Variation after Projection (VAP) calculations in conjunction with Hartree Bogoliubov (HB) ansatz have been carried out for 124-132Ce mass chain. In this framework, the yrast spectra, B(E2) transition probabilities and occupation numbers for various shell model orbits have been obtained. The observed decrease in deformation in going from 124Ce to 132Ce is seen to arise due to a slow decrease in the occupation of 1g7/2 proton orbit and a systematic increase in the occupations of 2d5/2, 1g7/2 and 1h11/2 neutron orbits. Besides this, the experimental low-lying yrast spectra and B(E2) transition probabilities are reproduced with reasonable accuracy by using PQOH interaction.