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The current experiment consisting of 19 elite safflower genotypes along with three checks (A-1, PBNS-12 and DSH 185) were sown in randomized block design in three replications. Genotypic correlation studies established a positive association between the number of capitulum per plant, the number of seeds per plant, the weight of 100 seeds per plant and the seed yield per plant. As a result, selecting genotypes based on these traits may help to enhance seed yield. Days to maturity and the number of seeds per capitulum had a positive association with oil content, indicating that delayed maturity contributed to enhance oil content. Similarly, the number of seeds/capitulum contributed to improve the oil content. Days to 50% flowering, number of capitulum /plant, number of seeds /capitulum, 100 seed weight and oil percentage appeared to have the most direct effects on seed yield. Oil content per plant had a significant effect on traits such as days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, and 100 seed weight, whereas seed yield had a negative direct effect towards oil content. The path analysis results showed that increased rosette period helped plants establishing good root system at an early stage of growth, delayed days to 50% flowering and maturity strongly affecting the source and sink, which converted into the number of capitulum per plant and 100 seed weight. These characters showed a positive relationship as well as direct effects on seed yield and oil content. As a result, a plant with delayed maturity (130-135 days), medium plant height (110cm), 30-35 seeds per capitulum, 100 seed weight (4.5-5 g) and oil content (32-33 %) would be considered as the model plant type for late sown irrigated conditions in Chhattisgarh plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]