The present disclosure relates to carbon quantum dots and a process for the preparation thereof. The carbon quantum dots of the present disclosure have two key properties which are: (i) the surface functional groups on the carbon quantum dots can help conjugation with biomolecules by using simple chemistry, and (ii) the carbon quantum -dots are fluorescent, and can allow tracking the path and route of the endocytosis in cells. The carbon quantum dots of the present disclosure can emit fluorescence in the visible light region i.e. 400 nm to 700 nm. The carbon quantum dots of the present disclosure can help in understanding the cells, and achieving targeted drug delivery.