PURPOSE: To obtain a calcined carbon material having improved physical properties and clean surface state without causing problems of dust and oxidation consumption of filler, by calcining molded articles of carbon material in a furnace at a specific rate of heating without filling packing powder tol the periphery of the molded articles of carbon material.

CONSTITUTION: The supporting columns 5 are stood in a muffle furnace, and the retention plates 2 made of graphite are attached to them. For example, 18 molded articles of the carbon material 1 molded by a hydraulic press are packed onto the plates. A forming gas such as N2:H2=1:3 is made to flow from the gas inlet 3 to the muffle furnace, made to flow uniformly from the top and bottom by the distribution plate 8, and discharged from the exhaust vent 4. As the gas flows, the molded articles are heated to about 1,200°C at a rate of heating of 10°C per hour, kept at this temperature for about 10hr, and allowed to be cooled. A calcined material having clean surface free from cracks, blister, warpage, etc. is prepared. The calcined material is graphitized at about 3,000°C, to give an improved carbon material.