The present experiment was designed to evaluate physico-chemical characteristics and phyto-genotoxicity of arsenic (As) contaminated soil collected from different sites of Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP), India by employing Vicia faba L. The analyses included various biochemical as well as cyto-genotoxicity assays. The results showed that soil pH was slightly acidic to neutral in nature. The bulk density (1.18–1.23 gcm−3), particle density (2.51–2.59 gcm−3) and porosity (44–53%) varied in different places. The level of available nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was found to vary as 124–165 mgkg-1, 173–186 mgkg-1 and 48–98 mgkg-1, respectively. The maximum As levels were found in soil of Fulvareya (27.13 mgkg−1) and Atareya (24.12 mgkg−1), the level of As in water samples of these sites were 0.19 mgl−1and 0.21 mgl−1, respectively. Phytotoxicity of the As present in soils was evident through significant increases in stress metabolites, hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl groups in root and shoot of V. faba. Cyto-genotoxic effects were also seen through reduced mitotic index (MI) and increased mitotic depression (MD), relative abnormality rate (RAR) as well as other chromosomal abnormalities along with micronuclei in root meristematic cells of V. faba. The phytotoxicity and cyto-genotoxicity assessment suggests the harmful soil properties that might affect biota. • Phyto-Genotoxicity of arsenic contaminated soil was assayed using Vicia faba L. • Phytotoxic markers showed increased oxidative stress like H 2 O 2 , MDA and carbonyl groups. • Genotoxic markers measured via induced frequency of various chromosomal anomalies. • Vicia faba L. can serve as a promising bioindicator for arsenic toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]