Introduction: Palatal rugoscopy is the name given to this study of palate rugae pattern. Palatal rugae are irregular, asymmetric ridges of mucous membrane extending laterally from the incisive papilla and the anterior part of palatal raphe and it remains unchanged during an individuals’ lifetime. Above all it has the potential to remain intact by virtue of their internal position when most other anatomical structures are destroyed and burned. This quality of this structure is considered to be unique and similar to finger prints and are advocated in personal identification. Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate difference in the palatal rugae patterns in males and females and to assess the more common predominant pattern. Material & Method: A total of 40 maxillary dental casts obtained from 20 males and 20 females student population of lucknow, were examined for the palatal rugae patterns by applying the classification proposed by Thomas & Kotze. Palatal rugae pattern were examined in both the sexes on right and left sides of the palate for the total number, length, shape, predominant direction and then results were statistically analysed. Result: According to the analysis total no of rugae in males higher than females. Statistical analysis showed higher mean value in males. No of primary rugae in females were 136 (71.72%) and in males 134 (69.07%).The incidence of curved rugae was more among the males than females. The incidence of straight rugae was more among the females than the males. The incidence of backwardly directed rugae was more among males compared to females. The incidence of perpendicular rugae was more among males compared to females. The present study showed significant difference in the number of rugae between the genders. Conclusion: It has been proved that rugae are unique to an individual and are sufficiently characteristic to distinguish between individuals but rugae pattern are complex and the shortcomings of palatoscopy are that proper identification during postmortem is impossible due to absence of antemortem reports.