Since Green Revolution, surplus increase in N use than average grain yield in wheat has continuously declined the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) less than 0.35 kg yield of N per kg in Pakistan. The opportunities exist in this valuable trait to increase its efficiency by exploring the genetic resources, balanced crop nutrition, use of fertilizers with increased efficiency and in-season precise N management. Here we evaluated the 10 wheat cultivars released in Pakistan after 1970 for plant traits associated with agronomic NUE and grain protein contents (GPC). Experiments were conducted for two growing seasons (2018-19) in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement using three replicates at N rates (0 and 120 kg·ha-1). Analysis of variance showed genotypic variation for grain yield, N uptake at seedling and anthesis stages, agronomic NUE and GPC. Grain yield ranged from 1.99-3.86 t·ha-1, seedling DW (8.6-13.00 g per plant), seedling N (1.57%-15.34%), NUE (6.69-120 kg N per kg) and GPC (6.29%-7.93%) among cultivars. Principal component analysis showed that LYP-73 cultivar had maximum grain yield (3.8 t·ha-1) and biological yield including harvest index. The NUE (0.55 kg N per kg) increased but GPC (6.47%) decreased were found in this cultivar. Cultivar Lasani-08 showed higher GPC (7.93%) Early vigor trait with higher seedling dry weight and N contents seems promising trait under low N environment. Higher seed yield was associated with maintenance of chlorophyll contents and reduced canopy temperature at milking stage. Significant increase in GPC and decrease in seed yield was observed over time, however, no difference in total N uptake was observed. Further, at different N regimes (80, 160, 200 and 240 kg·ha-1) including no N were compared in high yielding Millet-11 cultivar for two growing season. Higher grain yield, total productive tillers, 1000-seed weight and biological yield were found at 200 kg N·ha-1. Maximum agronomic NUE (4.28) and recovery efficiency (18.48%) were also observed at similar N rate associated with high total N uptake at anthesis. Positive relationship of total N uptake and grain yield was found at NDVI and chlorophyll contents booting and heading stages. Higher seed yield at 200 kg N·ha-1 was associated with delayed senescence predicted using NDVI. Thus, NDVI can be a promising indicator for optimal N applications and precise N management.