The rising demand for lithium-ion batteries has led to the investigation of unconventional lithium sources. Indian coal, with its extensive reserves and diverse lithological features, presents a valuable opportunity for lithium extraction. Given the limited availability of lithium resources, this study focused on assessing lithium content in Indian coals and their combustion by-products. Coal samples from various regions across the country were analyzed, revealing a mean lithium concentration ranging from 6.72 mg/kg in BCCL to 17.32 mg/kg in SECL, indicating that SECL coal has the highest average lithium content. The maximum concentrations observed varied, with SECL coal showing up to 38.45 mg/kg. The overall average lithium content in the analyzed coal samples, based on 176 samples, was 10.9 mg/kg, which is below the global average of 14 mg/kg. High lithium content samples underwent sequential extraction, revealing that most lithium is found in the insoluble aluminum silicate matrix of coal ash. Additionally, analyses of fly ash, bottom ash, and mill rejects indicated higher lithium levels, particularly in fly ash. Despite the generally low concentrations of lithium in the samples, localized enrichment may occur, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and systematic sampling to uncover potential lithium resources.