2 and 4 at% Mn doped ZnO samples were synthesized by sol-gel technique. The structural, compositional and magnetic properties were investigated. The 4 at% Mn doped sample contains secondary phase of ZnMnO3. The compositions of the samples are close to perfection. Crystallite size decreases with increase in doping. Both samples indicate absence of ferromagnetism. Strong presence of antiferromagnetism was found and it falls with increasing Mn doping. Simultaneously paramagnetic fraction of spin increases. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.