The rupee today gained 24 paise to 54 rupees 11 paise against the dollar in early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market on increased selling of the US currency by exporters and banks.Forex dealers said, a higher opening in the domestic equity market and strengthening of euro and yen against the dollar overseas, also supported the domestic currency.The rupee had lost five paise to close at 54 rupees 35 paise against the dollar yesterday.