This paper presents an efficient and fast tuning method based on a modified genetic algorithm (MGA) structure to find the optimal parameters of the proportional-integral- derivative (PID) controller so that the desired system specifications are satisfied. To achieve more effective search, the optimization algorithm is based on the integration of classical genetic algorithm structure and a systematic neighbourhood structure. To demonstrate the effectiveness of presented method, the step responses of closed loop system were compared with that of the existing methods in the literature. Simulation results indicate that the performance of the PID controlled system can be significantly improved by the MGA-based method.