University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun

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 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 hills of Dehradun, the university offers an immersive campus life designed to nurture future-ready talent through industry-academia synergy.

• Ranking: Ranked #1 Private University in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings 2025.
• Campus specifics: Operates two campuses in Dehradun at Bidholi and Kandoli.
• Institution Status: Private University, recognized by the UGC and accredited with an 'A' grade by NAAC.

Cutoff & Admission Trends

UPES admissions for 2026 are competitive, driven by a combination of national-level test scores and university-specific entrance exams (UPESEAT, UPESMET, ULSAT, UPESDAT). The university evaluates students holistically, matching their academic background with program rigor.

• Exam Accepted: JEE Main, CUET, CAT, MAT, XAT, NMAT, CLAT, LSAT, SAT, UPESEAT, UPESMET, ULSAT, UPESDAT.
• General Category Cutoff: For B.Tech CSE, the expected JEE Main rank cutoff is between 2,00,000 and 4,50,000, while UPESEAT scores range from 520 to 640 out of 800. For MBA programs, the CAT and XAT cutoffs typically stand at the 50th percentile, while MAT demands a 70th percentile.
• Reserved Category Cutoff: The university accommodates relaxed cutoff brackets for reserved categories as per state regulations, with expected UPESEAT CSE scores ranging from 420 to 540 for SC candidates.
• Course-wise Cutoff: High-demand branches like Aerospace and Computer Science, along with 5-year Law programs (requiring a CLAT rank up to 20,000), dictate the most competitive scores.

Securing a seat requires a solid combination of entrance test performance and academic consistency. High percentiles in national exams or high board merit (80% and above in PCM) can directly secure both admission and significant scholarship waivers.

Admission Process & Eligibility

The admission process at UPES involves evaluating students through entrance examinations and personal interactions. The 2026 cycle utilizes a centralized online application portal to ensure a smooth transition from test-taking to final enrollment.

1. Step 1: Application: Candidates select their course and submit the online application form along with a fee of ₹1750.
2. Step 2: Entrance: Applicants appear for university entrance exams (UPESEAT, UPESMET, ULSAT, UPESDAT) or submit valid national-level scores.
3. Step 3: Counselling/Interview: Shortlisted candidates attend online or offline Personal Interviews (PI) and portfolio presentations (for Design candidates).
4. Step 4: Final Selection: A provisional offer letter is issued, and candidates must pay the acceptance fee to reserve their seat before the offer expiry date.

• Undergraduate: Minimum 50% marks in Class X and XII (PCM mandatory for core B.Tech programs).
• Postgraduate: Minimum 50% marks in Graduation from a recognized university.
• Doctoral: Master's degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks.
• Application Mode: Online.
• Selection Criteria: Entrance test scores combined with Personal Interview performance, counselling, or portfolio reviews.

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 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 advanced engineering laboratories and 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 focused on nurturing minds in diverse engineering disciplines.
• School of Computer Science: Focuses on providing limitless opportunities through 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 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: Dedicated to fostering a dynamic learning environment and holistic personal development.

Placement & Career Insights

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

• Placement Rate: 92% placements recorded for the 2024-25 session.
• Average Package: INR 6 Lakhs - 9 Lakhs (depending on the specific school).
• Highest Package: ₹1.3 Crore.
• Top Recruiters: A network of over 800 recruiters across diverse industry verticals.
• Domain-wise Placement: The School of Computer Science consistently sees the highest salary figures with roles in software engineering and data science; the School of Business secures strong placements in management and consulting; core engineering graduates find robust opportunities in energy, petroleum, and aerospace sectors.

The dedicated corporate resource network at UPES ensures that graduates successfully transition into professional environments, benefiting from long-term career growth and global employability.

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.

• NIRF Ranking: Ranked 45th in the University category, 18th in Law, 36th in Management, 43rd in Engineering, and 45th in Research (2025).
• NAAC Accreditation: Accredited with an 'A' grade and a CGPA of 3.02/4.
• Institution Status: Private University.
• Global Rankings: Ranked 801-850 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and 501-600 globally by THE World University Rankings 2025.
• Other Recognitions: Recognized as a Scientific and Research Organisation by the DSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology.

These extensive recognitions validate the institution’s rigorous academic framework, confirming its status among the top tier of universities worldwide.

Faculty & Research Profiles

The faculty at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies 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.

• Faculty Strength: A robust academic body featuring 50+ members ranked in the Stanford list of the top 2% researchers in the world.
• Research Focus: Spans across STEM (Particle Physics, Biofuels, Sustainability), Management, and Healthcare (Nanotech solutions and cancer research).
• Global Background: Includes globally acclaimed scholars such as Rhodes, Fulbright, and Commonwealth scholars with international teaching experience at institutions like CERN.
• Student-Faculty Ratio: Maintained at approximately 30:1 to ensure a balance between personalized attention and multidisciplinary peer interaction.
• 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.
• 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.
• Dr. Sravendra Rana - School of Advanced Engineering: A Professor specializing in self-healing polymers for aerospace safety and advanced material research.

Campus & Hostel Infrastructure

• Room Specifications: Single, double, and triple sharing occupancy; AC and Non-AC options; furnished with beds, mattresses, study desks, chairs, table lamps, wardrobes, and utility shelves; 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 protocols at entrance gates.
• Utility Services: Wi-Fi connectivity; laundry facilities; dedicated mess providing vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals; RO water supply; 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; accessible infrastructure including ramps and wide doorways; designated parking for mobility-challenged individuals.
• Multi-storied Cafeteria and Food Courts
• UPES Library
• Sports Complex
• Cricket Grounds
• Synthetic Basketball Courts
• Volleyball Courts
• Indoor Badminton Courts
• Football Ground
• Gymnasium
• Advanced Engineering Laboratories
• Media Studio
• Design Labs
• Auditorium

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.

• Entry Level Scholarship: Offers a 10% to 30% tuition fee waiver for the first year based on merit in 12th board exams, JEE, CUET, or CLAT-AIR scores.
• Special Scholarship for Liberal Studies Programs: Provides an additional 10% scholarship on the first-year tuition fee for the first 100 admissions on a first-cum-first-serve basis.
• Special Scholarship for B.Tech (Mathematics and Computing): Provides a 30% scholarship on the tuition fee for the first year for the first 30 students admitted.
• Scholarship for MBA program: 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 bonafide residents of Uttarakhand, offering a 25% tuition scholarship per semester for the entire course.
• Jyoti Scholarship (Freeships): Provides a 100% scholarship covering tuition and academic fees for 51 students annually from underprivileged backgrounds (income ≤ ₹8 lakh).
• Vijay Scholarship: Offers up to 100% tuition fee waivers to talented sportspersons (100% for international medalists, up to 50% for national-level participants).
• Academic Performance Scholarship: Awarded to existing students from the second year onwards based on university exam performance 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.
• Alumni Scholarship: Specifically for UPES graduates who wish to pursue higher studies at the university.
• Sherryl Kintu Scholarship: A specific named international award listed under the aid categories for students.

These structured financial awards democratize access to elite education, driving a highly motivated, diverse, and high-achieving university cohort.

Fees

The fee structure at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) for the academic session 2026 is designed to be transparent and comprehensive. The structure includes various components such as tuition fees and academic service fees, which are payable on a semester-wise basis. The university incorporates additional charges for training, industrial tours, and certifications to prepare students for industry-ready roles. Additionally, separate fees are applicable for on-campus residential facilities, varying by campus location and room configuration.

Reviews

Academic: 4/5

Faculty: 4/5

Infrastructure: 4/5

Accommodation: 4/5

Social Life: 4/5

Placement: 4/5