For the better performance of hydrocracking catalyst a balance is required between the acid function and hydrogenation/dehydrogenation function of the catalyst. Determination of acidity is straight forward but direct measurement of the metal function of bi-functional hydroprocessing catalyst is a complicated procedure. An attempt has been made to measure the metal function by cyclohexane dehydrogenation reaction. A series of amorphous silica-alumina and zeolite based first stage hydrocracking catalyst was prepared. Nickel and molybdenum were impregnated as active metals on 0.8 mm extrudates of silica-alumina supports prepared with an alumina binder. The catalysts were characterized for acidity measurement by temperature programmed desorption of ammonia (TPD), pulse reaction test (PRT) method for hydrogenation/dehydrogenation activity and evaluated for vacuum gas oil (VGO) conversion. The characterization results are discussed in relation to the catalytic activities in hydrocracking reactions.