The present investigation was carried out to assess the field performance of improved chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties NBeG-776 and NBeG-452 in comparison with the widely cultivated variety JG-11 under rainfed vertisol conditions of SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, during the rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25. The study was conducted through On-Farm Trials (OFTs) at six farmer fields across three mandals, utilizing a participatory research approach to assess varietal response. Significant differences were observed among the varieties regarding yield and yield attributes. NBeG-776 recorded the highest mean plant height (45.3 cm), number of pods per plant (31.3), and 100-seed weight (25.4 g), resulting in a highest seed yield of 1721 kg/ha. In terms of economic returns, NBeG-776 achieved the highest gross returns (₹1,00,235/ha), net returns (₹43,239/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (1.79). This variety also exhibited desirable plant architecture traits such as an erect growth habit and height of first pod (31.0 cm), rendering it highly suitable to mechanical harvesting. The trials were conducted under varying climatic conditions, with unpredictable rainfall patterns, particularly after sowing and during the reproductive phase, affecting crop establishment and yield. The varietal performance under such fluctuating weather conditions highlights the adaptability and resilience of NBeG-776. These findings indicate that NBeG-776 is a promising cultivar for enhancing productivity and profitability in rainfed cultivation and represents a suitable replacement for JG-11 in the region. The study underscores the relevance of varietal substitution and machine harvestable variety in strengthening pulse production systems under changing agro-economic conditions.