The current study aims to identify the resistance mechanisms of fourteen chickpea genotypes against checks and unknown metabolites of selected genotypes against Helicoverpa armigera. In the biophysical context, the highest glandular and non-glandular trichome lengths were present on the leaf surface (GL25016) and pod surface (ICCV92944 and ICCV09103), whereas the highest glandular and non-glandular trichome densities were present on the leaf surface for ICCV97105 and pod surface of ICCV07108 and ICCV14872. The per cent pod damage and Pest Resistance Susceptible Rating (PRSR) for different chickpea genotypes in the field condition varied from 19.94 to 35.67% and 3 to 4 respectively. In the biochemical context, the highest total phenol and tannin content were observed in GL25016, while total flavonoids present in ICCV97105. The lowest protein and highest trypsin content were observed in JG11 and NBeG1004 respectively. The relationship between biological attributes of H. armigera and biochemical constituents in different chickpea genotypes revealed that per cent pod damage had a significant negative correlation with flavonoids. GC–MS analysis of selected chickpea genotype showed the presence of γ-Sitosterol (repellent activity) and 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z) (oviposition deterring and repellent activity), which has been reported in the resistant genotype ICCL86111. Tetradecanoic acid, which has larvicidal and repellent activity were present in ICCV92944. These identified sources of resistance in NBeG1004, ICCV92944, ICCL86111, GL25016 and ICCV97105 genotypes, will aid in their efficacy against H. armigera and resistance breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]