University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES)

UPES, established with a 21-year legacy, is a multidisciplinary institution committed to academic excellence, student empowerment, and a future of equal opportunities and sustainability. The university’s vision centers on fostering a personalized learning environment where students become global citizens through international collaborations and entrepreneurial mentoring. With its unique incubator program, 'Runway', UPES aims to transform innovative business ideas into reality, emphasizing its identity as a "Start-up University".

The institution provides a holistic learning experience across diverse fields including engineering, business, law, and design. Its focus on "Design Your Own Degree" allows students to customize their programs to match individual career goals. Located in the serene hills of Dehradun, the university offers an immersive campus life designed to nurture future-ready talent through industry-academia synergy.

Key Details:

• Ranking: Ranked as the #1 Private University in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings, 2025.
• Campus: Operates two serene campuses in Dehradun at Bidholi and Kandoli.
• Placements: Achieved 92% placements for the 2024-25 season, with over 800 recruiters and a highest package of ₹1.3 Crore.
• Global Reach: Features tie-ups with 70 global universities and offers a Global Pathways Program.
• Entrepreneurship: Supports over 250 start-ups that have received grants from the university.
• Academic Schools: Includes specialized schools for Advanced Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Design, Health Sciences & Technology, Law, and Liberal Studies & Humanities.

Courses & Academics

UPES provides a dynamic learning environment across seven specialized schools, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach that allows students to "Design Your Own Degree." This unique framework enables learners to choose a core degree and pair it with a specialization and minor subjects from other schools, such as combining B.Tech with exploratory subjects in Design or Business. The academic curriculum is supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced engineering laboratories and modern media studios, designed to elevate the learning experience.

The university's teaching style is characterized by academic and industry alliances with global institutions and major corporations like Microsoft and KPMG. These collaborations empower students with real-world insights and experiential learning opportunities. By integrating core academic excellence with diverse specializations and industry-led programs, UPES nurtures minds to handle complex challenges through research-driven and exploratory learning pathways.

Departments & Schools

• School of Advanced Engineering: Offers comprehensive programs and expert faculty focused on nurturing minds in diverse engineering disciplines.
• School of Computer Science: Focuses on providing limitless opportunities through modern programs in computing and technology.
• School of Business: Delivers a dynamic learning environment aimed at shaping the future of management and commerce.
• School of Law: Committed to academic excellence through a wide range of legal programs and experiential learning.
• School of Design: Offers specialized facilities like design labs to foster creativity and technical skills in various design fields.
• School of Health Sciences and Technology: Provides comprehensive health-related programs designed to shape the future of healthcare professionals.
• School of Liberal Studies and Humanities: Focuses on academic excellence and a multidisciplinary approach across diverse humanities disciplines.
• School for Life: A specialized school dedicated to fostering a dynamic learning environment and holistic personal development.

Placement & Career Overview

UPES focuses on developing a world-class pool of young professionals who are industry-ready from day one. The Career Services Department plays a vital role by partnering with industries to provide students with essential professional exposure. Through its robust training and preparation programs, the department ensures graduates are highly regarded by top recruiters and quickly absorbed into significant corporate roles.

Key Details:

• Placement Percentage: 92% placements for the 2024-25 session.
• Highest Package: ₹1.3 Crore

Rankings & Accreditations

UPES has established itself as a premier multidisciplinary institution with a formidable reputation in both national and international academic circles. Recognized for its research-led teaching and industry-aligned programs, the university is consistently acknowledged as one of India's leading private universities. Its commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its steady ascent through global and national ranking indices, positioning it among the top percentage of universities worldwide.

Key Details:

• NIRF Ranking: Ranked 45th in the University category, 18th in Law, 36th in Management, 43rd in Engineering, and 45th in the Research category as per NIRF 2025.
• NAAC Accreditation: Accredited with an 'A' grade and a CGPA of 3.02/4.
• Global Rankings: Ranked in the 801-850 band globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and recognized as the No. 1 private university for Academic Reputation in India by QS. It is also placed in the 501-600 band globally by Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025.
• Other Recognitions: Recognized as a Scientific and Research Organisation by the DSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Reviews 

Academic: 4/5

Faculty: 4/5

Infrastructure: 4/5

Accommodation: 4/5

Social Life: 4/5

Placement: 4/5

Scholarship Programs & Details

UPES is dedicated to supporting student ambitions through a comprehensive financial aid ecosystem. In the 2023-24 academic year, the university awarded ₹46 Crore in scholarships to over 6,800 students, emphasizing its commitment to rewarding academic excellence, fostering diversity, and ensuring access to quality education for all backgrounds.

