Research Culture

At UPES, academic rigor is at the heart of everything. With over 16,000 students across seven schools—Engineering, Computer Science, Health Sciences, Design, Business, Law, and Liberal Studies and Media—UPES offers a rich, interdisciplinary learning environment. This approach ensures that students gain specialised knowledge and are equipped with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to excel in a rapidly evolving world. Recognised for its global outlook, its strategic partnerships with institutions like UC Berkeley, UNSW Sydney, the University of Queensland and the University of Edinburgh provide students with global exposure and expertise. 

UPES is among India’s fastest-growing research institutions, with a 374% increase in publications since 2018. Faculty members publish an average of four papers per year, with citations comparable to institutions like MIT, NUS and Oxford. Nearly 52% of publications involve international collaborations. Research is supported through SEED funding, the Anusandhan capacity-building program, and partnerships with leading research organisations like CERN in Switzerland and KEK in Japan. A dedicated IPR cell facilitates patents and technology transfer through patents and copyrights. 

UPES is ranked 46th among Indian universities according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework 2024 (NIRF), with its Management and Engineering programs placing 41st and 42nd, respectively. As per the QS World Rankings 2025, UPES ranked in the 801-850 band globally, making it India's top private university for academic reputation. It also ranks 148th in QS Asia 2025, showing the 2nd highest improvement in Asia, ranking 21ˢᵗ in Southern Asia and 12ᵗʰ in India. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, UPES was placed in the 501-600 band globally and 7th in India. The Shanghai Rankings 2024 for Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) for Global Ranking of Academic Subjects positioned UPES among the top 150 for Telecommunication Engineering and Transportation Science & Engineering, placing it alongside premier institutions like IISc Bengaluru and IITs.

The university's approach to research is holistic, with an emphasis on both individual and collaborative innovation. UPES encourages faculty-led research through funded projects and the SEED Incubation Programme, supporting market-driven innovations. The SHODH Program promotes student entrepreneurship, while Learning with Leaders connects students with industry experts. UPES’s faculty, including several researchers trained at globally renowned institutions like Harvard, Oxford, and the National University of Singapore. The faculty includes 46 researchers among the world’s top 2%, according to Stanford List.

UPES's remarkable achievements in research are further propelled by its growing publication numbers. As of November 2024, UPES had 10,900 SCOPUS publications, with 113,145 citations. In 2024 alone, it recorded 2,064 SCOPUS publications. The H-index (111 in SCOPUS) reflects the growing impact of its research. UPES has filed a total of 1,957 intellectual property assets, including 134 granted patents, 340 copyrights, and 892 design registrations, highlighting the focus on innovation and applied research.

UPES promotes a culture of inclusivity, lifelong learning, and social impact, bringing together a diverse academic community to collaborate on innovative solutions. Through initiatives like Anusandhan, faculty and students stay at the forefront of global advancements. Additionally, the Runway Business Incubator supports student and alumni startups, driving entrepreneurship and societal progress. With all this, UPES is not just an educational institution; it is a dynamic ecosystem that thrives on research, innovation, academic excellence, and global collaboration. Its distinctive culture of continuous learning, coupled with an unwavering commitment to societal impact, makes UPES a leading force in shaping the next generation of global changemakers.