Maize (Zea mays L.) is a key global cereal crop, but its productivity is often constrained by turcicum leaf blight (TLB), caused by Exserohilum turcicum. To identify sources of genetic resistance, 88 maize inbred lines were evaluated under artificial epiphytotic conditions during Kharif 2024 and 2025 at ZARS, V.C. Farm, Mandya. Inoculum was mass-multiplied on sorghum grains and applied twice (30 and 40 days after sowing), followed by a light water spray to ensure effective infection. Disease severity was recorded using a 1-9 modified disease rating scale and inbred lines were categorised based on per cent disease index (PDI), lesion length and days to symptom appearance. Nine inbreds (CML 11, CML 34, CML 50, CML 59, CML 93, CML 94, CML 173, CML 191 and the resistant check SKV-50) consistently exhibited resistant reactions, showing low PDI (2.94-27.05 %) and delayed symptom onset (12-17.5 days). Sixty-two inbreds were moderately resistant (PDI 31-50 %), while sixteen were moderately susceptible (PDI 51-70 %). In contrast, CML 166, CML 176 and the susceptible check CM-202 were highly susceptible, exhibiting PDI ≥ 70 %, rapid symptom appearance (4.5-6 days) and extensive lesion expansion (>30 cm²). Although season-to-season variations in disease pressure were recorded, inbred rankings remained stable. The resistant lines identified provide valuable genetic resources for breeding stable TLB resistance, while the susceptible lines offer reliable checks for understanding host-pathogen interactions.