‘Special Economic Zone’ (SEZ) is a specially delineated duty free region within the national boundary of a country. India was one of the first countries in Asia to recognize the effectiveness of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) model in promoting exports, with Asia's first EPZ set up in Kandla in 1965 with a view to attract larger foreign investments in India. The study examines the performance of SEZs and export oriented units in India. Further it examines the issue related to land acquisition. The present study is based on secondary source of data, acquired from various Government institutes. Data related to SEZs and other related information like land allotted to SEZs in India taken from ‘Ministry of Commerce and Industry’ and Government of India. The study has shown that there has been overall growth of export of 1,930.51% over past ten years (2005-06 to 2014-15). A total of 204 SEZs are exporting at present. Out of this 116 are IT/ITES, 20 Multi product and 68 other sector specific SEZs. The achievements of SEZs in the country are a contribution from a few SEZs operating in a few developed States. Many SEZs in the Country remained at approval/notification stage. There is an urgent need for the government to review the factors hindering the growth of non operational and underperforming zones. At last we say the government of India must make sure that Land Acquisition and SEZs must prove beneficial for the people of the country and not harmful.