Named Scholarship Programs

• Entry Level Scholarship: Available for regular Undergraduate programs based on merit in 12th board exams, JEE, CUET, or CLAT-AIR scores. It offers a 10% to 30% tuition fee waiver for the first year, with specific scores such as ≥ 95% in 12th marks or JEE yielding the highest 30% waiver.
• Special Scholarship for Liberal Studies Programs: Targeted at the first 100 admissions in programs like B.Sc. (Hons.) Economics and Data Science. It provides an additional 10% scholarship on the first-year tuition fee on a first-cum-first-serve basis.
• Special Scholarship for B.Tech (Mathematics and Computing): A program-specific award for the first 30 students admitted. It provides a 30% scholarship on the tuition fee for the first year only.
• Scholarship for MBA program: Available to all regular MBA applicants (excluding Global Pathway) based on academic or entrance exam performance. Eligible students with a CAT score ≥ 85 percentile or minimum 80% in graduation receive a 20% tuition fee waiver for the first year.
• Domicile Scholarship: Reserved for 25% of seats for students who are bonafide residents of Uttarakhand. It offers a 25% scholarship on the tuition fee per semester for the entire duration of the course.
• Jyoti Scholarship (Freeships): A merit-cum-need-based program for students from underprivileged backgrounds with a family income not exceeding ₹8 lakh per annum. It provides a 100% scholarship covering tuition and other academic fees for 51 students annually.
• Vijay Scholarship: Promotes a sports culture by offering up to 100% tuition fee waivers to talented sportspersons. International medal holders (Gold/Silver/Bronze) receive a full 100% waiver, while national-level participants can receive up to 50%.
• Academic Performance Scholarship: Awarded to existing students from the second year onwards based on their performance in university exams. Benefits are applied to the fee invoice of the subsequent academic year for students maintaining high SGPA/CGPA and 75% attendance.
• Student Financial Support: Provides a relaxation of ₹50,000 towards tuition fees per semester for students who lose an earning parent after securing admission. Eligibility requires maintaining or improving academic performance without backlogs.
• Alumni Scholarship: Specifically for UPES graduates who wish to pursue higher studies at the university. (Details regarding specific percentage benefits for this category were referenced as available but not enumerated in specific numbers on the primary list).
• Sherryl Kintu Scholarship: A specific named international award listed under the aid categories for students. (Detailed criteria for this specific named scholarship were mentioned in the category list but without specific eligibility numbers provided on the summary page).

Faculty & Research Profiles

The faculty at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) comprises a distinguished collective of academicians and industry veterans who prioritize transformative education and high-impact research. Many faculty members are highly qualified individuals holding PhDs from world-renowned institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Stanford, and the IITs. They maintain a dual role by integrating cutting-edge research—exemplified by several members being ranked in the top 2% of global researchers—into a pedagogy that nurtures student critical thinking and professional excellence.

Key Details:

• Faculty Strength: The university boasts a robust faculty profile where 50+ members are featured in the Stanford list of the top 2% researchers in the world.
• Research Focus: Major research areas span across STEM (Particle Physics, Biofuels, Sustainability), Management, and Healthcare (Nanotech solutions and cancer research).
• Global Background: Faculty include globally acclaimed scholars such as Rhodes, Fulbright, and Commonwealth scholars with international teaching and research experience at institutions like CERN.
• Student-Faculty Ratio: Approximately 30:1, according to campus data, ensuring a balance between personalized attention and multidisciplinary peer interaction.

Notable Faculty Examples:

• Dr. Sunil Rai - School of Business: A distinguished academic leader with over four decades of experience spanning academia and industry.
• Prof. Bhaskar Bhatt - School of Design: An institution-building expert with 22 years of experience focusing on design-led solutions for global challenges.
• Dr. Abhishek Sinha - School of Law: A highly celebrated, dual-qualified corporate lawyer and Dean of the School of Law.
• Dr. Padma Venkat - School of Health Sciences and Technology: An expert in Microbiology and Phytochemistry with over 31 years of experience in public health and research.
• Dr. Sravendra Rana - School of Advanced Engineering: A Professor specializing in self-healing polymers for aerospace safety and advanced material research.

Campus & Hostel Infrastructure

Physical Amenities

• Room Specifications: Single, double, and triple sharing occupancy. Options for AC and Non-AC rooms. Furnishings include a bed, mattress, study desk, chair, table lamp, wardrobe (almirah), and utility shelves. Rooms feature wide windows and attached or common washrooms.
• Safety Features: 24/7 security personnel and CCTV surveillance on every floor and at building exits. Controlled access to hostels. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for security guards. Thermal screening and social distancing protocols at entrance gates.
• Utility Services: Wi-Fi connectivity. Laundry facilities. Dedicated mess facility providing vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. RO water supply. Medical assistance and 24/7 medical center. Solar power water heaters. Car parking.
• Building Features: Elevators in multi-story buildings. 24/7 power backup. Common rooms for relaxation and recreation. Accessible infrastructure including ramps and wide doorways. Designated parking for mobility-challenged individuals.

Visual Identification

• Multi-storied Cafeteria and Food Courts
• UPES Library (400-seat capacity)
• Sports Complex (multipurpose playground)
• Cricket Grounds (natural turf and floodlit)
• Synthetic Basketball Courts
• Volleyball Courts
• Indoor Badminton Courts
• Football Ground
• Gymnasium
• Advanced Engineering Laboratories
• Media Studio
• Design Labs
• Auditorium

Fees

The fee structure at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) for the academic session 2025–26 is designed to be transparent and comprehensive, ensuring students are well-informed about their financial commitments. The structure typically includes various components such as tuition fees and academic service fees, which are payable on a semester-wise basis. The university also incorporates additional charges for training, industrial tours, and certifications to prepare students for industry-ready roles across its specialized schools.

To support academic aspirations, UPES provides various financial aid options and bursaries for families experiencing financial hardship. The university is known for its merit-based scholarship programs, which offer up to 30% tuition fee waivers for undergraduate students based on entrance exam ranks and board marks. Additionally, separate fees are applicable for on-campus residential facilities, varying by campus location and room configuration, such as triple-sharing or air-conditioned options.