Various compositions of vanadium cadmium borate glasses have been prepared using normal melt quench technique. The changes caused by the addition of V2O5 on the structure of these glasses have been studied by recording the FTIR spectra over the range 400-4000 cm(-1). The theoretical optical basicity has been calculated as a function of composition. The density and molar volume studies indicate that V2O5 in these glasses is acting as network modifier rather than network former. The temperature (373-573 K) and composition dependent direct current (DC) electrical conductivity have been reported. The variations in density, molar volume and electrical conductivity with V2O5 content have been discussed in terms of changes in the glass structure. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.