The work presented in this study was performed with the intent to characterize the microstructure evolution for short term creep exposure of cast-forged P91 steel. The short-term creep test was performed at temperature range of 620–650 °C and stresses ranging from 120 to 200 MPa. To characterize the sample after creep exposure, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), optical microscope and micro-hardness testing were utilized. Creep tests were performed on round creep specimens. For low temperature service condition, longer creep life was obtained. The fracture surface of creep ruptured specimen were characterized by using the FESEM. The transgranular fracture mode was noticed in all the tests condition. The creep rupture life was found to be decreased with increase in applied stress. The maximum rupture life was measured about to be 3329.28 h for the sample exposed at 620 °C for 120 MPa. A negligible microstructural change was measured in gripping area compared to the gauge area (necking area) of crept sample. The laves phase formation was also noticed along the grain boundaries for creep exposure life of 3329.28 h. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.