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The Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has been created due to the infection by novel coronavirus. Globally, countries have taken measures to reduce social contact to slow down the spread of the virus. Social (physical) distancing via lockdown and awareness on personal hygiene are mitigating measures to prevent transmission of disease. Indian government has implemented the first phase of national lockdown for 21 days (March 24 to April 14, 2020) to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. This study is performed in two stages. First, review of Indian scenario till the end of the first phase of national lockdown and second the impact assessment of the first phase of social lockdown on doubling rate of COVID-19 cases in different Indian states and overall India. The timeline of activities, health care facilities, schemes and services by government and private organizations in combating COVID-19 in India are presented. Analysis is performed using the 3-day moving average daily growth statistical technique. The states are categorized based on the improved doubling rate during third week (Category 1) and second week (Category 2). The overall Indian scenario is analysed to assess the consequences of social lockdown on the transmission rate of the virus. Kerala and Orissa handled the pandemic effectively by drawing lessons from earlier epidemics and disasters. Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttara Pradesh, West Bengal and Maharashtra has improved doubling rate during second week of lockdown. The average doubling rate of coronavirus cases in India improved after lockdown, account for 7.5 days compared to 3.4 days before lockdown. Lockdown played a key role in reduction of increasing rate of confirmed cases. The stringent lockdown combined with rapid testing led the nation in yielding positive outcomes. The discussions presented in this article will equip the council’s authorities and regulatory bodies globally in designing the mechanisms for handling present and future epidemics or pandemics.

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