Present study focuses on optimization of drilling process parameters during machining of AISI 317 L stainless steel workpiece on Vertical Machining Centre (VMC). To achieve higher dimensional accuracy, maximum circularity and minimum surface roughness, the best optimal level of input process parameters has to be chosen carefully. Hence, in this study cutting speed has been considered at three levels 500, 800 and 1100 rpm and feed rate at 50, 75 and 100 mm min −1 levels. Further, two different drill materials were considered for experimentation namely, HSS and CARBIDE. Experiments were designed using Taguchi mixed orthogonal array L 36 as two factors were at three levels and one factor was at two levels. For designing experimental layout and further analysis MINITAB statistical software was used. Based on experimental results and analysis it was observed that cutting speed of 1100 rpm, feed rate of 50 mm min −1 and HSS drill materials resulted in optimal values of dimensional accuracy, circularity and surface roughness. The Monte carlo simulation sensitivity charts illustrated that the drill material is a most effective parameter for the Accuracy 39.9% and for Circularity 49.1% and feed is a most effective parameter for Surface Roughness 54.8%.