and kernel rows per ear were also considerable. The days to 50% silking exhibited negative direct effect on grain yield, however, influenced the yield indirectly through days to 50% tasselling. Therefore, ear length, kernel rows per ear and 100-seed weight were emphasized as primary yield determinants in maize and selection will be effective through these traits.