Studies have been developed in order to produce new ceramic cutting tools based in alumina as an alternative to cemented carbides. Recent works published in the literatur have showed the good potential of niobium carbide to be used as a reinforced element in a metallic or ceramic matrix. This work has the objective to present the results of an alumina reinforced with niobium carbide.. Alumina, yttrium oxide and niobium carbide powders were mixed in a ball milling. Y2O3 powder was used as sintering additive. The mixture was hot-pressed at 1600 degreesC during sixty minutes. Sintered samples were analyzed by x-ray diffraction, density measurements and mechanical properties. The results showed that the dispersion of niobium carbide particles improves the mechanical behavior of monolithic alumina.