Abstract: A chromium resistant bacterial strain S-6 was isolated from chromium-contaminated soil. On the basis of different morphological, biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA gene analysis the strain was identified as Bacillus cereus S-6. Hexavalent chromium resistance of the strain showed that it could tolerate very high concentration of K2CrO4 both in nutrient medium (25 mg mL-1 in nutrient broth and 50 mg mL-1 on nutrient agar) as well as in acetate-minimal medium (15 mg mL-1). Chromate uptake and reduction studies revealed that the strain Bacillus cereus S-6 not only accumulate but can also reduce large amount of toxic Cr (VI) in to Cr (III). Heavy metals (Ni, Mn, Zn, Cu and Co) at low concentration did not affect the reduction capability of the strain. Strain could also reduce hexavalent chromium in industrial effluents.