A control system for an automatic transmission which includes a fluid transmission unit. The control system includes a clutch applied in a forward running range; a hydraulic servo for applying the clutch responsive to an oil pressure; input and output R.P.M. sensors for detecting the input and output R.P.M.s of the fluid transmission unit; a stop state detector for detecting that the vehicle is stopped; a start detector for detecting start of the vehicle from a stop; and a control unit for controlling the oil pressure fed to the hydraulic servo. The oil pressure of the hydraulic servo is reduced, when the vehicle is stopped, to establish a neutral control state in which the clutch is released. A completely applied state of the clutch is established by boosting the oil pressure fed to the hydraulic servo when the shift of the vehicle from a stop to start is detected, in two stages. In the first stage the oil pressure fed to the hydraulic servo is boosted by adding a set shelf pressure to the base pressure until the clutch comes into a partially applied state and then, in the second stage, the oil pressure fed to the hydraulic servo is further boosted until the clutch becomes completely applied.