An efficient maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method plays an important role to improve the efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) generation system. This study provides an extensive review of the current status of MPPT methods for PV systems which are classified into eight categories. The categorisation is based on the tracking characteristics of the discussed methods. The novelty of this study is that it focuses on the key characteristics and eleven selection parameters of the methods to make a comprehensive analysis, which is not considered together in any review works so far. Again, the pros and cons, classification and immense comparison among them described in this study can be used as a reference to address the gaps for further research in this field. A comparative review in tabular form is also presented at the end of the discussion of each category to evaluate the performance of these methods, which will help in selecting the appropriate technique for any specific application.