Started its beginning when Late Rajarshi Udai Pratap Singh Ju Deo, founded Hewett Kshatriya High School in Varanasi in 1909 which was raised to the level of an Intermediate College in 1921 and was rechristened Udai Pratap Intermediate College, Varanasi.

The institution was further elevated to the level of a degree college in 1949 and renamed as Udai Pratap College, Varanasi when it commenced undergraduate classes in Arts and Commerce. This was followed by the beginning of Science classes in 1950, Agriculture in 1963 and B.Ed in October 1972.

The college is affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi and recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under section 2(f) & 12(B) under Act, 1956. It was also recognized by National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), Jaipur to B.Ed. course.

It was re-accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with "B" Grade - (CGPA Score 2.68 on a 4 Point Scale in 2nd Cycle) on January 5, 2013.

The college is situated in the North Western part of the holy city of Varanasi in India and the campus is spread over 100 acres of lush green fertile land with an academic atmosphere.

It is the most popular higher education centre of eastern Uttar Pradesh. This college was conceptualized and created by a philosopher and saint king Late Rajarshi Udai Pratap Singh Judeo to promote the education to enrich the society with the value system of this region.

In July 1970, post graduation in some subjects of Science and Arts was initiated and in July 1972, Agriculture was started. This college was the first in Uttar Pradesh to be conferred autonomy by UGC in July 1991 and thus it has grown to its present status and known as Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi.

The college is co-educational in character and well-maintained campus comprises of 30 departments in Arts, Science, Commerce, Education and Agriculture faculties and offers teaching programmes leading to B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., B.Sc.(Ag), M.A., M.Sc., M.Com, M.Sc. (Ag), B. Ed. Ph.D. programme is available in almost all the subjects in Arts, Science, Commerce, and Agriculture. P.G. Diploma is offered in Computer Application and Environmental Science.

The college follows the annual system of academic work in Faculty of Science, Arts, Commerce, and Education. The Faculty of Agriculture follows the semester system as well as a credit system.

Admission in the first year of the UG and PG level will be through the entrance test conducted by the college. The application form with a brochure can be obtained from the college office.

Admission is done on the basis of marks obtained in the entrance examination conducted by the college and the admission process will begin in the second week of the month April every year. Admission in B.Ed. course is through the entrance test conducted by the U.P. Government.