<P><B>Highlights</B></P><P>► Hyper level of xylanase under optimized conditions. ► Highly alkali stable over a broad pH range of 6–11 for 24h. ► Retained 65% activity after an incubation of 2h at 60°C. ► Parametric optimization leads to 21.63 fold increase in activity.</P> <P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>The fermentation conditions were optimized for hyper production of xylanase from <I>Bacillus pumilus</I> SV-205. The bacterium secretes high levels (7382.7±1200IU/mL) of cellulase-free xylanase using wheat bran led to 21.63 fold increase in activity. A combination of yeast extract and peptone stimulated highest xylanase production (2448.0IU/mL) as compared to other combinations. The most important characteristic of the enzyme is its high pH stability (100%) over a broad pH range of 6–11 for 24h. Thermostability studies revealed that enzyme retained 65% activity after an incubation of 2h at 60°C. The level of production is remarkable as compared to earlier reports.</P>