UPES (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies) is a private state university in Dehradun set up in 2003 under the UPES Act passed by the Uttarakhand State Legislature. The university is recognised by the UGC under Section 2(f) and has NAAC A accreditation with a CGPA of 3.02. It runs seven schools in Computer Science, Advanced Engineering, Business, Law, Design, Health Sciences, and Modern Media.

The university has more than 19,100 students and over 40,000 alumni. In NIRF 2025, UPES secured 18th rank in Law and 36th rank in Management. It also ranked 43rd in Engineering and 45th among Universities. In global rankings, UPES stood at 163rd in Asia in QS Asia 2026 and in the 501 to 600 band in THE World University Rankings 2026.

UPES functions from two Dehradun campuses, Bidholi and Kandoli, spread across a combined 44 acres. Hostel facilities are available for boys and girls on both campuses. The Bidholi campus includes a 2,500 sq. ft. gymnasium, a 2,400 sq. ft. student lounge, and a 650-seat auditorium.

  • B.Tech: The 4-year programme is offered in Computer Science, Engineering, Petroleum, Aerospace, Biomedical, and allied areas. Fees range from INR 14.23 Lakhs to INR 23.30 Lakhs. Admission is through UPESEAT, JEE Main, or CUET UG.
  • MBA: The 2-year course has specialisations such as AI, Business Analytics, FinTech, Oil and Gas Management, Logistics, Marketing, Finance, HR, Aviation, and more. Fees range from INR 19.11 Lakhs to INR 21.40 Lakhs. Admission is based on CAT, UPESMET, MAT, GMAT, NMAT, or XAT.
  • BBA: This 3-year programme is offered in Standard, Data Science and AI, and Aviation and Airport Management tracks. Fees range from INR 12.81 Lakhs to INR 14.30 Lakhs.
  • Law (BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLB): Law courses run for 3 to 5 years. Fees range from INR 15.18 Lakhs to INR 24.69 Lakhs. UPES Law was ranked 18 by NIRF in 2025.
  • B.Des and M.Des: Design programmes are available in 4 specialisations. The 4-year B.Des fee is INR 25.41 Lakhs.
  • M.Tech: The 2-year postgraduate engineering programme is offered in several specialisations. Fees range from INR 3.86 Lakhs to INR 8.60 Lakhs.

The total fee for B.Tech CSE is INR 23.30 Lakhs for 4 years. MBA fees begin at INR 19.11 Lakhs. Students whose family income is up to INR 8 Lakhs per year may receive a 100% tuition fee waiver through the EWS financial assistance scheme.

During the 2024-25 placement season, more than 2,444 students were placed, and the placement rate stood at 92%. The highest CTC across the campus was INR 52 LPA from the Computer Science School. The overall average CTC was INR 6.83 LPA, with over 800 companies taking part.

UPES Courses and Fees

UPES offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses through its seven schools in engineering, management, law, design, computer science, health sciences, and media. B.Tech is its widest programme group, with over 50 specialisations. Fees differ by branch and school.

CourseDurationEligibilityTotal Fees
B.Tech (CSE and allied: AI, ML, Data Science, Cyber Security, Gaming, Cloud, IoT, Full Stack)4 years10+2 PCM with 50%, UPESEAT/JEE Main min. 50 percentileINR 23.30 Lakhs
B.Tech (Mathematics and Computing)4 years10+2 PCM with 70%, JEE Main min. 60 percentileINR 23.30 Lakhs
B.Tech (Aerospace, VLSI Design)4 years10+2 PCM with 50%INR 18.38 Lakhs
B.Tech (Gas and Applied Petroleum Engineering)4 years10+2 PCM with 50%INR 21.28 Lakhs
B.Tech (Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, ECE, Electrical, Robotics, Environmental)4 years10+2 PCM with 50%INR 14.23 Lakhs
MBA (AI, Analytics, FinTech, Investment Banking, Strategy)2 yearsGraduation with 50%, CAT/UPESMET/GMATINR 21.40 Lakhs
MBA (Marketing, Finance, HR, Aviation, Digital Business)2 yearsGraduation with 50%, CAT/UPESMET/GMATINR 19.11 Lakhs
BBA (Standard)3 years10+2 from recognised boardINR 12.81 Lakhs
BBA (Aviation and Airport Management)3 years10+2 from recognised boardINR 13.40 Lakhs
BA LLB (Hons.)5 years10+2 with 50%, ULSATINR 24.69 Lakhs
LLB (Hons.)3 yearsGraduation with 50%, ULSATINR 15.18 Lakhs
B.Des (4 specialisations)4 years10+2 with 50%, UPESDATINR 25.41 Lakhs
M.Tech (CSE)2 yearsB.Tech with 60%, GATE preferredINR 8.60 Lakhs

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

Students can also choose an integrated BBA plus MBA programme of 5 years with a fee of INR 31.17 Lakhs. UPES also offers an integrated M.Des programme of 2 years with a fee of INR 14.37 Lakhs. Petroleum Engineering and Aerospace remain two of the university's better-known specialised areas, as only a limited number of private universities in India offer dedicated courses in these fields.

