In the present work effect of EGR at advanced injection on combustion characteristics of a diesel engine was investigated. A 4.4 kW stationary diesel engine was used in this work and test was conducted at different percentage of EGR at advanced fuel injection timing. When compared to standard injection timing longer delay period, higher cylinder peak pressure, higher maximum heat release rate and shorter combustion duration were observed at advanced injection timing. When exhaust gases were recycled into the combustion chamber at advanced injection timing, delay period, peak pressure, MHRR and combustion duration were found to be increased than those of measured without EGR.