BACKGROUND Stroke or cerebrovascular accident is a life-threatening neurological disorder comprising more than 50% of admissions in a hospital. Identification of predictors of mortality, especially modifiable ones is vital so that prompt therapeutic measures can be instituted to improve outcome. This study has been undertaken with the intention to determine the association if any between serum albumin and the severity as well as the short-term outcome of acute ischaemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS This observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India over a period of 1 year. The study population comprised of 100 patients who got admitted in medical wards with first ever acute ischaemic stroke within 72 hours of onset of symptoms. Stroke severity at admission was graded using the Scandinavian Stroke Scale and functional status on 7th day was assessed using Modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS The mean age of the study population was 58.44 ± 14.42 years. A significant association was observed between serum albumin and severity of stroke at presentation. A strong negative correlation was found between serum albumin at admission and MRS score, indicating a strong association between serum albumin and the functional outcome at 7 days. There was also significant association between the severity of stroke at admission and the functional outcome at 7 days. CONCLUSION The study found that the severity of stroke at onset had a definite association with outcome and serum albumin influences both stroke severity and outcome.