The effect of Y and Mn substitution on the structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of Bi 1 - x Y x Fe 1 - y Mn y O 3 (x = y = 0; x = 0.03, 0.06, 0.12, y = 0.05) is investigated. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed that all the compounds were stabilized in the Rhombohedral structure (Space group: R3c) below Y(6%)-Mn co-doping. A minimal contribution from the Pbam phase was also observed at higher Y (12%). Co-doped compounds exhibit canted ferromagnetic behavior with a significant increase in the saturation magnetization (M s) of 1.28 emu/g when (Y, Mn) = (0.12, 0.05). Dielectric measurements at different temperatures ranging between 30 °C and 210 °C in a wide frequency range of 1 Hz-1 MHz were investigated. Impedance study is useful to understand the correlation of grain and grain boundary with electrical properties. The grain and grain boundary contribution to electrical parameters was presented with equivalent R-C circuit. Furthermore, electrical properties such as complex electrical modulus and electrical conductivity analysis clearly emphasize the substitution of Y and Mn, leading to a significant change in BiFe O 3 ceramic. © 2018 Author(s).