An investigation was conducted to study the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA), along with the underlying gene action, across 16 important quantitative traits in maize (Zea mays L.). A half-diallel crossing design was utilized to generate the experimental hybrids. The analysis of variance indicated significant genetic variability among the genotypes. High GCA effects for traits such as Days to 75% Dry Husk, Plant Height, Number of Kernel Rows per Cob, and 100-Grain Weight demonstrated the importance of additive gene action. Conversely, significant SCA variance for traits including Plant Height, Ear Placement, and Number of Kernels per Row indicated substantial non-additive gene effects. The ratio of genetic components (σ²GCA/σ²SCA) confirmed the predominance of non-additive gene action for major yield attributes, pointing towards hybrid breeding as an optimal strategy. Concurrently, traits governed equally by both additive and non-additive gene actions can be improved via reciprocal recurrent selection procedures.