This paper aims to propose a generalized scheme for the synchronization of a class of nonlinear non-identical chaotic systems. The proposed procedure is based on well-established backstepping control technique which guarantees global stability of the system, but due to the problem of ‘explosion of terms’, its use is restricted to lower order systems. Here, dynamical surface control (DSC) approach which is much less complex is combined with backstepping control leading to a better approach for synchronization of two non-identical chaotic systems. Although DSC offers semiglobal stability but still it is worth employing as it makes the analysis and design very simple. Numerical simulations are given to prove the validity of the technique.