Selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol was evaluated over Cu-Cr-Zn mixed oxide catalysts prepared by conventional and gamma radiation methods. The catalysts were characterized by different techniques. The variations in surface-structural properties of the catalysts prepared by gamma radiation compared with that of conventional catalysts. Conventional reduction prior to hydrogenation reaction is not required for the catalysts prepared by gamma radiation method. The gamma radiated catalysts showed higher hydrogenation activity compared to the conventional catalysts. The hydrogenation ability of the catalysts is attributed to Cu metal surface area, dispersion and Cr content. The catalyst with 0.4 molar percentage in Cu/ZnO exhibited highest furfural conversion of 84% with 100% selectivity. All possible reaction parameters were also assessed and optimized reaction conditions were established. [GRAPHICS] .