Mesoporous carbon/silica composites functionalized with –SO3H groups were prepared via polymerization and carbonization of glucose into mesoporous silica SBA-15 and a followed sulfonation by sulphuric acid. These composites were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption and transmission electron microscopy, which suggested the preservation of ordered mesoporous structure, as well as a novel spherical morphology. The result of fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the successful modification of –SO3H groups and the acidity of catalysts was determined by an indirect titration method. The composite with 40 % carbon loading possessing the highest acidity in synthesized catalysts and the ordered mesoporous structure without pore blocking exhibited a remarkable catalytic activity for biodiesel production. Experimental parameters including the carbon loading, molar ratio of reactants, reaction time and reaction temperature were optimized. In addition, a superior recycling property was exhibited after five consecutive cycles.