Ti/TiB/TiC hybrid composite was processed by a novel one-step in-situ process using spark plasma sintering (SPS). KBF4, which was used as a boron precursor for the first time, reacted with Ti to form the TiB reinforcement insitu. Graphite foils were used on either side of the compact as a carbon source to produce TiC during sintering. Ti reacted with carbon and formed TiC on both the surfaces of the composite. The thickness of the TiC layer was found to be ∼50 μm. The microstructure of the composite was graded with ultrafine TiC on top, fine needles of TiB near the surface and coarser TiB whisker reinforced Ti (Ti-4Al-2Fe/TiBw) in the bulk. The grain size of Ti also varied from 1 μm near the surface to 12 μm in the bulk. The surface layer exhibited very high hardness to the tune of 20 GPa compared to 7 GPa of the bulk Ti-4Al-2Fe/TiB composite. The functionally gradient composite exhibited only mild wear with wear rate that was almost one order of magnitude lower than that of the bulk Ti-4Al-2Fe/TiBw composite. While there were abrasive grooves formed on the Ti-4Al-2Fe/TiB bulk composite, the hybrid composite showed almost nil wear damage under the same test conditions. The surface TiC layer thus acted as an effective protection against wear and tear. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.