The School of Design at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) is a private design institute established in 2013 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. As a constituent college of UPES, it operates under the UPES Act 2003 and holds UGC recognition with NAAC A grade accreditation. The school offers 10+ specialized design programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with a focus on integrating creativity with cutting-edge technology including AR/VR and AI applications.
- School of Design, UPES Highlights
- School of Design, UPES Rankings
- School of Design, UPES Courses & Fees
- School of Design, UPES Admission Process
- School of Design, UPES Scholarships
- School of Design, UPES Campus & Facilities
- School of Design, UPES Placements
- School of Design, UPES Campus & Facilities
School of Design, UPES Highlights
The School of Design at UPES stands as a premier design education institution with state-of-the-art infrastructure including AR/VR labs, MAC labs, and 3D printing facilities. The school achieved a highest CTC of 14 LPA in 2024 with 100 placement offers, demonstrating strong industry connections. It maintains international partnerships with IED Italy and is a full-time member of the Cumulus Association and World Design Organisation (WDO). The curriculum emphasizes future technologies and speculative design skills, preparing students for emerging industry demands.
Particulars | Details |
Established | 2013 |
Type | Private College (Constituent of UPES) |
Approvals/Accreditations | UGC, NAAC A Grade, IACBE, NBA, DSIR, AIU |
Student Intake / Strength | Multiple batches across 10+ programs |
Faculty | Industry experts and academic professionals |
Flagship Program & Fees | B.Des (4 years) - Contact for current fees |
Entrance Exams | UPES entrance exam and merit-based selection |
Official Website |
School of Design, UPES Rankings
The School of Design at UPES has achieved recognition in national ranking systems, with UPES overall securing 46th rank in NIRF 2024 under the University category. The design school specifically earned the 8th position among top 40 private design schools according to IIRF Rankings 2024. These rankings reflect the institution's commitment to quality education, industry-relevant curriculum, and strong placement outcomes in the competitive design education landscape.
Year | Ranking Body | Category | Rank |
2024 | NIRF | University | 46 |
2024 | IIRF | Top 40 Design Schools - Private | 8 |
School of Design, UPES Courses & Fees
The School of Design offers comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs spanning various design disciplines. The flagship B.Des program is a 4-year industry-oriented course with specializations in Animation, Product Design, Game Design, Visual Communication, and Interior Design. The M.Des program provides advanced specializations for career advancement. All programs emphasize practical learning through live projects, internships, and industry collaborations, ensuring graduates are job-ready upon completion.
Program | Level | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
B.Des (Animation) | Undergraduate | 4 Years | 50% marks in Class XII | Contact Institute |
B.Des (Product Design) | Undergraduate | 4 Years | 50% marks in Class XII | Contact Institute |
B.Des (Game Design) | Undergraduate | 4 Years | 50% marks in Class XII | Contact Institute |
B.Des (Visual Communication) | Undergraduate | 4 Years | 50% marks in Class XII | Contact Institute |
M.Des | Postgraduate | 2 Years | Bachelor's degree in relevant field | Contact Institute |
School of Design, UPES Admission Process
The admission process at UPES School of Design follows a comprehensive evaluation system combining academic merit with creative aptitude assessment. Applications typically open in November-December for the following academic year, with multiple admission rounds conducted. The selection process includes entrance examination, portfolio review, and personal interview to assess both technical skills and creative potential of candidates.
Application Window: November 2024 - July 2025
Entrance Exams: UPES Design Aptitude Test (UPESDAT)
Selection Stages: Written Test, Portfolio Review, Personal Interview
Step | Details | Indicative Timeline | Documents |
Online Application | Submit application with portfolio | November 2024 - July 2025 | Academic transcripts, portfolio, ID proof |
Entrance Test | Design aptitude and creativity assessment | December 2024 - July 2025 | Admit card, ID proof |
Portfolio Review | Evaluation of creative work samples | January 2025 - August 2025 | Digital/physical portfolio |
Personal Interview | Assessment of motivation and fit | February 2025 - August 2025 | All academic documents |
School of Design, UPES Scholarships
UPES School of Design offers multiple scholarship opportunities to support talented students from diverse backgrounds. The scholarship program includes merit-based awards for academic excellence, need-based financial assistance, and special scholarships for students from economically weaker sections. Up to 100% tuition fee waiver is available for exceptional candidates, while sports and cultural achievement scholarships recognize holistic talent development.
Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefit | How to Apply |
Merit Scholarship | 90%+ in Class XII | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver | Automatic consideration during admission |
Need-based Scholarship | Family income below INR 6 LPA | 25-75% fee concession | Submit income certificate with application |
Sports Excellence | State/National level achievements | 25-50% fee waiver | Submit sports certificates |
Cultural Scholarship | Excellence in arts/cultural activities | 15-25% fee concession | Portfolio and achievement certificates |
School of Design, UPES Campus & Facilities
The UPES School of Design campus in Dehradun features cutting-edge infrastructure designed for creative learning. The facility houses specialized AR/VR labs, MAC labs with latest software, and advanced 3D printing and laser-cutting equipment. The campus includes dedicated film and media production studios, design workshops, and collaborative spaces that foster innovation and creativity among students and faculty.
Library / Digital Resources: Central library with design journals, digital databases, and online resources
Labs / Research Centres / Special Equipment: AR/VR lab, MAC lab, 3D printing facility, laser cutting, film and media lab
Classrooms / Seminar Halls / Auditoriums: Smart classrooms, design studios, presentation halls, exhibition spaces
Hostel / Dining: On-campus accommodation with mess facilities and cafeterias
Sports / Gym / Grounds: Sports complex, gymnasium, outdoor courts, recreational facilities
Connectivity / Transport: Well-connected to Dehradun city, shuttle services, Wi-Fi enabled campus
School of Design, UPES Placements
The School of Design at UPES demonstrates excellent placement performance with consistent industry engagement and career support. In 2024, the school achieved 100 placement offers with a highest package of 14 LPA, reflecting strong employer confidence in graduate quality. The placement cell maintains active relationships with leading design studios, advertising agencies, gaming companies, and product development firms, ensuring diverse career opportunities for students across various design specializations.
Year | Highest Package | Average Package | Median Package | Top Recruiters |
2024 | INR 14 LPA | INR 6-8 LPA | INR 6 LPA | Design studios, Gaming companies, Advertising agencies |
School of Design, UPES Campus & Facilities
The UPES School of Design maintains strategic partnerships with international institutions including IED Italy and French design schools, providing students with global exposure opportunities. Alumni have successfully established careers in leading design firms, gaming companies, and creative agencies across India and internationally. The school's emphasis on cultural heritage preservation through technology has produced graduates who contribute meaningfully to design innovation and social impact projects.
Name | Role / Achievement |
Alumni Network | Successful careers in leading design firms and creative agencies |
Industry Leaders | Graduates working in gaming, animation, and product design sectors |


