The paper conveys the idea of reducing the mill scale by coal in sequential way on fixed bed (i.e. in crucible) to approach and optimize maximum reduction parameters. As the iron ore also constitutes the similar oxides present in the mill scale, so this approach or methodology will be acceptable for iron ore reduction also. The sequential methodology covers step by step studies on effect of reduction parameters like- bed depth or total weight of mill scale-coal suitable in given size of crucible, ratio of mill scale and coal, particle size, furnace time and temperature. For optimization, the best result of the first study was selected for the next study and thereby the studies were carried out till the final study. This approach helps in studying effect of maximum reduction parameters in minimum time with appropriate linked results. The mill scale samples were chemically analyzed and characterized by XRD, SEM and EDX before and after the reduction. The maximum reduction was found to be 90% in mill scale (15 g) and coal (13.5 g) sample having 45-90 mm particle size, 1:1.3 ratio, reduced at 950 degrees C for 150 min. (C) 2020 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.