Display omitted •This review highlights the Light-promoted methodologies for the oxidation of alcohols.•Different photocatalysts like MOF-hybrids, metal hybrids, metal oxides, and metal free catalysts are discussed.•This study includes the critical analysis of the different reports along with comparative account. Light-promoted methodologies can be considered ideal protocols for green and environment-friendly oxidation of alcohols, unlike many traditional methods and reagents that are toxic, hazardous, and low-yielding with tedious work up. The visible-light-induced photo redox catalysis to produce radical species has a broad scope in the selective oxidation of alcohols into their carbonyl compounds that have a broad application in industries and synthetic chemistry. In this comprehensive review, we targeted articles focused on photocatalytic transformations of primary aromatic alcohols to respective aldehydes. The photoconversion of alcohols into aldehydes was accelerated by MOF-hybrids, metal hybrids, metal oxides, and metal free catalysts. Overall, the present manuscript involves the different aspects of light promoted oxidation reactions of aromatic alcohols employing varied photocatalysts. This study also includes the critical analysis of the different reports available along with comparative account.