Oncogenesis is a very complex and multistep process with many factors involved. Among the various cancers viral oncogenesis constitutes about 12%. The human population has been plaqued by viruses particularly viruses with oncogenic potential. Worldwide, viruses cause numerous miseries ranging from flu to complex cancers. A noteworthy few among them are caused by oncoviruses such as Human papilloma virus, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HTLV-1, EBV. Among these viruses Human papilloma virus and Human T Lymphocyte virus have direct oncogenic potential whereas HIV, EBV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C have indirect oncogenic potential. In this review, we aim to discuss briefly about the pathogenesis of the most commonly 6 occuring oncoviruses and their oncogenic potential.