We report here the characterization of five biomass samples (Impereta cylindrica, Eragrostis airoides, Typha angustifolia L, Arundinella khasiana Nees ex Steud, and Echinochloa stagnina (Retz.) P. Beauv) based on the proximate, ultimate and compositional analysis. The biomasses were examined physicochemically and characterized to understand their compositional and structural properties. The moisture content was found to be highest in Typha angustifolia (13.951%) and lowest in Eragrostis airoides (8.275%). Ash content was seen to be maximum in Arundinella khasiana (8.12%) and minimum in Eragrostis airoides (3.660%). Derivative Thermogravimetric (DTG) peak was observed below 120 degrees C indicating the loss of water molecules from the biomass. Cellulose degradation occured between 350 degrees C to 500 degrees C. The maximum carbon content was visible in Typha angustifolia (52.895%) and minimum in Eragrostis airoides (41.024%). The FTIR spectra showed a range of peaks such as 3450 cm(-1), 2860 cm(-1), 1668 cm(-1),1175 cm(-1), 1097 cm(-1), 7872 cm(-1), 625 cm(-1), 554 cm(-1) etc. The cellulose content was found maximum in Eragrostis airoides (43.17%) and minimum in Echinochloa stagnina (24.90%). The results demonstrate that the collected lignocellulosic biomass could be potential candidate for bioethanol production. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.