Ni-carbon composite catalysts were prepared by a modified carbothermal reduction method using ion exchange resins. The catalysts were characterised by N-2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. The catalysts activities and selectivities were studied in the hydrodechlorination of chlorobenzene. The catalyst activities depend upon the carbothermal reduction temperature during preparation. These catalysts are found to be more stable and selective in this reaction even in the presence of HCl which is produced during the reaction.