The invention discloses an improved process for producing 4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzonitrile of Formula (Structure 2), an intermediate used in the manufacture of 4,4′-[1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethylene] bisbenzonitrile (Letrozole), the process comprising of reacting salt of 1,2,4-triazole of Formula (Structure 4) with α-halo substituted tolunitrile of Formula (Structure 3) in presence of dimethylformamide, wherein the X represents alkali metals selected from a group of Li, Na, or K, preferably Na and Y represents a halogen group selected from Cl, Br or I, preferably Br.