In contract to western population more than two-third of diabetes cases in India go undiagnosed, especially in younger population. Mass screening of this population appears to be the best tool for early identification and disease prevention. The Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) appears to be an effective tool in detecting high risk cases. Objective: To assess the risk of developing diabetes mellitus among young medical students using IDRS. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire incorporating components of IDRS as a screening tool among 241 studentsand analysed with SPSS Version 26. Results: Our results showed 49.4%, 47.3% and 3.3% of the students had a low, moderate and high risk of acquiring diabetes mellitus respectively. With respect to physical activity 9.9%, 35.6%, 36.5% and 17.8% of students engaged in vigorous, moderate, mild and no physical activity respectively. About 8.2% of students had a positive family history of diabetes in both parents, 35.6% had one parent with the diabetic and 56% of students had no positive family history. Comparison of IDRS and risk factors established a statistically significant correlation for low physical activity and family history of diabetes mellitus (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Family history being non-modifiable; low physical activity appears to be the primary modifiable risk factor in young individuals. This study emphasizes the significance of physical activity for primary prevention and lowering disease burden.