This paper aims at finding the optimum controller for a jacketed Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) under non-ideal conditions. Various conventional control methods show poor response for non-linear processes. This paper outlines the design procedure of the Internal Model Controller (IMC) and Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC). The performance of the jacketed CSTR process is analyzed based on Internal Model Control and adaptive control. Simulation results have been compared with conventional PID control