Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, safe, reliable rapid and inexpensive method of establishing the diagnosis in lymph node lesions. The value of FNAC, besides making a diagnosis lies in early detection, direction of appropriate investigations and treatment options. The present study is undertaken to study the usefulness of FNAC in diagnosing various lymph node lesions in patients presenting with lymphadenopathy. Also to determine the pattern of diseases affecting lymph nodes and to study the spectrum of lesions with respect to age, sex and site of occurrence. To study the distribution of Acid fast bacilli in tuberculous lymphadenitis using Ziehl Neelsen stain