The promotional effect of precious metals in composite oxides has been observed in several catalytic reactions. In the present study, investigation of the CO oxidation with O2 and NO–CO redox reaction over Pd-containing cobalt–manganese composite was discussed. The composite oxides were prepared via glycine-aided combustion method. The physical properties of the catalysts were studied using X-ray diffraction, BET surface area, SEM, TEM and XPS. The strength of surface oxygen and surface reactivity of metal and CO were studied by H2-TPR and CO-pulse titration. It was observed that CO oxidation in cobalt–manganese composite oxide containing 5% PdO starts from 30 °C and the reaction gets completed at 65 °C. Also in NO–CO redox reaction, it shows complete detoxification at 170 °C with a good stability.