This study investigated the effects of cellulolytic microbe-enriched cow dung vermicompost on wheat crop resilience under drought stress. A pot experiment was conducted using two wheat cultivars, Faisalabad-08 (drought-tolerant) and Galaxy-13 (drought-sensitive), under three water levels: well-watered (70% FC), moderate drought (45% FC), and severe drought (30% FC). Four vermicompost rates (VT0–VT3) were applied to the experiment. The results showed that drought stress significantly reduced nutrient accumulation, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content in both cultivars, with the most reduction under severe drought. However, vermicompost application significantly improved these traits, with the highest improvements observed at VT1 (4 t ha⁻¹). Faisalabad-08 showed greater resistance to drought compared to Galaxy-13. Vermicompost also positively influenced antioxidant enzyme activities in both cultivars under well-watered and water-scarce conditions. The study concluded that vermicompost, particularly at an optimal rate, can enhance wheat seedling resilience under drought conditions. The use of cellulolytic microbe-enriched cow dung vermicompost is a promising approach to mitigate the negative effects of water stress on wheat. The findings suggest that this organic amendment can improve nutrient uptake, physiological traits, and antioxidant defense mechanisms in wheat under drought stress.This study investigated the effects of cellulolytic microbe-enriched cow dung vermicompost on wheat crop resilience under drought stress. A pot experiment was conducted using two wheat cultivars, Faisalabad-08 (drought-tolerant) and Galaxy-13 (drought-sensitive), under three water levels: well-watered (70% FC), moderate drought (45% FC), and severe drought (30% FC). Four vermicompost rates (VT0–VT3) were applied to the experiment. The results showed that drought stress significantly reduced nutrient accumulation, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content in both cultivars, with the most reduction under severe drought. However, vermicompost application significantly improved these traits, with the highest improvements observed at VT1 (4 t ha⁻¹). Faisalabad-08 showed greater resistance to drought compared to Galaxy-13. Vermicompost also positively influenced antioxidant enzyme activities in both cultivars under well-watered and water-scarce conditions. The study concluded that vermicompost, particularly at an optimal rate, can enhance wheat seedling resilience under drought conditions. The use of cellulolytic microbe-enriched cow dung vermicompost is a promising approach to mitigate the negative effects of water stress on wheat. The findings suggest that this organic amendment can improve nutrient uptake, physiological traits, and antioxidant defense mechanisms in wheat under drought stress.