Abstract: An improved suspension-cum-holding device for an optical fiber preform 21 comprising a cylindrical body 22 consisting of a closed top end 23 and open bottom end 24 is disclosed, wherein the closed top end 23 is provided with a securing means 25 capable of securing the suspension-cum-holding device 21 in the furnace, the cylindrical body 22 being provided with an opening 26 towards the closed top end 23, characterized in that the opening 26 extends rearward to form a cylindrical hollow body 27 which is provided with two openings 28 and 29 in its lower surface, wherein the openings 28 and 29 extend downwards respectively to form cylindrical bodies 28a and 29a, wherein the cylindrical body 28a and cylindrical body 29a join and merge with each other at a point 30 forming a body 31, wherein the cylindrical body 27 is provided with a ball support means 32 at the interface of cylindrical body 27 and cylindrical body 29a which is capable of supporting the handle ball 11B provided on the preform handle 11 of the optic