Established under the UPES Act, 2003, by the State Legislature of Uttarakhand, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) is a prominent private university recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Over the years, it has earned strong national and global recognition for its academic standards and industry-focused education. Internationally, UPES secured a position in the 801–850 band of the QS World University Rankings 2025 under the World University category. Within India, it ranked 46th in the University category, 42nd in Engineering, and 41st in Management in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, released by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. In addition, UPES was recognised as the No. 1 private university in India for academic reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and is counted among the top 3% of universities worldwide, reflecting its growing global standing and academic excellence.

UPES holds an ‘A’ grade accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and has been awarded a prestigious 5-star rating for Employability by the QS World University Rankings. Demonstrating its strong career focus, the university has achieved an impressive 100% placement record over the past five years. Adding to its academic credibility, 41 faculty members have been recognised among the world’s top 2% researchers by Stanford University. UPES offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs through its seven schools, including Engineering, Computer Science, Design, Law, Business, Health Sciences & Technology, and Liberal Studies. With a vibrant community of over 14,000 students and more than 1,500 faculty and staff members, the university fosters a dynamic, collaborative, and innovation-driven academic environment.

Founded in 2003 as a private university, UPES is distinguished by its expansive 44-acre campus and robust academic foundation. It holds accreditations from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), the National Board of Accreditation (NBA), and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an ‘A’ grade. The University Grants Commission also recognises the university, the Bar Council of India, and the Pharmacy Council of India, reflecting its compliance with national regulatory standards. In the area of rankings, UPES has earned a place in the 801–850 band of the QS World University Rankings 2025. It also secured the 41st position in Management and 42nd in Engineering in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024. Further enhancing its regional standing, the university has been recognised as the No. 1 private university in Asia by the QS Asia University Rankings, highlighting its growing influence in higher education.