Genetic variability, correlations and path coefficients were studied in desi (Indian) cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.) taking 20 phenotypically diverse genotypes along with two viz., PA-402 and PA-255, one NH-615 and one hybrid check NHH-44. A wide range of variation was found for almost all the characters. All the characters showed very small difference between genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and respective phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), indicated that all the characters were least affected by environment. The high heritability estimates coupled with high expected genetic advance were observed for number of monopodia plant-1 , number of sympodia plant-1 , plant height, number of bolls plant-1 , average boll weight, lint yield plant-1 , harvest index, oil content, seed cotton yield plant-1 , 2.5% span length and micronaire value indicting the presence of additive gene action and phenotypic selection may be more fruitful. The correlation studies revolved positive and significant genotypic and phenotypic correlation for most of the characters. Considering the association and path analysis, lint yield plant-1 , bolls plant-1 , ginning outturn, lint index, total biomass, number of sympodia plant-1 and plant height had high positive effect on seed cotton yield plant-1 .