Background: Spinal tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest diseases of mankind. The present study was conducted to assess the role of plain radiography and MRI in detection of spinal tuberculosis. Materials &methods: 56 patients of spinal tuberculosis of both genders underwent plain x-ray spine including cervical and dorsoloumbar taken in both anteroposterior and lateral views. MRI spine scan was done on 1.5 T MRI scanner. Multiplanar reconstructed images was taken. The pulse sequences acquired was sagittal T1, T2, STIR, axial T1, T2, post contrast –T1axial and sagittal. Results: Out of 56 patients, males were 30 and females were 26.Collection/abscess was present in 40 and 42 and absent in 16 and 14. Spinal cord and nerve root involvement was seen in 36 and 41 and absent in 20 and 15, plain radiography and MRI showed that vertebrae involved were cervical in 25 and 21, lumber in 15 and 14, thoracic in 9 and 11 and sacral in 7 and 10. Disc space was normal in 12 and 10 and reduced in 44 and 46. Deformities were present in 38 and 40 and absent in 18 and 16. Vertebral body height was decreased in 42 and 40 and normal in 14 and 16 respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).Conclusion: MRI is the modality of choice in assessment of spinal tuberculosis whereas plain x-ray is the primary and the first imaging modality to evaluate the diseases.