In this study, gamma irradiation synthesis of silver/poly(vinyl alcohol) (Ag/PVA) hydrogels has been carried out by exposing the  mixture of PVA and AgNO₃ in double distilled water to gamma irradiation for 25 kGy dose. The formation of Ag nanoparticles in PVA matrix was confirmed by using UV-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectrophotometer and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface morphology of Ag/PVA hydrogels were studied using Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The swelling properties of the Ag/PVA hydrogel were compared with the PVA hydrogel. Significant increase in the swelling percentage of Ag/PVA hydrogel was observed in comparison to PVA hydrogel. Antibacterial activity of Ag/PVA hydrogel was examined against Escherichia coli (E. coli), and  Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus ) bacteria. The study presented remarkable antibacterial activity and the toxic effect of Ag/PVA hydrogel against both bacteria.