Systematic strategies have been employed to designing the acceptor part for dye sensitized solar cell and nonlinear optical properties using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations. The designed dyes have followed donor-π-spacer-acceptor (D-π-A) pattern. For designing of organic dyes, we have utilized the 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) unit as a accepter for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and investigating the impact of various electron acceptor in the designed framework. For designing of such framework, we have employed B3LYP level of theory and 6–311+G(d,p) basis set. Initially, the optoelectronic properties of the metal free dyes are calculated based on different acceptors and then we have designed (2–9) dyes. The designed dyes which contain TCNQ-based acceptors show enhance power conversion and optoelectronic properties than that of reference one. We have calculated different parameters such as dipole moments (μnormal), band gap (Egap), electron injection (ΔGinjection), driving force of regeneration (ΔGregen), and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties. We have also investigated the essential process of dye adsorption on titanium dioxide (TiO2) surfaces. The calculated values of μnormal (17.79 & 22.37 debye) and Egap (0.57 & 0.88 eV) for dyes 8 &9 respectively which are more efficient than that of dye 1. Furthermore, the calculations for density of state (DOS) and partial density of state (PDOS) validate the FMO analysis and demonstrate effective charge transfer from the HOMO to LUMO. Further, the designed dye molecules were exhibiting enhanced and gigantic nonlinear optical properties. In comparison to cyanoacrylic acid, the TCNQ group has the potential to function as a superior acceptor in upcoming applications of DSSCs.