Microwave assisted efficient Hantzsch reaction via four-component coupling reactions of tetrazolo [l,5-a]quinoline-4-carbal-dehyde, dimedone/cyclohexane-l,3-dione, ethyl/methyl acetoacetate and ammonium acetate was described as the preparation of tetrazolo [l,5-a]quinoline based 1,4-dihydropyridines, acridine-l,8-diones and polyhydroquinolines. The process presented here is simple, rapid, environmentally welcoming and high yielding. All the derivatives were subjected to an in vitro antimicrobial screening against a representative panel of bacteria and fungi and results worth further investigations.