Catalytic upgrading of paddy husk was performed over 10-MR zeolites (MCM-22, ITQ-2 and ZSM-5) in a drop type fixed-bed reactor. This work investigated the role of structure and acidity of zeolites on pyrolysis-oil yield and degree of deoxygenation. Catalytic pyrolysis experiments were carried out at the catalyst/biomass ratio (0.05-0.5) at temperature of 450°C. The oil yield decreased by using catalyst and this decrease oil yield is attributed to catalytic cracking of bio-oil vapor on the catalyst. The route for deoxygenation of pyrolysis vapors was identified to be dehydration, decarboxylation and decarboxylation. ITQ-2 showed high degree of deoxygenation as compare to MCM-22 which is due to more accessible external active sites of ITQ-2. The organics yield in pyrolysis oil was highest with ZSM-5 in comparison with other zeolites. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.