Excitonic splitting of CdX(X = Se, S and Te)/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals is analysed by a tight-binding theory and a configuration interaction method. Excitonic splitting energies are decreased with the increasing ZnS shell thickness. The strongest electron-hole interactions are detected in CdSe/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals. CdS/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals are the best candidates to be the source of entangled photons.