The issues of proliferation and waste management in the field of nuclear industry are solved, in particular, by the utilization of a U-free fuel matrix (Inert Matrix Fuel, hereinafter: IMF) for burning and transmuting various minor actinides like Am, Cm, Pu, etc. The transuranic elements serve as fissile components in such IMFs. Along with high chemical compatibility with the coolant and clad, an inert matrix should possess high thermal conductivity, high melting point, and high density. Its mechanical properties are one of the most desirable. It is known that Nd can serve as a non-radioactive surrogate of minor actinides, in particular, Am and Cm. This work is aimed to study phase compositions, microstructure, and mechanical behavior of alumina based ceramics containing various molar percentages of Nd2O3 and other oxides of rare-earth metals. In the fabrication process, alumina powder was co-doped with Nd2O3 and other oxides in small amounts to provide the required thermo-physical properties of ceramics for IMFs. Various chemical compositions of alumina based ceramics were considered. The samples were pre-sintered at 1100 °C for 1 h in a nitrogen atmosphere. The final sintering was performed at 1850 °C for 1 h in the same atmosphere. It was found that the sintered ceramics consist of α-Al2O3 with minor inclusions of secondary phases. Flexural strength of the ceramics is in the range of 200–320 MPa. Microhardness of the ceramics estimated by the Vickers indentation method and their fracture toughness also exhibit great data scatters. Such mechanical behavior is related to the microstructure of the studied ceramics. Despite this, the mechanical characteristics levels for these materials were found sufficient to ensure the structural integrity and prolonged lifetime of IMFs.