University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES)

The conceptualization of the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) as a specialized, sector-focused institution in 2003 was a response to the critical skills gap in India’s then-nascent energy and hydrocarbon sectors. Established via the UPES Act of the Uttarakhand State Legislature, it initially stood as Asia's first energy-centric university. However, the institutional trajectory over the subsequent two decades reveals a profound shift from a niche technical college to a comprehensive, transdisciplinary university that describes itself as the "University of Tomorrow". 

This evolution has been marked by a deliberate expansion into law, management, design, computer science, and health sciences, all while maintaining a research-heavy posture that has recently catapulted the university into significant global and national rankings. The university’s current standing is defined not merely by its physical expansion across its 44-acre Dehradun campus but by a sophisticated ecosystem of industrial integration, global mobility, and an innovation-first approach to pedagogy.

Governance Framework and Institutional Values

The governance of UPES is structured to facilitate rapid institutional growth while adhering to rigorous regulatory standards. As a UGC-recognized and NAAC 'A' grade accredited institution, its leadership involves a blend of seasoned academicians and industry veterans. The university is governed by an Academic Council, a Board of Governors, and a Board of Management, ensuring that its strategic direction remains aligned with both global educational trends and domestic industrial requirements. The presence of representatives from elite institutions such as IIT Roorkee and the Indian Institute of Science, alongside corporate leaders from companies like Schlumberger and GMR Group, underscores a governance model that prioritizes a bridge between theory and industrial practice.

The institutional identity is rooted in five core values: Respect, Innovation, Passion, Inclusivity, and Trust. These values are translated into operational policies that cover a wide spectrum of academic and administrative life, including equality and diversity, institutional sustainability, and a stringent policy against academic malpractice and plagiarism. This ethical framework is essential for an institution that manages a student body of over 19,100 individuals and a faculty and staff community exceeding 1,500 members. The university’s vision to be an institution of global standing is evidenced by its commitment to nation-building through the development of professionally competent talent equipped with an international outlook.

The Multi-Disciplinary Academic Architecture

The academic portfolio of UPES is distributed across seven specialized schools, each serving as a domain-specific center of excellence while participating in the university’s broader transdisciplinary initiatives. This structure allows for both deep technical specialization and the horizontal integration of knowledge, which is a hallmark of the UPES pedagogical model.

School of Advanced Engineering

The School of Advanced Engineering represents the founding legacy of the university, continuing its focus on core sectors while embracing advanced technologies. It offers traditional and specialized programs in areas such as Applied Petroleum Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Fire and Safety Engineering. The engineering curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in core principles while incorporating the latest advancements in sustainability and smart manufacturing. This school’s commitment to practical learning is evidenced by its simulation labs and its involvement in the Bajaj BEST initiative, which has established advanced laboratories for robotics and mechatronics.

School of Computer Science

Reflecting the digital transformation of the global economy, the School of Computer Science has become one of the most significant pillars of the university. It focuses on high-growth domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Data Science. The school’s research engine is supported by the Machine Intelligence Research Centre (MIRC), which provides high-end computing resources for fundamental and applied AI work.

School of Business

The School of Business at UPES integrates academic rigor with industry-driven insights, focusing on sectors like Oil and Gas, Aviation, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management. It has achieved significant recognition, ranking 36th in the NIRF 2025 Management category and 42nd among private B-schools in the IIRF 2025 rankings. The curriculum is notably industry-aligned, with partnerships like the one with EY India for Data Science and AI, and KPMG for Business Analytics.

School of Design, Law, and Health Sciences

The School of Design, established in 2013, was the first of its kind in Uttarakhand and offers a wide array of programs in product design, fashion design, and animation. The School of Law, established in 2007, originally focused on energy specialization but has since expanded into corporate, criminal, and international law, maintaining a high rank of 18th in the NIRF 2025 Law category. The School of Health Sciences & Technology represents the university’s newest frontier, combining research in microbiology and pharmaceutical sciences with technology and industry collaboration.

School of Liberal Studies and Media

Launched in 2022, the School of Liberal Studies emphasizes transdisciplinary learning, allowing students to combine majors in disciplines like Political Science or History with minors in Economics or Data Science. This school exemplifies the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), fostering global citizenship and ethical decision-making through a curriculum that encourages students to look beyond disciplinary silos.

