An understanding of the inheritance of aluminium (Al) tolerance is important to breed for Al-tolerant genotypes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Therefore, a study was undertaken to infer genes governing Al tolerance in chickpea. Tolerant lines ÔICC14880Õ and ÔIPC92-39Õ were crossed with sensitive lines ÔIPCK96-3Õ and ÔIPC99-4Õ. Parental, F 1 , F 2 , F 3 and backcross generations were evaluated in a nutrient solution containing 20 ppm Al for haematoxylin staining and root re-growth and classified for tolerance by staining of root tips and root re-growth. The F 1 hybrids responded similarly to the tolerant parents indicating dominance of Al tolerance over sensitivity. Segregation for tolerance vs. sensitivity in F 2 fitted well with the 3 : 1 ratio expected for a single gene. The backcross and F 3 data confirmed the presence of single dominant gene common in tolerant parents. Experimental findings showed that Al tolerance is a monogenic dominant trait that can be easily transferred to high yielding lines through a backcross breeding.