Beta zeolite was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions using multi-walled carbon nanotubes with an outer diameter of 8-15 nm as a nanometric template. The textural, structural, and acidic properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses, chemical analysis, N-2 physisorption, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, (27)AI solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, and infrared spectroscopy of adsorbed pyridine. Ni-Mo hydrocracking catalysts were prepared from the calcined zeolites. Their catalytic performance was evaluated by hydrocracking heavy vacuum gas oil. Results indicated that adding carbon nanotubes to the synthesis gel produces a substantial increase of mesoporosity in the obtained Beta zeolite. This resulted in a decrease of the total Bronsted acid sites, particularly those of higher acid strength. The most active hydrocracking catalyst was the one prepared with the zeolite synthesized using carbon nanotubes. For the same conversion level, selectivity to middle distillates and naphta increased with the concentration of strong acid sites in the catalysts. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.