Glass/epoxy composite laminates are subjected to impact loading and the energy absorbing capacity of the laminates is studied. In the present study, laminates with four different orientations and thickness values are considered. Analytical study is carried out based on energy method and results are compared with FE results obtained from Abaqus/Explicit software. Results obtained from the analytical methods are showing good agreement with the FE results. It is found that cross-ply laminates are most efficient in ballistic resistance when compared with the laminates of other orientations. It is also noticed that the energy absorbing capacity is decreasing with increase in velocity of the projectile for a given lay-up and thickness value. © 2014, DESIDOC.