Gadolinium (Gd3+) doped Y3Ga5O12 nanocrystalline garnet was prepared by nitrate-fuel combustion technique that involves organic fuel glycine. Sample characterization was performed by powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Upon ultraviolet light excitation at 273 nm, Y3Ga5O12:Gd3+ sample exhibits a sharp narrowband ultraviolet B emission at 311.9 nm. The electron spin resonance spectrum of gadolinium doped Y3Ga5O12 samples exhibit resonance signals with the effective g values at g approximate to 2.0, 2.2 and 5.8. These signals are attributed to Gd3+ ion located in distorted surroundings experiencing a relatively strong crystal field.