Background: A space–occupying lesion of the brain is usually due to malignancy but it can be caused by other pathologies such as infective, inflammatory, vascular, and traumatic. Intracranial space occupying lesions (ICSOLs) are a collective term for any lesion which occupies space within the intracranial fossa and causes raised intracranial pressure. The high morbidity and mortality associated with them necessitate their early diagnosis so as to plan the intervention that is required.MRI is the most helpful imaging tools for the early detection. MR images are often used as the primary diagnostic imaging tool and are the preoperative study of choice. The need for biopsy may be obviated because of the increasingly accurate preoperative diagnosis, as obtained through MR images.Aims of study: To determine the diagnostic efficacy of MRI in evaluation of CNS lesions assuming postoperative histopathology as a gold standard.Methodology:Thisretrospective cohort study was conducted on 50 patients who came to the Department of Radiodiagnosis at Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital with clinically suspected CNS pathologies in the study period 2015–2017. MRI of the brain was followed by surgical resection of the lesion and finally histopathological diagnosis was obtained. The data was retrospectively reviewed and co–related.Result:Multiplanar MRI was of great value in identifying the precise anatomic location and extent of the lesions. 56% (n=23) of intra cranial lesions were intra–axial while 44% (n=18) of neoplasms were extra–axial. The most common lesion was glioma (32%, n=16) followed by meningioma (24%, n=12).Overall diagnostic accuracy of MRI in CNS lesions was 77.8% and Positive Predictive Value was 91.3% and sensitivity was 84%.Conclusion: MR images are certainly the preoperative modality of choice in the evaluation of CNS space occupying lesions. MR images can narrow the differential diagnosis and guide surgical resection.Multiplanar MRI helps in determining proper localization & extent of lesion, which is of great value for the surgeon.