Response of pearl millet [Pennistum glaucum (L.) R. Br, amend. Stuntz] to nitrogen management under different rainfall situations was studied during the rainy season of 1990 and 1991 at Mandor. Hybrid 'MH 179' gave significantly higher grain yield than composite 'WCC 75' in both low and good rainfall situations. Basal application of 20 kg N/ha was found conducive for obtaining higher grain yield irrespective of seasonal rainfall variation. Under normal crop season, pearl millet responded up to 40 kg N/ha when applied in 2 equal splits (basal and top-dressing) in arid zone of Rajasthan.