UPES Admission Process

UPES gives students different admission routes depending on the course. Some programmes use university entrance tests, while others also accept national exam scores, board merit, or interviews.

B.Tech Admission

For B.Tech admission, students can qualify through UPESEAT or other accepted scores. UPESEAT is held online during the admission period.

  • Eligibility: Students need at least 50% in Class X and XII, with 50% in PCM. For Mathematics and Computing, the required minimum is 70% in Class X, Class XII, and PCM separately.
  • Entrance accepted: UPESEAT, JEE Main with at least 50 percentile for most branches, JEE Main with 60 percentile for Mathematics and Computing, CUET UG, Board Merit, and SAT for international students.
  • Application fee: INR 1,750.

MBA Admission

  • Eligibility: A graduation degree in any discipline with at least 50% aggregate marks.
  • Entrance accepted: CAT, UPESMET, MAT, GMAT, NMAT, and XAT. Merit scholarships are available for students with CAT 85 percentile and above, NMAT 200 and above, or 80% in graduation.
  • Selection: Students are shortlisted through entrance scores and then appear for a Group Discussion and Personal Interview at UPES Dehradun or other listed venues.

Law Admission

Admission to BA LLB, BBA LLB, and LLB is through ULSAT, which is the UPES Law Studies Aptitude Test. The law school is approved by the Bar Council of India. In NIRF 2025, UPES Law was ranked 18th in India.

Design Admission

B.Des and M.Des admission is based on UPESDAT, the UPES Design Aptitude Test. The test checks creativity, visual thinking, and design aptitude. Design applicants also go through portfolio review and an interview.

UPES Placements

UPES recorded a 92% placement rate in the 2024-25 placement season. More than 2,444 students received placements. The highest package reached INR 52 LPA in the Computer Science School, while the overall average CTC was INR 6.83 LPA. More than 800 companies visited the campus, compared with 535 companies in 2022-23.

SchoolHighest Package (2024-25)Top 10% Average
Computer ScienceINR 52 LPAINR 42 LPA
Advanced EngineeringINR 27.6 LPAINR 17.9 to 18.2 LPA
Business (MBA)INR 29 to 30 LPAINR 14.2 to 15.8 LPA
LawINR 22.5 LPAINR 8.9 LPA
BBAINR 25 LPAINR 9.9 LPA

Regular recruiters at UPES include Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Infosys, HCL Technologies, Adani Group, ONGC, Deloitte, EY, PwC, Accenture, Maruti Suzuki, Siemens, and Boeing. Petroleum and energy engineering graduates have joined ONGC, Reliance Industries, Shell, Halliburton, and other oil and gas companies in India and abroad. More than 50 UPES faculty members are listed in Stanford's World Top 2% Researchers list, which supports research-based industry work.

UPES Rankings

UPES appears in several NIRF 2025 categories, with its strongest national position in Law at 18. In international rankings, it was placed 163rd in Asia by QS Asia 2026 and in the 501 to 600 band globally by THE 2026.

Ranking BodyCategory2025/2026 Rank
NIRFLaw18
NIRFManagement36
NIRFEngineering43
NIRFUniversity45
NIRFResearch45
QS Asia RankingsAsia (2026)163 (24th in South Asia)
THE World University RankingsGlobal (2026)501 to 600 (5th in India)
QS by Subject 2025Engineering and Technology239 globally
QS by Subject 2025Petroleum Engineering101 to 150 band

The university takes part in NIRF under five categories and has ranked across all of them. Its Petroleum Engineering programme was placed in the 101 to 150 band globally in QS Subject Rankings 2025, making UPES one of the few Indian private universities ranked in this specialised engineering area. UPES also has NAAC A accreditation with CGPA 3.02 and NBA accreditation for several engineering and MBA programmes.

UPES Scholarships

UPES provides scholarships based on Class 12 marks, entrance exam performance, academic performance during the programme, and financial need. Under the EWS financial assistance scheme, students from families with annual income up to INR 8 Lakhs can get a 100% tuition fee waiver.

ScholarshipEligibilityCoverage
EWS Financial AssistanceAnnual gross family income up to INR 8 Lakhs100% tuition fee waiver
Board Merit Scholarship (90% and above)90% and above in Class 12 board exam20% tuition fee waiver
Board Merit Scholarship (80 to 89.99%)80% to 89.99% in Class 12 board exam10% tuition fee waiver
JEE Main / CUET Merit ScholarshipExceptional JEE Main or CUET UG performanceUp to 20% tuition fee waiver
In-Programme Academic ScholarshipCGPA above 9 in semestersUp to 50% tuition fee waiver
MBA Merit ScholarshipCAT 85 percentile and above, or NMAT 200 and above, or 80% in graduationMerit-based scholarship, with amount varying by programme
Employee Ward ConcessionWard of UPES employee75% fee concession
Sibling ConcessionSibling of a current UPES student50% fee concession

UPES Campus and Infrastructure

UPES has two campuses in Dehradun, Bidholi and Kandoli, with a total area of 44 acres. Both campuses provide hostels for male and female students. Hostel facilities include hygienic mess services and common room amenities.