The Transdisciplinary Framework: School for Life and Srijan

A unique feature of the UPES educational model is the "School for Life" (SFL), which is mandatory for all undergraduate students. SFL is designed to equip students with 21st-century skills that are often neglected in traditional technical education, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.

Curriculum Structure and Credits

The SFL curriculum requires students to earn a minimum of 18 credits through a sequence of life skills courses, exploratory courses, and signature courses. These courses are often delivered in a rigorous boot camp format to maximize engagement and learning outcomes.

The Srijan Social Internship

Integral to this framework is the Srijan Social Internship, a 6-8 week mandatory engagement with social organizations. This program aims to develop empathy and social responsibility by having students work directly with communities to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UPES has collaborated with over 1,100 organizations for this initiative, providing students with a metamorphic experience that often informs their future professional ethics.

Comprehensive Program Analysis and Enrollment Trends

UPES offers a vast array of programs across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. The university's total program count includes approximately 282 courses across 23 degrees.

Academic Offerings by Degree Level

The following table provides a breakdown of the diverse academic offerings available at the university:

The student population reflects a high degree of geographic diversity, with approximately 83% of students coming from outside the state of Uttarakhand. This diversity is supported by a faculty count of over 600, maintaining a student-to-faculty ratio that facilitates personalized learning.

Admission Process and Selection Criteria

The admission process at UPES is designed to be inclusive yet selective, utilizing both university-specific entrance examinations and national-level tests to identify talent.

Eligibility Framework

For most undergraduate programs, a minimum of 50% aggregate in Class X and XII is required. However, for specialized engineering tracks, a minimum of 50% in the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) cluster in Class XII is mandatory. More competitive programs, such as B.Tech Mathematics and Computing, require a higher threshold of 70% in Class X and XII, with 70% in PCM.

International and NRI Admissions

UPES provides a streamlined application process for international and NRI students. This includes an online application with a non-refundable USD 50 processing fee. Eligibility for undergraduate programs is assessed based on 'A' Level or equivalent Class XII certificates, while postgraduate eligibility for degrees earned outside India must be certified by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The university also offers tuition fee scholarships for international students based on their qualifying exam performance.

The Research Engine: Output, Recognition, and Infrastructure

A defining characteristic of UPES in the current decade is its aggressive pivot toward being a research-intensive university. The institution has seen a 450% growth in its research output since 2018, totaling over 11,700 publications with more than 148,000 citations as of the 2024-2025 period.

Citations

Over 50 faculty members have been featured on the prestigious Stanford University list of the world’s top 2% researchers.

Funded Research and Elite Collaborations

The research ecosystem is sustained by both internal SEED funding and significant external grants from national and international agencies.

Other research focuses include geohazard mapping for seismic zone identification, development of lightweight ballistic materials for national security, and sustainable energy solutions like biomass pellets and portable biogas for rural cold regions.

Specialized Research Centers

The university facilitates transdisciplinary research through several functional Centers of Excellence:

• Himalayan Institute of Learning and Leadership (HILL): Focuses on sustainable solutions for challenges specific to the Himalayan region.

• Centre for Research in AI and Data Science (CRAIDS): Drives cross-sectoral applications of machine learning.

• Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIDRI): A platform for developing products with intellectual property rights through the interaction of science, engineering, and law.

• Centre of Alternative Energy Research (CAER): Dedicated to biofuel production and plastic waste-to-energy technologies.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The "Runway" Incubator

UPES’s commitment to fostering a startup culture is embodied in its flagship project, "Runway." Launched in 2021, Runway operates under the UPES Council for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UCIE) and has quickly become one of the region's most active incubators.

Incubation Metrics and Financial Support

Runway has supported over 250 startups since its inception, spanning diverse sectors such as EdTech, DeepTech, HealthTech, and Sustainability. These ventures have collectively raised over INR 20-25 crore in external funding and command a combined market valuation of approximately INR 114 crore.

The incubator's success is bolstered by grants totaling over INR 14 crore from prestigious agencies including DST, MeitY, BIRAC, and NITI Aayog. These funds provide critical seed support, legal advisory, and workspace for budding entrepreneurs.

Flagship Startup Success Stories

• Envinova Smartech: Founded by Arjun Mittal, this brand builds sustainable, solar-powered infrastructure and was recognized among India's top 10 solar startups.

• UGreen Technologies: Founded by Gaurav Dwivedi, it launched India's first carbon capture pilot for the E&P sector and raised ₹92.5 lakh.

• Genetico: A specialized EHR platform for rare genetic disorders, valued at ₹27 crore and backed by MeitY and BIRAC.

