UPES is a statutory University legislated by the State Government of Uttaranchal. UPES has been included in the List of Universities maintained and approved by the UGC under section 2(f) of the UGC Act.

Being a University and approved by the UGC it is not mandatory for UPES to seek the approval of AICTE. UPES however follows all the norms with regards to infrastructure, Faculty, Equipment, Admission Criteria and Student Amenities as laid down for Technical Education as required.