UPES was established under the UPES Act, 2003, by the State Legislature of Uttarakhand and is a leading private university recognized by the UGC. It has gained international recognition, securing a rank of 801-850 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 under the ‘World University’ category. In India, the university has been ranked 46th in the University category, 42nd in Engineering, and 41st in Management by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, as per the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Additionally, UPES has been ranked as the No. 1 private university in India for academic reputation by the QS World University Rankings 2024 and is among the top 3% of universities globally.

The university has received an ‘A’ grade accreditation from NAAC and a 5-star rating in Employability (placements) by the prestigious QS Rating. Over the past five years, UPES has maintained a 100% placement record. Notably, 41 faculty members from the university have been listed among the world’s top 2% researchers according to Stanford University. UPES offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs through its seven schools: School of Advanced Engineering, School of Computer Science, School of Design, School of Law, School of Business, School of Health Sciences & Technology, and School of Liberal Studies. With over 14,000 students and more than 1,500 faculty and staff members, UPES provides a dynamic academic environment.

Key highlights of the university include its establishment in 2003 as a private institution, a sprawling 44-acre campus, and accreditations from IACBE, NBA, and NAAC with an ‘A’ grade. It is also recognized by the UGC, Bar Council of India, and Pharmacy Council of India. In terms of rankings, UPES has achieved notable positions, including 801-850 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, 41st in Management, and 42nd in Engineering as per NIRF 2024. It has also been ranked No. 1 among private universities in Asia by the QS Asia University Rankings.