In an academic environment, CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is very important as it assesses the overall performance of students. It, however, does not reflect only a student’s knowledge of the subject, it also shows the individual’s dedication and consistency over the years or semesters spent on the course.
Cumulative grade point average has become an important number for many people, including students who want to further their education, scholarships, or even aim to study overseas. What’s the difference between CGPA and GPA? And what about SGPA? How are they calculated, and what influence do they have on one’s education and career?
In this blog, we will describe all you need to understand about CGPA in detail, such as its importance, how it is calculated, its limitations, and its conversion.
What Is CGPA and Why Is It Important?
Understanding CGPA in College & School
Cumulative grade point average, also known as CGPA, is an index of performance whenever used within a school or college. CGPAs do not consider single scores for subject areas. Instead, a weighted average is computed. This metric allows evaluators of students to adjudge the student’s knowledge and competence in a given field of work, instead of limiting his knowledge to only one subject.
Why Is CGPA Important?
- Scholarships & Internships – CGPA is very important in applying for financial aid, scholarships, and internship grants from various organizations.
- Higher Education Admissions – Most universities eye students’ CGA, especially for Postgraduate and PhD programs, this is even more relevant for overseas applications.
- Job Opportunities– Several companies and government tenders require a certain value to be attained as a cut-off for further evaluation.
- Self-Assessment & Growth – Students ably use CGPA to know areas of their academic improvement.
CGPA is one of the most used grading systems, but it has its shortcomings which we will assess next.
What is CGPA? It’s Limitations
Understanding CGPA
CGPA is an abbreviation for Cumulative Grade Point Average. It is calculated by translation of grade points received in all subjects during a specific reporting period (semester, year, or entire course) into a single score.
Limitations of CGPA
As much as a CGPA could be proof of academic achievement, it has a set of limitations:
- Standardization Issues – There is no uniform grading system among institutions, making it difficult to make comparisons.
- Lack of Subject-Specific Clarity– Performance in many subjects that may be critical in some careers is not represented in CGPA.
- No Consideration for Extracurriculars– Important skills such as leadership, sporting, and artistic talents are missing from CGPA.
- Subjective Grading – Some lecturers are more lenient than others, which impacts the grade point average.
Nevertheless, it is one of the most relevant methods of evaluation for students and institutions all over the globe.
How to Calculate CGPA?
CGPA Calculation Formula
To compute CGPA, you may use the following method:
The basic formula for calculating CGPA is:
CGPA= Total Grade Points Earned
Total Number of Subjects
Grading System for CGPA Calculation
| Marks Range | Grade | Grade Point |
| 91-100 | A1 | 10 |
| 81-90 | A2 | 9 |
| 71-80 | B1 | 8 |
| 61-70 | B2 | 7 |
| 51-60 | C1 | 6 |
| 41-50 | C2 | 5 |
| 33-40 | D | 4 |
| 21-32 | E1 | – |
| Below 21 | E2 | – |
Example of CGPA Calculation
Consider the following grades a student has achieved.
- Subject 1: A1 (10 points)
- Subject 2: A2 (9 points)
- Subject 3: B1 (8 points)
- Subject 4: B2 (7 points)
- Subject 5: C1 (6 points)
Step 1: Start by putting together grade points:
10 +9 +8 +7 +6 =40
Step 2: Divide the total by the number of subjects for this instance = 5
40 / 5 = 8
So, FINAL CGPA = 8.0
This is one way to compute CGPA and it is used across all participants in standard mark systems.
How to Convert CGPA to Percentage?
Most employers and schools usually expect percentages to be submitted rather than CGPAs. The following formula is used to make such a conversion:
Percentage = CGPA x 10
Example:
For a student with a CGPA of 8.5, the conversion would yield:
8.5 x 10 = 85%
While this method of converting CGPA to percentage works, be sure to check university or institutional guidelines as some may have different methodologies.
CGPA vs. GPA vs. SGPA: Key Differences
CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average)
- Calculates the academic performance of a student over several semesters or years.
- Prevalent in India and some international countries.
- Usually uses a 10-point scale.
GPA (Grade Point Average)
- Monitors the academic performance of students within a single semester toward a degree course.
- Commonly used in the US and Canada and most Western countries.
- The normal scale used is typically 4.0.
SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average)
- Refers to grades achieved over a semester.
- Is aimed at arriving at a CGPA by the end of a course.
Take Note: While CGPA represents performance over a few semesters, GPA averages out single semesters. As the name suggests, SGPA is tied to a specific semester.
FAQs
1. What is a good CGPA in college?
Augusta University states Southwestern students need a CGPA of 7.5 to 10 to be termed excellent, with a minimum CGPA of 6.0 to 7.4 being classified as good for most universities and employers out there.
2. Is CGPA used for job placements?
Most companies have a 6.5 CGPA cutoff; anything below that makes you ineligible by their standards.
3. Can CGPA be converted to a percentage?
The conversion formula is pretty simple: CGPA * 10 = percentage. Some institutions may argue otherwise though.
4. Is CGPA different from a percentage?
Of course. CGPA is a grading system derived from dividing the total credits earned by the total credit attempted, and the percentage is a simple number representation of marks achieved.
Conclusion
Understanding what CGPA means is crucial for someone looking to pursue higher studies or even apply for a job since it reflects upon a particular person’s academic metrics skillfully.
Staying at your best can significantly improve the chances of getting your desired position or placement, especially if you are looking for opportunities outside of your home country.
