This invention provides a process for the preparation of acrylamide. Acrylonitrile is treated through at least two purification steps in which acrylonitrile is brought into contact with a strongly-acidic cation exchange resin and then with a resin having primary and/or secondary amino groups or with activated carbon. The resulting acrylonitrile is subjected to hydration in the presence of a copper-based catalyst. The process of this invention can provide high-quality acrylamide even when acrylonitrile of ordinary quality is used, and permits preparation of a polyacrylamide suitable for use in the production of a coagulant having good water solubility.