diff --git a/frappe/core/doctype/doctype/doctype.py b/frappe/core/doctype/doctype/doctype.py
index 7fdd52bc55..01bdcb16e8 100644
--- a/frappe/core/doctype/doctype/doctype.py
+++ b/frappe/core/doctype/doctype/doctype.py
@@ -265,6 +265,8 @@ def validate_fields(meta):
 	def check_illegal_default(d):
 		if d.fieldtype == "Check" and d.default and d.default not in ('0', '1'):
 			frappe.throw(_("Default for 'Check' type of field must be either '0' or '1'"))
+		if d.fieldtype == "Select" and d.default and (d.default not in d.options.split("\n")):
+			frappe.throw(_("Default for {0} must be an option").format(d.fieldname))
 
 	def check_precision(d):
 		if d.fieldtype in ("Currency", "Float", "Percent") and d.precision is not None and not (1 <= cint(d.precision) <= 6):