In this study, we report the magnetic properties of nanostructured MnxCe_1-xO₂ (0 0.1≤x≤0.5) materials, synthesized via microwave refluxing technique. Phase purity of the samples was investigated using the structural characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These analyses indicated the substitution of Ce-ions with Mn-ions in the lattice. The progressive increase in the oxygen vacancies with increased dopant concentration was demonstrated by Raman, UV–vis and photoluminescence spectroscopic studies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis further supported the presence of Mn²⁺, Ce³⁺ and Ce⁴⁺ ions as well as oxygen vacancies in the samples. The Mn substituted CeO₂ nanostructures were found to exhibit room temperature ferromagnetism (RTFM). There was a continuous improvement in the saturation magnetization (MS) values with increased Mn concentration. This might be due to the prevalence of surface oxygen vacancies and the systematic rise in their concentration with increased dopant content.