Abstract: This invention relates to a process for production of ethanol from lignocellulosic material. Lignocellulosic material treated with a dicarboxylic acid, preferably with oxalic acid, separating a hemicellulosic fraction to ferment pentose sugar. The lignin is dissolved in alkali, preferably with NaOH, separating a cellulose fraction for further enzymatic treatment with one or more than one cellulytic enzymes capable of hydrolyzing cellulose. The enzyme hydrolyasate is further subjected to fermentation in the presence of ethanol-producing yeast, preferably Sacchoromyces cerevisiae. The fermented broth is further subjected to distillation followed by dehydration to yield ethanol.