• Diagnosis: An AI-based early autism screening tool featured on Shark Tank India.

• PensionBox: Founded by Kuldeep Parashar, it is India’s first digital pension platform, securing significant funding from notable investors.

Alumni entrepreneurship extends beyond Runway, with figures like Anmol Jaggi co-founding BluSmart, a major player in India’s electric mobility space.

International Tie-ups and Global Mobility

The university’s internationalization strategy, managed by the Department of International Affairs (DIA), aims to foster a globally inclusive academic community through partnerships with over 70 top-ranking universities.

The Global Pathway Program

The Global Pathway Program is a cornerstone of this strategy, allowing students to complete a portion of their degree at UPES and the remainder at an international partner institution. This model facilitates credit transfers and enables students to earn degrees from globally recognized universities at a significantly reduced cost.

In addition to degree pathways, students can participate in Semester Abroad Programs at institutions like UC Berkeley, the University of Warsaw, and the University of Bologna. Faculty exchange and joint research publications further enhance the university's global integration.

Employability, Placement, and Corporate Relations

UPES boasts a robust placement record, which it leverages to attract high-caliber students. In the 2025 placement season, the university achieved a 100% placement rate for eligible students, with over 800 recruiters scouting talent across its campuses.

Key Placement Statistics

The following data summarizes the employability outcomes for the current academic cycle:

Major Recruiters and Industry Partnerships

Recruiters span various sectors, from global tech giants to specialized industrial players. Notable participants include Microsoft, Bain & Company, Oracle, DE Shaw & Co., KPMG, EY, Deloitte, and Schlumberger. The university’s strong industry tie-ups with firms like NASSCOM and IBM ensure that graduates possess immediately relevant skills, particularly in the tech and analytics sectors.

Physical Infrastructure and Campus Amenities

The university's two campuses—Bidholi and Kandoli—are situated in the scenic environment of Dehradun, providing a 44-acre estate optimized for both academic rigor and student wellness.

Academic and Research Facilities

The infrastructure is designed to support a practical learning pedagogy. This includes smart classrooms equipped with digital teaching tools and department-specific labs that house contemporary technology. Specialized facilities such as simulation labs for petroleum and power studies, design studios, and the Central Instrumentation Centre (CIC) provide students with industry-standard resources. The Machine Intelligence Research Centre (MIRC) is particularly advanced, featuring HPE Apollo 6000 servers and NVIDIA Tesla V100 GPUs for high-end computing.

Residential and Lifestyle Infrastructure

UPES offers extensive on-campus residential facilities with separate hostels for male and female students, housing more than 2,000 residents. Hostel amenities include Wi-Fi, 24x7 security, solar water heaters, and hygienic mess services. The central library is a significant academic hub, featuring over 73,000 printed volumes, access to national and international e-resources, and a seating capacity for over 400 students.

Recreational facilities include:

• Sports Complexes: A multipurpose playground for hockey, cricket, football, and handball.

• Cricket Stadium: A premium natural turf ground with floodlights for night matches.

• Gymnasium: A modern facility equipped with cardio and weightlifting apparatuses.

• Auditorium: A spacious venue for cultural and formal institutional events.

Rankings and Standing in the Educational Landscape

UPES has consistently climbed in major national and global ranking frameworks, reflecting its growing reputation in research and academic excellence.

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)

In the NIRF 2025 rankings by the Ministry of Education, India, the university achieved significant positions across several categories.

The university has shown a consistent upward trend, jumping from an overall rank of 97 in 2022 to 64 in 2025, while the law school improved from 28th in 2024 to 18th in 2025.

International Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF)

The IIRF rankings specifically highlight UPES's standing among private institutions in India.

According to IIRF parameters, the university scores highly in Future Orientation (108.12), External Perception (109.85), and Research (101.02), contributing to an overall score of 700.25 out of 1000.

Alumni Base and Notable Successes

The UPES alumni community comprises over 40,000 individuals working across marquee global brands and building their own ventures. This network is characterized by its presence in core sectors like energy and hydrocarbons, as well as the emerging digital and tech economies.

Corporate Leaders and Professionals

Graduates from the various schools have achieved high-level positions in global organizations:

• Shreya Singh (B.Tech Alumna): Lead Business Development at SLB (Schlumberger Limited).

• Ankit Jain (Law Alumnus): Partner Designate at Luthra and Luthra Law Offices.

