Primary aim Variability is characteristic of different faces and facial types, and normative data based on one population group does not represent all. Hence, this study was undertaken to establish skeletal cephalometric norms for the South Indian (Karnataka) population utilizing the norms laid by Burstones's analysis for Caucasians. Methods The sample comprised of lateral cephalograms taken in natural head position of 100 participants (50 men, 50 women). The cephalograms were traced, analyzed and interpreted using the landmarks and values given by Burstone's analysis (Cephalometric analysis for Orthognathic surgery). The student's t test, standard deviation and mean deviation were calculated to compare between two groups. Results Statistically significant skeletal differences were found between men and women of the South Indian origin in comparison to Caucasian origin. Men had decreased facial divergence, anterior maxillary dental height and proclined upper incisors. Women had marginally increased cranial base, increased midfacial height and proclined upper incisors.Conclusion Statistically significant differences were found between South Indian men and women when compared with Caucasians in certain key parameters. These differences need to be considered when analyzing the cephalogram for orthognathic surgeries. The values derived from this study may be considered to make the deformity assessment and plan surgery to get optimal results for people of south Indian origin conclusive results can be derived after conducting a study with an eager sample size.