<p>The Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) are crucial for rice production in India, but challenges like declining soil health, resource depletion, and economic sustainability persist. This study examines the impact of crop establishment methods (MTPs) and integrated nitrogen management practices (INMPs) on rice yield, profitability, and soil health in the region. The experiment was set up in a split plot design with three replications. The treatments included three MTPs in the main plot and seven NMPs in the subplot. The results showed that system of rice intensification (MTP3) exhibited approximately 14.6% higher yield as compared to other treatment. Under MTP3, the significant maximum net returns of 1144 USD ha^− 1 and B: C ratio (1.65) was documented. In case of INMPs, treatment INMP4 (75% N inorganic + 25% N through poultry manure (PM) + <i>Azospirillum</i>) recorded the significant highest grain yield (5.10 Mg ha^− 1) as compared to the other treatments. INMP4 also recorded the maximum net return (1213 USD ha^− 1) and B: C ratio (1.89) indicating its significant economic superiority compared to other treatments. The soil exhibited the significant approximately 10% higher available nutrients (NPK) after two years of cropping under the INMP4 followedby INMP2 (75% N inorganic + 25% N through PM) and surpassed those of all other treatments by a significant margin. Thus, the transplanting of rice in system of rice intensification along with application of 75% N inorganic + 25% N through PM + <i>Azospirillum</i> is a viable and suitable tactic for rice cultivation in IGP region of India or other similar ecoregions.</p>