This study investigates the effects of cellulolytic microbe-enriched cow dung vermicompost on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under drought stress. Two contrasting wheat cultivars, Faisalabad-08 (drought-tolerant) and Galaxy-13 (drought-sensitive), were exposed to different water levels: well-watered, moderate drought (45% field capacity), and severe drought (30% field capacity). Four rates of vermicompost (0, 4, 6, and 8 t ha⁻¹) were applied. The results showed that drought treatments significantly reduced nutrient accumulation, chlorophyll and SPAD values, and carotenoid content in both cultivars, with the maximum reduction under severe drought. However, vermicompost application significantly improved these traits, with the highest chlorophyll contents, SPAD values, and total carotenoid contents observed at 4 t ha⁻¹ (VT1) in both cultivars. Faisalabad-08 exhibited greater drought resistance compared to Galaxy-13. Soil-applied vermicompost also positively influenced antioxidant enzyme activities in both wheat cultivars under well-watered and water-scarce conditions. The study concludes that vermicompost, particularly at an optimal rate, can effectively mitigate the detrimental effects of drought on wheat seedlings, enhancing their physiological and biochemical attributes. Further research is needed to validate these findings in field conditions.This study investigates the effects of cellulolytic microbe-enriched cow dung vermicompost on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under drought stress. Two contrasting wheat cultivars, Faisalabad-08 (drought-tolerant) and Galaxy-13 (drought-sensitive), were exposed to different water levels: well-watered, moderate drought (45% field capacity), and severe drought (30% field capacity). Four rates of vermicompost (0, 4, 6, and 8 t ha⁻¹) were applied. The results showed that drought treatments significantly reduced nutrient accumulation, chlorophyll and SPAD values, and carotenoid content in both cultivars, with the maximum reduction under severe drought. However, vermicompost application significantly improved these traits, with the highest chlorophyll contents, SPAD values, and total carotenoid contents observed at 4 t ha⁻¹ (VT1) in both cultivars. Faisalabad-08 exhibited greater drought resistance compared to Galaxy-13. Soil-applied vermicompost also positively influenced antioxidant enzyme activities in both wheat cultivars under well-watered and water-scarce conditions. The study concludes that vermicompost, particularly at an optimal rate, can effectively mitigate the detrimental effects of drought on wheat seedlings, enhancing their physiological and biochemical attributes. Further research is needed to validate these findings in field conditions.