In this study, thermogravimetric analysis of three different biomass samples such as rice husk, saw dust and wheat husk is carried out to understand its thermal behaviour. Analysis is carried out in an inert nitrogen atmosphere from ambient temperature to 800 degrees C at a heating rate of 10 degrees C/min. It is observed that all the three biomass samples displayed similar weight loss trend. Three reaction zones corresponding to dehydration, hemicellulose-cellulose degradation and lignin degradation are observed for all the three biomass samples. The kinetic parameters such as activation energy, pre-exponential factor and order of the reaction of samples are determined using modified form of equation. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.