Abstract This article explores Soret and Dufour effects in magnetohydrodynamic three-dimensional (3D) flow of second grade fluid. Flow is induced due to an exponentially stretching surface. The energy and concentration equations are modeled in the presence of thermal radiation and Soret and Dufour effects. Second grade fluid is considered electrically conducting through uniform magnetic field. Suitable transformations yield the strong nonlinear ordinary differential systems. Convergent series solutions are obtained. Effects of numerous interesting parameters are interpreted through graphs and illustrated in detail. Computations for skin friction coefficients and local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are presented and examined for various values of involved parameters.