In the present investigation, the low rank coal samples from North Eastern Region (NER) of India are nodulized and then carbonized in a beehive-type coke oven for their gainful utilization. Different types of binders (e.g. carboxymethyl cellulose and molasses) and an additive (lime) are used to prepare the nodules for increasing their strength and to reduce the emission of sulfur containing gases, respectively. The physicochemical properties and the gross calorific values of the coal samples and carbonized nodules are determined. Physical strength of the carbonized nodules are within the range of 376.81-448.84 N, which are found to be suitable for their transportation and handling purposes. The thermal analysis (Thermogravimetric analysis-Differential thermal analysis; TGA-DTA), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) analysis of the carbonized nodules are also performed, which indicate the lower reactivity of the carbonized nodules on combustion, transformation of functional groups and their structural changes during nodulization and carbonization processes. The carbonized nodules are suitable for using as a coke-breeze in cement manufacturing and other domestic purposes. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.