A process for the preparation of cefoxitin of formula (I) The process includes treating the compound of formula (II) with a halogenating agent in an organic solvent, followed by treatment with alkali/alkaline earth metal methoxide at a temperature in the range of −100° C. to 0° C. The product formed is then isolated as an organic amine salt of the formula (III), The salt of formula (III) is treated with a base in the presence of solvent at a temperature in the range of −75 to 10° C., the product formed is isolated as an organic amine salt of the formula (IV) The compound of formula (IV) is carbamoylated with isocyanate of formula (V) RNCO  (V) in the presence of a solvent at a temperature in the range of −60° C. to 10° C., and isolating to get cefoxitin of the formula (I).