• Ankit Dubey (M.Des Alumnus): Product Design Lead at Flipkart & Cleartrip.

• Manik Garg (B.Tech Alumnus): Secured a package of ₹1.3 Crore at Atlassian.

• Nitika Jain (MBA Alumna): Business Analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

• Abhinav Saxena (IT Alumnus): Engineer at CISCO, Singapore.

Entrepreneurial Impact

The entrepreneurial spirit of the university is evidenced by alumni who have disrupted traditional markets. Notable among these are Anmol Jaggi (BluSmart), Kuldeep Parashar (PensionBox), and the founders of Cognecto, which provides AI solutions for the construction industry and secured INR 4 crore in funding. Alumni success stories serve as inspiration for current students, reinforced by institutional initiatives like the Alumni Association, which maintains strong professional networking channels.

The Integrated Vision of the University of Tomorrow

The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies has successfully transformed from a specialized training ground for the energy sector into a multi-disciplinary powerhouse in the Indian private higher education landscape. This transition is underpinned by a research-intensive culture that has led to significant global recognition and high-impact industrial collaborations. The institution's unique pedagogical framework, exemplified by the School for Life and mandatory social internships, addresses the global demand for ethical and empathetic leadership.

Furthermore, the university's "Startup University" identity, facilitated by the Runway incubator and significant government funding, has established a robust pipeline for innovation and job creation. As UPES continues to rise in both national (NIRF, IIRF) and international (QS, THE) rankings, its focus remains on bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world industrial and societal challenges.

Its comprehensive infrastructure, diverse international pathways, and strong employability outcomes position it as a leader in preparing students for the volatile and technology-driven landscape of the future. The continued investment in deep-tech research and sustainable regional solutions ensures that UPES will play a critical role in both the intellectual and economic development of the nation.

FAQs

1. What is UPES? 

UPES (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies) is a prestigious private university located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, known for its specialization in energy, infrastructure, transportation, and emerging technologies.

2. Is UPES recognized by the UGC? 

Yes, UPES is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956.

3. Where is the campus located? 

UPES has two main campuses in Dehradun: the Bidholi campus (Energy Acres) and the Kandoli campus (Knowledge Acres).

4. Is UPES a government university? 

No, UPES is a private university established through the UPES Act, 2003, of the State Legislative Assembly of Uttarakhand.

5. Does the university have NAAC accreditation? 

Yes, UPES has been accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a grade of ‘A’.

6. How do I apply for admission? 

Applications can be submitted online through the official UPES website. You will need to register, fill out the application form, and pay the requisite application fee.

7. What is UPESEAT? 

UPESEAT (UPES Engineering Aptitude Test) is the university's internal entrance exam for admission into various B.Tech programs.

8. Does UPES accept JEE Main scores? 

Yes, UPES reserves a percentage of seats for students applying through JEE Main scores.

9. What are the criteria for MBA admissions? 

MBA admissions are based on scores from national exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, or the university's own UPESMET exam, followed by a personal interview.

10. What is the eligibility for B.Tech programs?

 Candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks in Class 10th and 12th, with at least 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 12th.

11. Does the university offer Law programs? 

Yes, the School of Law at UPES offers integrated programs like B.A. LL.B., B.B.A. LL.B., and B.Com. LL.B., which are approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI).

12. What is ULSAT? 

ULSAT (UPES Legal Studies Aptitude Test) is the entrance exam conducted by the university for admission into its various law programs.

13. Are scholarships available for students? 

Yes, UPES offers various scholarships based on merit in entrance exams, board marks, and for students who are residents of Uttarakhand.

14. Can NRI or international students apply? 

Yes, UPES has a dedicated category for International/NRI students. Admissions are usually based on academic merit and a personal interview.

15. What are the different schools within UPES? 

UPES includes the School of Advanced Engineering, School of Computer Science, School of Business, School of Law, School of Design, School of Health Sciences & Technology, School of Liberal Studies, and School of Smart Agriculture.

16. Why is UPES famous for "Energy" programs? 

UPES was the first university in India to offer specialized programs in Petroleum, Oil & Gas, and Power Management, tailored to the specific needs of the energy sector.

17. What is the "Design" school at UPES? 

The School of Design (UPES School of Design) is highly regarded for its programs in Transportation Design, Interaction Design, and Product Design.

18. Does UPES offer Ph.D. programs? 

Yes, the university offers doctoral programs in various fields of engineering, management, law, and science.

