AbstractNovel erbium(III) ion‐doped borate‐based glasses (Er3+:BCNF) by conventional melt‐quenching technique were designed and synthesized. The glasses were characterized for their structural, vibrational and spectroscopic properties. The nephelauxetic ratio, bonding parameters, and Judd–Ofelt (JO) intensity parameters (Ωλ λ = 2, 4 and 6) were determined by using absorption spectrum of 1 mol% Er2O3 doped glass. These JO parameters were utilized to derive radiative properties for various excited states of erbium(III) ions. Emission cross‐section for 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition of erbium(III) ions was computed through McCumber theory. The decay curves for (2H11/2, 4S3/2) and 4I13/2 levels were recorded and analysed. All the results of Er3+:BCNF glasses revealed that the studied glasses are efficient and thermally stable and could be suitable for display devices, optical amplification and green laser applications.