Introduction: Keratins are most abundant structural proteins of cutaneous as well as oral epithelium. A wide range of hereditary and premalignant disorders arise due to defects in the keratinization process. It makes keratin proteins as important diagnostic marker both histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Since immune–histochemistry is an expensive diagnostic technique, the histopathological study with the help of special stains could serve as faster and economic option for visualization of keratin. Moreover, special stains are an integral part of routine histopathology as an adjunct to Hematoxylin and Eosin stain. Aims and objectives: Aim of the present study was to compare the staining efficacy and staining intensity of special stains (AB–PAS, Rapid PAP and Gram’s stain) with respect to H&E stain for keratin. Materials and methods: Total number of 30 diagnosed cases of oral lesions of well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC), were taken. Four sections of 4 microns thickness each were stained with Alcian Blue–Performic Acid Schiff (AB–PAS), Rapid papanicolaou (Rapid PAP), Gram stain and Hematoxylin & Eosin stain. The results were compared and analyzed statistically. Results: Keratin is distinguished by all the four stains. AB–PAS demonstrated staining quality comparable to that of H&E stain, indicating it’s potential use as alternative stain for keratin. Conclusion: The keratin is demonstrated by all the four stains. Staining specificity of AB–PAS was found best among all stains and staining intensity was comparable to that of H&E stain.