UPES, a prestigious private university, was established under the UPES Act, 2003 enacted by the State Legislature of Uttarakhand and is officially recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Internationally, it is placed in the 801-850 band of the QS World University Rankings 2025 under the "World University" category. Domestically, the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, conducted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, ranks UPES at 46 in the University category, 42 in Engineering, and 41 in Management. Additionally, the university has given recognition as the No. 1 private university in academic reputation in India by the QS World University Rankings 2024 and is positioned among the top 3% of universities worldwide.

UPES is accredited by NAAC with an 'A' grade and has earned a 5-star rating in Employability (placements) from the globally renowned QS Rating system. The university boasts an impressive 100% placement record over the past five years, further cementing its reputation for career-focused education. Notably, 41 faculty members from UPES are listed among the world’s top 2% researchers, as per the Stanford University list.