<p>Managing in-situ rice residue remains a major challenge for farmers because of labour, time and resource constraints. These limitations often lead to residue burning, which not only degrades soil health but also reduces nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and wheat productivity. To address this issue, a two-year field experiment was conducted in a split plot design to evaluate the combined effects of in-situ rice residue management practices and nitrogen application on wheat productivity, nutrient uptake and NUE. The results demonstrated that zero tillage with full residue retention (ZT+R₁₀₀) consistently outperformed residue removal (CT-R₀) and burning (CT-RB) treatments. ZT+R₁₀₀ recorded significantly (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) higher wheat grain (5.26 Mg ha⁻¹) and straw yield (7.35 Mg ha⁻¹). Similarly, application of 100% recommended nitrogen (N₁₀₀) produced significantly higher wheat grain (6.46 Mg ha⁻¹) and straw yield (8.25 Mg ha⁻¹) compared to no nitrogen application (N₀). Yield attributes <i>viz</i>. 1000 grain weight, spike length, grains per spike, effective tillers and leaf greenness indices (SPAD and Green Seeker values) improved substantially under residue amended plots. ZT+R₁₀₀ also enhanced total N, P and K uptake in wheat by 26–40% relative to residue-burned plots, while N₁₀₀ increased nutrient uptake by 2.6–3.6 folds compared to N₀. NUE indices were generally higher (<i>p &gt;</i>0.05) under residue retention/incorporation, although N₁₀₀ reduced most efficiency indicators over N₇₅. Paired correlation analysis further confirmed strong positive associations between wheat grain yield and NUE except reciprocal internal use efficiency (RIUE_N). Overall, ZT+R₁₀₀ with N₁₀₀ emerged as the most effective strategy for improving wheat productivity, nutrient uptake and NUE. These findings highlight the need for research backed policies to promote in-situ rice residue management with optimal nitrogen application.</p>