A nitrogen containing feedstock is hydrodenitrified by passing the feed through at least two hydrodenitrification zones, with ammonia produced in the hydrodenitrification being purged from the system prior to the last hydrodenitrification zone to maintain a low ammonia partial pressure in the last hydrodenitrification zone. The ammonia is preferably purged by stripping ammonia from the liquid portion of the effluent withdrawn from the next to last hydrodenitrification zone. Improved denitrification is obtained by maintaining a low ammonia partial pressure in the last hydrodenitrification zone.