Uranium doped Nd₂Zr₂O₇ is synthesized at 800°C (NUZO-800) using gel-combustion method and characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photo electron microscopy (XPS) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL). As prepared sample was annealed further at 900, 1000, 1100 and 1200°C leading to increase in the size of the particle and the effect of same has been investigated on the photophysical properties of NUZO. Based on excitation and emission spectroscopy it was inferred that uranium stabilizes as +6 oxidation state in the form of UO₆^6-. XPS measuremental so establishes +6 oxidation state of uranium in Nd₂Zr₂O₇. Both emission intensity and photoluminescence (PL) decay time increases with increase in temperature till 1000°C beyond which life time saturates where as emission intensity decreases. The decay curve shows two different chemical environments for urinate ion in Nd₂Zr₂O₇ pyrochlore matrix.