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Hydrological models demand large numbers of input parameters, which are to be optimally identified for better simulation of various hydrological processes. Identifying the most relevant parameters and their values using efficient sensitivity analysis methods helps to better understand model performance. In this study, the physically-based distributed model SHETRAN is used for hydrological simulation on the Netravathi River Basin in south India and the most important parameters are identified using the Morris screening method. Further, the influence of a particular model parameter on streamflow is quantified using local sensitivity analysis and optimal parameters are obtained for calibration of the SHETRAN model. The results demonstrate the capability of two-stage sensitivity analysis, combining qualitative and quantitative methods in the initial screening-out of insignificant model parameters, identifying parameter interactions and quantifying the contribution of each model parameter to the streamflow. The results of the sensitivity analysis simplified the calibration procedure of SHETRAN for the study area.