An efficient synthesis of functionalized 3-acyl-2<i>H</i>-indazoles via visible-light-induced self-catalyzed energy transfer was developed. This method utilized a self-catalyzed energy transfer process between 2<i>H</i>-indazoles and α-keto acids, offering advantages like absence of photosensitizers, metal catalysts, and strong oxidants, broad substrate compatibility, and operational simplicity under mild conditions.