Herein we describe a photochemical approach towards oxindoles by the radical cascade reaction of α,β-unsaturated N-arylacryl amides with alkyl bromides or iodides upon visible light irradiation. This transition metal- and photosensitizer-free protocol afforded diverse oxindoles with C3 quaternary centers in high product yields under mild reaction conditions. Importantly, the method was applicable to prepare the core skeletons of (±)-physovenine, (±)-esermethole and (±)-physostigmine.