A field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 2013 and 2014 at Agricultural college farm, Raichur, India to study the influence of varieties and nitrogen levels on growth, yield and nutrient status of rice soil under transplanted rice (TPR) and direct seeded rice (DSR) cultivation. The treatments included three rice genotypes ['BPT 5204', 'Gangavathi sona' and 'JKPH 3333') and three nitrogen levels, [75%, 100% and 125% RDN per ha. (100% RDN is 150 kg/ha)] the experiment was laid out in a split plot design. Transplanting method recorded higher growth components and grain yield than direct seeding. The yield increased with the increase in nitrogen level and reached maximum with 125 per cent RDN. Plant height, leaf area index and dry matter production were the highest with JKPH 3333 + 125 % RDN at all the stages during both the years of study. Nitrogen uptake by grain and straw were also significantly higher in the JKPH 3333 + 125 % RDN. Increasing levels of nitrogen progressively enhanced nitrogen uptake by grain and straw. Genotypes and nitrogen levels interaction was non significant and the highest grain yield and economics were recorded with 'JKPH 3333' at 125 % RDN/ha and it was found to be optimum combination.