Functionally graded polymer nanocomposites (FGPNC) were synthesized by dispersing alumina nanoparticles (spherical and rod shape) in epoxy by sonication technique. Gradation in the thickness direction was achieved by varying the wt% of nanoparticles. Samples of layered FGPNC were prepared by casting layers of neat epoxy and nanocomposites having 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 wt% of nanoparticles one by one in a vertical acrylic mould. Flexural properties of FGPNC samples were evaluated by three point bending method. FGPNC samples were loaded from neat epoxy side and nanocomposite side. Increments of 18% and 16% in flexural strength and 19% and 20% in flexural modulus were recorded for FGPNC with spherical and rod shape nanoparticles respectively compared to that of layered neat epoxy for loading from neat epoxy side. Whereas when load was applied from nanocomposite side, an improvement of 13% in flexural modulus of FGPNC was seen while flexural strength of FGPNC increased by 8%–9% over that of layered neat epoxy for both the types of nanoparticle.