In the present study, attempt was made to prepare a 24h release microcapsules of diclofenac sodium (DS). Controlled 'one-day' release microcapsules of DS were prepared by ionotropic gelation using sodium alginate as base coat. These microcapsules were further enteric coated by different concentrations of one of enteric polymers. Significance of process parameters like base coat to drug ratio, stirring speed and thickness of enteric coat were studied and optimized. The coated formulations were evaluated for entrapment efficiency, SEM, particle size analysis and in-vitro release study. The optimized microcapsules were further subjected to in-vivo study.