19. What is the medium of instruction? 

The medium of instruction for all academic and professional programs is English.

20. Does UPES have an industry-aligned curriculum? 

Yes, UPES collaborates with industry giants like IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, and Tata Power to co-develop curriculum and set up specialized labs.

21. What is the fee structure for B.Tech? 

Fees vary by specialization but generally range between ₹2 Lakhs to ₹3 Lakhs per semester. It is advisable to check the latest fee schedule on the website.

22. Is the hostel fee included in the tuition fee? 

No, hostel charges are separate and depend on the type of accommodation chosen.

23. What is the scholarship for female students? 

UPES often offers a "Shakti" scholarship, providing a significant tuition fee waiver for female students to encourage diversity in technical and management fields.

24. Can I get a refund if I withdraw my admission? 

Refunds are processed as per the UGC guidelines and the university's specific withdrawal policy mentioned in the prospectus.

25. How is the placement record at UPES? 

UPES consistently reports high placement percentages, often exceeding 90% for eligible students across various schools.

26. Who are the top recruiters?

 Frequent recruiters include ExxonMobil, Shell, Reliance, Halliburton, Accenture, Deloitte, Amazon, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

27. What is the average package for graduates? 

While it varies by stream, the average package for engineering and management graduates generally ranges between ₹6 Lakhs to ₹9 Lakhs per annum.

28. Does the university provide internship support? 

Yes, the Career Services department assists students in securing internships that are a mandatory part of most degree programs.

29. What is the "Industry Immersion" program?

 It is an initiative where students get to work on live industry projects, attend guest lectures from industry experts, and visit industrial sites.

30. Are the hostels on campus? 

Yes, there are separate hostel facilities for boys and girls located within or very close to the campuses in Dehradun.

31. What are the sports facilities like? 

The campuses offer facilities for cricket, football, basketball, volleyball, and indoor games like table tennis and chess.

32. Is there a library on campus? 

Yes, each campus has a well-equipped library with a vast collection of specialized books, journals, and access to international digital databases.

33. Is the campus Wi-Fi enabled? 

The entire campus, including academic blocks and hostels, is Wi-Fi enabled for students and faculty.

34. Are there medical facilities available?

 The university has an on-campus infirmary with resident doctors and ambulance services available 24/7.

35. What is the annual fest of UPES? 

"Wow Wednesday" and "Urja" are some of the popular cultural and technical fests organized by the university.

36. Are there student clubs?

 Yes, there are numerous technical and cultural clubs, including chapters of international societies like SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) and IEEE.

37. Does UPES have a research focus?

 Yes, the university has multiple research centers focusing on Renewable Energy, Nanotechnology, and Artificial Intelligence.

38. What is the "Runway" incubator? 

Runway is the startup incubator at UPES that provides mentorship, funding, and legal support to student-led startups and entrepreneurs.

39. Can students work on research papers? 

Yes, undergraduate and postgraduate students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty on research projects and publications.

40. What is the attendance requirement? 

Students are required to maintain a minimum of 75% attendance in each subject to be eligible for the semester-end examinations.

41. Is there a dress code? 

While there is no daily uniform for all, students are required to wear formal university uniforms on specific days, during presentations, and for placement activities.

42. Is the campus ragging-free? 

UPES has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards ragging and has a dedicated Anti-Ragging Committee to ensure a safe environment.

43. How do I reach the UPES campus?

 The campuses are located about an hour's drive from Dehradun city center. The university provides shuttle services from various points in the city.

44. What is the weather like in Dehradun? 

The weather is generally pleasant, but it can get quite cold in the winter months (December to February) and receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon.

45. Does the university provide laptops?

 For certain programs, particularly in Computer Science and Design, laptops are either provided as part of the fee structure or are mandatory to carry.

46. Can I change my branch after the first year?

 Branch change is possible at the end of the first year based on academic performance (CGPA) and the availability of seats in the desired branch.

47. Are there banking facilities on campus? 

Yes, there are ATMs and banking outlets available within the campus for students and staff.

48. Does UPES have international tie-ups? 

Yes, UPES has collaborations with various international universities for student exchange programs, study abroad semesters, and joint research.

49. What is the "Global Pathway Program"?

 It is a program that allows students to start their degree at UPES and complete their final years at a partner university abroad.

50. How can I contact the admission office for queries? 

You can call the toll-free number 1800-102-8737 or email your queries to [email protected].