UPES Redefines Higher Education as an AI First University and Strengthens Focus on Tech Driven Learning

HYDERABAD: In a landmark move for the Indian higher education sector, UPES Dehradun has officially redefined itself as an ‘AI-First’ university. At a high-profile event held in Hyderabad, the university detailed its transformational vision to integrate artificial intelligence into every facet of the student learning journey, ensuring graduates are prepared for a workforce increasingly defined by automation and technology-driven disruption.

A Landmark Collaboration with OpenAI:
UPES has become the first university in India to deploy ChatGPT Edu across its entire campus. This initiative, launched in collaboration with OpenAI, provides governed and free access to advanced AI tools for over 19,100 students and 1,500 faculty members. By embedding AI literacy as a default foundation across all disciplines—from law and business to engineering—UPES is training students to work natively within the same AI environments that are currently reshaping global industries.

Addressing the Gap in Tech Education and Employability:
The transition comes as demand for technology-led education reaches record highs, particularly in Telangana. In 2025, Computer Science and IT-related courses in the state recorded a staggering 91% seat allotment. However, while demand is surging, the India Skills Report 2026 highlights a national employability rate of just 56.35%, with 86% of professionals reporting AI-driven disruption in their workplaces.

UPES aims to bridge this “readiness gap” through:

30+ AI-Integrated Programs: Offering specializations in Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, IoT, and Gaming.

World-Class Research: Over 50 UPES faculty members are recognized among the Top 2% of researchers worldwide by Stanford University.

Industry-Co-Created Curricula: Long-standing partnerships with global giants like IBM, AWS, Cisco, Google, EY India, and KPMG India ensure the curriculum remains practitioner-led and relevant.

Strengthening Infrastructure and Career Outcomes:
The university recently established the BEST (Bajaj Engineering Skills Training) Centre in collaboration with Bajaj Auto, offering hands-on exposure to robotics, mechatronics, and Industry 4.0. This focus on “real-world relevance” has translated into tangible success:

Ranking: Ranked No. 1 among private universities in India for academic reputation (QS World University Rankings 2026).

NIRF Ranking: Placed 45th in the University category and 43rd in Engineering nationally.

Placements: A consistent 100% placement record over the last five years, with the highest CTC reaching INR 52 LPA in the 2024-25 cycle.

Leadership Perspectives:
“We are purposefully architecting an institution where AI is woven into the fabric of every student’s journey,” said Dr. Jayasankar Variyar, Pro Vice-Chancellor, UPES. “Our approach ensures students graduate with the adaptability needed to navigate a rapidly evolving professional landscape.”

Mr. Rajiv Nandwani, Senior Director, School of Computer Science, noted the growing interest from the Hyderabad region: “Students are drawn to programs that blend academic depth with real-world tech application. This vision is gaining strong traction here, reflected in our rising enrollments.”

Admissions Open:
UPES has invited applications for the 2026–27 academic year across all seven of its multidisciplinary schools. Prospective students can find more details and apply through the university’s official website: www.upes.ac.in.