UPES (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies)

Overview

UPES (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies), established in 2003 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, is a deemed university originally focused on petroleum, energy, and technology sectors.^[1] The university has since expanded to include a School of Liberal Studies and Media (SOLSM) offering humanities and social science programs.

UPES holds NAAC A accreditation and NIRF rankings primarily for its engineering and management programs.^[1] The School of Liberal Studies and Media (SOLSM) is a newer addition to the university’s portfolio, offering BA (Hons) programs in English, Economics, History, Political Science, and Psychology.

The Dehradun location, in the foothills of the Himalayas, provides a distinctly different campus experience from metro-based universities, with a residential, small-town academic environment.

Academic Programs

School of Liberal Studies and Media (SOLSM):^[2]

• BA (Hons) English, 3 years
• BA (Hons) Economics, 3 years
• BA (Hons) History, 3 years
• BA (Hons) Political Science, 3 years
• BA (Hons) Psychology, 3 years

Programs include foundation courses, major-specific specialisation, and electives across disciplines. The curriculum is aligned with NEP 2020 guidelines.

Campus and Location

UPES operates from a 43-acre campus in Bidholi, Dehradun, approximately 20 km from the city centre. The campus includes modern academic blocks, hostels, a library, sports facilities, and a wellness centre.

Dehradun’s hill-station setting offers a cooler climate and quieter environment compared to plains-based universities. The city is well-connected by road and rail to Delhi (~250 km) and has a domestic airport. The campus is residential, with most students living on campus.

Who Applies Here

UPES attracts students who want a residential university experience in a hill-station setting. The School of Liberal Studies and Media (SOLSM) is a secondary draw, most students know UPES for its petroleum engineering and energy management programs.

Students comparing liberal arts options may find UPES’s fee (~INR 2.5 lakh/year) moderate, but the liberal arts program’s track record is limited compared to dedicated liberal arts universities like Ashoka or FLAME. The Dehradun location appeals to students who prefer a non-metro campus environment.^[3]

Things to Verify Before Applying

• Liberal Studies program maturity: UPES’s School of Liberal Studies and Media (SOLSM) is newer than its engineering and management schools. Ask about batch sizes, faculty strength, and curriculum depth for BA programs specifically.
• Placement outcomes for BA students: UPES’s placement data is dominated by engineering and MBA programs. Ask for BA-specific placement statistics.
• Fee confirmation: Verify the exact fee structure for BA (Hons) programs, including any hostel and mess charges.
• CUET vs UPESMET: Confirm whether CUET UG scores are accepted for BA programs or if UPESMET is required.
• Dehradun connectivity: Consider the distance from major cities for internships and family visits. The campus is ~20 km from Dehradun city centre.

Sources Used

• UPES Official Website
• UPES School of Liberal Studies and Media (SOLSM)
• Shiksha, UPES Dehradun
• Collegedunia, UPES