A process for producing a spherical carbon material, comprising: subjecting a spherical vinyl resin to an oxidation treatment in an oxidizing gas atmosphere to obtain a spherical carbon precursor, and carbonizing the spherical carbon precursor at 1000-2000.degree. C. in a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere. The thus-obtained spherical carbon material exhibits excellent performances, including high output performance and durability, when used, e.g., as a negative electrode material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries.