Jul 17, 2024
Studying abroad is an exciting change. However, it requires fulfilling many requirements and criteria. One important aspect is understanding the Grading System of each study destination. Different Countries and their Universities use various scales and systems to measure academic performance. To evaluate the Academic Performance of the applicant, scores are usually calculated in CGPA, GPA, SGPA, and Percentages.
Understanding different grading systems and their calculations is essential for a smooth admission process, and that is what this latest article is about. Let’s dig into the core systems used worldwide for grading and how to convert between them effectively.
Scroll down to read everything about this topic and find out if you fulfil the eligibility requirements to study abroad.
While there are many tools available online, it is essential to have a basic understanding of these most sought-after grading systems. So, let’s have a detailed overview of them individually.
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is a standardized method to evaluate a student's overall academic performance. CGPA is widely used in countries like India and many Higher Education Institutions globally. It reflects a student's average performance across all semesters or academic years.
Score Scale: CGPA is generally measured on a 10-point scale. However, some variations exist, like the GPA is a 4-point scale in the US.
Each grade point corresponds to a specific range of marks or percentages and their details are listed below.
Grade Points & Corresponding Percentages (10-Point Scale):
Formula to Calculate CGPA:
CGPA= Sum of Grade Points in All Subjects ÷ Total Number of Subjects
Example: Assuming a student has the following Grade Points in 5 subjects: 8, 7, 9, 8, and 10.
CGPA=8+7+9+8+10=42 ÷ 5 = 8.4
Thus, the Student's CGPA is 8.4.
Grade Point Average (GPA) is a common grading standard used predominantly in the United States and Canada. It provides a straightforward way to measure academic performance over a given period, usually a semester or year.
Score Scale: GPA is typically measured on a 4-point scale, with each grade corresponding to a specific grade point:
Formula to Calculate GPA:
GPA = Sum of (Grade Points × Credits) for All Subjects ÷ Total Credits
Example Calculation: Assume a student is taking 4 courses with the following grades and credits:
GPA = (4.0×3)+(3.0×4)+(4.0×3)+(2.0×3) ÷ 3+4+3+3 =3.23
Thus, the student's GPA for the semester is 3.23.
Semester Grade Point Average (SGPA) measures a student’s academic performance in a single semester. It helps assess how well a student is performing over shorter periods within their academic tenure.
Score Scale: Like CGPA, SGPA is often measured on a 10-point scale.
Formula to Calculate SGPA:
SGPA= Sum of (Grade Points × Credits)
for All Subjects in the Semester ÷ Total Credits in the Semester
Example Calculation: Assume a student is taking 5 courses in a semester with the following grade points and credits:
SGPA = (8×3)+(7×4)+(9×3)+(8×2)+(10×3) ÷ 3+4+3+2+3 = 8.33
Converting SGPA to CGPA: To find the CGPA from multiple semesters' SGPAs, we use the following formula:
CGPA= Total Number of Semesters ÷ Sum of SGPAs for All Semesters
Example Calculation: Assume a student has the following SGPAs for 4 semesters: 8.2, 7.5, 8.8, and 9.0.
CGPA= 8.2+7.5+8.8+9.0 ÷ 4 = 8.375
Thus, the student's CGPA after 4 semesters is 8.375.
In many countries, academic performance is traditionally measured in percentages. To align with international standards for abroad education, students often need to convert their percentages to CGPA.
Score Scale: Percentages are typically measured on a scale of 0 to 100.
Formula to Convert Percentage to CGPA: A common method to convert percentages to CGPA (on a 10-point scale) is:
CGPA=Percentage ÷ 9.5
This divisor (9.5) is derived based on an analysis of typical grading patterns, where a 95% often corresponds to a CGPA of 10.
Example Calculation: Assume a student has a percentage score of 85%.
CGPA = 85 ÷ 9.5 = 8.95
Therefore, a percentage score of 85% converts to a CGPA of 8.95.
Having checked the various grading systems, let’s have a glance at the tips for this calculation in the process of studying abroad.
Concluding this article, understanding how to convert and calculate your academic scores into CGPA, SGPA, and Percentages is essential for a seamless admission process when studying abroad. Each system offers a different lens to view your academic performance, and mastering these conversions ensures you meet the eligibility criteria of your shortlisted Universities or Institutions.
Initiating the process of higher education abroad can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Our Experts at KC Overseas Education are here to assist you at every step. With personalized guidance and comprehensive support, we ensure that your application stands out. This is the reason why we are among the top 10 Study Abroad Consultants in India.
Are you ready to take the next step? If yes, then contact our team of Country Experts today and make your dream of studying abroad a reality!