An efficient and chromatic red emitting borate host phosphors (Y 1 − x − y ,Gd x )BaB 9 O 16 :Eu 3+ y were prepared by a simple route of solution combustion technique for different composition of host (0⩽x⩽0.97, y=0.03). The synthesis is based up on the exothermic reaction between the fuel (urea) and oxidizer (ammonium nitrate). The heat generated in reaction is utilized for auto combustion of ingredients. Crystal structure and phase formation of product was identified by powder XRD technique while particle morphology was studied by FE-SEM. The photoluminescence (PL) properties under 252nm ultraviolet (UV) and 147nm vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) excitation were investigated. It was found that for increasing concentration of Gd dominant emission shift towards longer wavelength and more chromatic side while for optimal doping concentration of Gd 3+ ions an intermediate role for energy transfer mechanism from sensitizer to activator is highly efficient which increase transition probability of electric dipole of 5 D 0 → 7 F 2 of Eu 3+ ion to emits pure and intense red line at 615nm. This phosphor could be potential candidate for plasma display panel (PDPs) and mercury free lamps.