The present study was carried out with a view to enhance dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drug aceclofenac (BCS-class II) using Avicel 200 and Sylysia 350 as polymers. Surface solid dispersion (SSD) was prepared by kneading method using different ratios of aceclofenac and polymers. Phase solubility study was conducted to evaluate the effect of polymer on aqueous solubility of aceclofenac. Solid state characterization was evaluated by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction study (XRD). In vitro dissolution study was performed in phosphate buffer at pH 6.8. Solid state study showed partial interaction between aceclofenac and polymer. In vitro dissolution rate of aceclofenac from solid dispersion (SD) was significantly higher compared to pure aceclofenac. The dissolution rate of the drug was affected by nature and amount of polymer used. The dissolution rate of aceclofenac/Avicel 200 solid dispersion (1:5) was higher than that of aceclofenac/Sylysia 350 solid dispersion (1:3). Thus, solid dispersion technique can be successfully used for the improvement of the dissolution profile of aceclofenac. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.