Here the authors report a convenient chemical route for synthesis of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) and their characterisations by transmission electron microscopy and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The size of the prepared QD ranges from 2 to 8/nm. Further, photoluminescence spectroscopy is carried out to explore light-emitting phenomenon of the sample when excited by photons (excitation wavelength 450/nm) and electroluminescence spectroscopy is carried out to ensure the light-emitting phenomenon when biased with electrical energy (voltage). Both the luminescence studies reveal green luminescence and indicate the possible application of CdSe QDs as light-emitting devices.