Described is a method for the preparation of Mo-V-Te-Nb catalyst comprising the steps of a) preparing a slurry comprising ionic species of Mo, V, Te and Nb and an inert carrier by combining the inert carrier in ceramic form with one or more solutions comprising the above metal ionic species; b) drying of the slurry to obtain a particulate product; c) precalcining the dried particulate product at a temperature of 150-350°C in an oxygen""containing atmosphere; d) calcining the precalcined dried particulate product at a temperature of 350-750°C in an inert atmosphere to obtain the catalyst. Further, a catalyst obtainable by the said method as well as uses thereof are described.