In this study, a novel nano-composite was developed by synthesizing humic acid modified magnetic chitosan nano particles for efficient removal of uranium. Due to the combined effects of magnetic chitosan nano particles and humic acid, the composite material showed excellent removal efficiency (> 95%) for uranium at pH 5–7 within 10 min (equilibrium time). Sorption followed Langmuir isotherm and pseudo second order kinetic model. The sorption capacity was calculated to be 47.9 mg g−1. Zeta potential of the nano-composite and different species of uranium present are reported which helps to understand the mechanism of uptake.