Reverse osmosis (RO) near thermodynamic minimum energy requirement is the need of an hour. The present paper shows various efforts by researchers worldwide to improve the RO membrane performance by surface modification. Surface modification is the most convenient technique when it comes to modifying the top polyamide layer of the TFC RO membrane as it is not necessary to alter the manufacturing process. This paper demonstrates the advancements made in the surface modification techniques over the years. Surface modification can change the surface properties like hydrophilicity of the membrane, surface roughness and antifouling property and alter the membrane performance. [GRAPHICS] .