apparatus for conducting galling resistance test in line with ASTM G196 has been developed in-house for characterization of tribopairs for galling properties. To qualify the apparatus designed for the purpose, the plain carbon steel specimen prepared as per standard has been tested and repeatability and performance of the apparatus ascertained. Experimentation on effect of hardness induced due to heat treatment of plain carbon steel, by way of case carburizing, on galling resistance has been performed. Four batches of tribopairs for galling test have been considered, viz. as-received plain carbon steel, 3-h furnace-carburized plain carbon steel, 6-h furnace-carburized plain carbon steel and 9-h furnace-carburized plain carbon steel. The hardness of all the samples has been tested on computerized BHN tester and SEM micrographs obtained. This paper reports the findings of the experimentation performed particularly to draw a relationship between the hardness and galling resistance of tribopairs composed primarily of plain carbon steel. The results of hardness test, SEM micrographs and constructional details of the test apparatus are presented for better interpretation of results.