Thermal pyrolysis of sal seed (Shorea Robusta) was carried out in a semi-batch reactor at a temperature range of 400-625 degrees C and at a heating rate of 20 degrees C/min. The FTIR analysis of bio-fuel indicates the presence of functional groups such as alkanes, alkenes, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and esters. The composition of the liquid product was analyzed using GC-MS and found the presence of hydrocarbons between 6 and 20 carbon atoms in a chain. The physical properties of the obtained liquid were close to that of petroleum fractions. The pyrolysis char can be used as an adsorbent as well as a solid fuel due to its high calorific value. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.