The Bidholi campus has a 2,500 sq. ft. fully furnished gymnasium, a 2,400 sq. ft. student lounge, and a 650-seat auditorium. Academic infrastructure includes more than 120 domain-specific labs with industry-grade technology. These labs cover petroleum engineering, aerospace, embedded systems, cybersecurity, cloud computing, game development, design studios, law moot courts, and media production.

The university is located in the Doon Valley in Dehradun, a city known for its educational environment and pleasant climate. UPES has produced more than 40,000 alumni in energy, technology, management, and design sectors across the world. Its industry work includes partnerships with ONGC, Reliance, Boeing, Microsoft, Adani Group, and other major companies for live projects, sponsored research, and campus hiring.

UPES vs SRM University vs Manipal University

UPES, SRM University Chennai, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education are private university options for students looking beyond the IIT, NIT, and government college group. All three attract students from across India and offer B.Tech, MBA, and allied programmes with strong placement records.

ParameterUPES DehradunSRM UniversityManipal University
NIRF University Rank 202545188
NIRF Engineering Rank 2025432911
NAAC GradeA (CGPA 3.02)A++ (CGPA 3.65)A++ (CGPA 3.68)
B.Tech Fees (4 years, CSE)INR 23.30 LakhsINR 14 to 17 LakhsINR 14 to 18 Lakhs
Highest B.Tech Package 2024-25INR 52 LPAINR 50 to 60 LPAINR 50 to 60 LPA
QS Asia Rank163101 to 150101 to 150
Distinctive ProgrammePetroleum Engineering (QS rank 101-150 globally)Engineering, Medical, PharmacyEngineering, Medical, Pharmacy
Campus LocationDehradun, UttarakhandKattankulathur, ChennaiManipal, Karnataka

Manipal and SRM rank higher than UPES in NIRF University and Engineering categories and also have stronger NAAC grades. UPES performs strongly in Law with NIRF rank 18 and has a distinct position in Petroleum Engineering at the global level. Its B.Tech CSE fee is higher than SRM and Manipal, while the placement levels are similar. Students from North India may prefer UPES because of location and its energy-sector industry links.

UPES FAQs

Ques. How did UPES Dehradun perform in NIRF 2025?

Ans. In NIRF 2025, UPES ranked 18th in Law, 36th in Management, 43rd in Engineering, and 45th among Universities. In international rankings, it was placed 163rd in Asia by QS Asia 2026 and in the 501 to 600 global band by THE 2026.

Ques. What placement average does UPES report?

Ans. UPES reported an overall average CTC of INR 6.83 LPA in the 2024-25 placement season. The highest package was INR 52 LPA from the Computer Science School. The highest MBA package was INR 29 to 30 LPA. More than 2,444 students were placed with over 800 companies, and the placement rate was 92%.

Ques. Can students use JEE Main scores for UPES B.Tech admission?

Ans. Yes. UPES accepts JEE Main scores for B.Tech admission. Most B.Tech branches require at least 50 percentile, while Mathematics and Computing requires 60 percentile. Students who do not have JEE Main scores can apply through UPESEAT or CUET UG scores.

Ques. How much does B.Tech CSE cost at UPES?

Ans. The full 4-year fee for B.Tech CSE and allied specialisations such as AI, ML, Data Science, Cyber Security, Gaming, Cloud Computing, IoT, and Full Stack at UPES is INR 23.30 Lakhs. Students scoring 90% and above in Class 12 boards can get scholarships of up to 20% on tuition fees. EWS students with family income up to INR 8 Lakhs may be eligible for a 100% tuition fee waiver.

Ques. What type of university is UPES?

Ans. UPES is a private state university. It is not a deemed university. It was created in 2003 under the UPES Act passed by the Uttarakhand State Legislature. The university is recognised by the UGC under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. It has NAAC A accreditation with CGPA 3.02 and NBA accreditation for multiple programmes.

Ques. Is there a CAT cutoff for MBA admission at UPES?

Ans. UPES accepts CAT, UPESMET, MAT, GMAT, NMAT, and XAT for MBA admission. A fixed minimum CAT cutoff for eligibility is not published, so students with a valid CAT score can apply. Students with CAT 85 percentile and above can qualify for merit scholarships. Shortlisted applicants must attend a Group Discussion and Personal Interview.

Ques. Are hostels available at UPES?

Ans. Yes. UPES provides hostel facilities for male and female students at both the Bidholi and Kandoli campuses in Dehradun. The hostels include mess facilities, a TV in the common room, and indoor games. The Bidholi campus also has a 2,500 sq. ft. gymnasium and a 2,400 sq. ft. student lounge. Hostel fees should be checked on the official UPES portal during admission.

Ques. Why is UPES known for Petroleum Engineering?

Ans. UPES offers a dedicated B.Tech in Gas and Applied Petroleum Engineering, which is available at only a few universities in India. In QS Subject Rankings 2025, UPES was ranked in the 101 to 150 band globally in Petroleum Engineering. Petroleum engineering recruiters include ONGC, Reliance Industries, Shell, Halliburton, and other oil and gas companies. The total fee for the 4-year programme is INR 21.28 Lakhs.