Introduction – There are number of techniques for detection of AFB in sputum samples as well as extrapulmonary samples. There are rapid molecular methods as well as culture methods which take few weeks for detection of bacilli as mycobacteria are generally very slow growing organisms. Although culture methods are considered gold standard for diagnosis of MTB but mostly staining and rapid molecular methods are the ones which dictate starting of treatment in most cases. Material & Method – The present study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology on a total of 600 smear sputum samples from clinically suspected cases of pulmonary TB attending the outpatient and inpatient departments of MMIMSR, Mullana, Ambala, from December 2016 to June 2018. Specimens were subjected to ZN and LED FM staining before and after decontamination. After microscopy, specimens were subjected to culture on LJ and Middlebrook 7H9. Results – A total of 600 samples were included in the study. Out of these 140 were positive on culture (123 on LJ Medium or 140 on Middle Brook 7H9 Medium), 110 were positive on FM staining and 100 were positive on ZN staining. Higher grading on smear corelated with earlier growth of mycobacteria on both culture mediums. Middlebrook medium showed earlier growth than LJ medium (2nd week vs 3rd week) and CPC treated samples showed better growth. Conclusion – Our study also showed that CPC treated samples showed improved yield. FM microscopy is better than ZN staining with more sensitivity and specificity for detecting AFB. Among culture methods, Middle Brooke 7H9 broth showed faster growth of mycobacteria and better positivity rate as compared to LJ Medium.