The graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile with jute using potassium permanganate as the initiator has been studied in the presence of air. To establish reaction conditions for the graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) onto jute, the effect of different variables such as the residual lignin content of bleached jute (after bleaching with sodium chlorite), initiator concentration, monomer concentration, time of polymerization, reaction temperature, and amount of bleached jute fiber have been studied. As evidence of polymer grafting, some instrumental analyses such as scanning electron microscopy, infrared, and thermogravimetry have been carried out. The extent of grafting of acrylonitrile depends on how much lignin is present on the jute fiber. Percent grafting and grafting efficiency have also been studied.