Complexes of vanillin-4-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone with cobalt(II), nickel((II), copper(II) and zinc(II) metal ions were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic moment, infrared spectra, electronic spectra, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, mass spectrum and thermal analysis.The low molar conductance values indicate that all the complexes are non-electrolytes. Spectral studies indicate that the ligand act in a tridentate manner coordinating with the metal ion through sulphur, oxygen and nitrogen atoms. Based on magnetic moment measurements, spectral studies and thermal analysis, suitable geometry was proposed for the metal complexes. Thermal stability of the complexes was ascertained on the basis of thermo gravimetric analysis and the lattice parameters, space group and grain size of the ligandand complexes were determined by using powder XRD measurements. Surface morphology of ligand and complexes were studied using SEM analysis. Antimicrobial studies were carried out against gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and two fungal pathogens