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Anubha Singh

Updated on 28th November, 2023 , 2 min read

CGPA : Full Form, Formula, Advantages, Calculation, Criticism, Grading Criteria

CGPA : Full  Form

CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average. It is the sum of all the semesters or years. Academic performance is calculated by grade points assigned to students in all subjects over a period of semesters or years. 

In the CGPA system, students are graded on a scale of 0 - 10 or 0 -4 depending on the academic curriculum. 

 

CGPA: Highlights

Particulars

Description

Full Form

Cumulative Grade Point Average 

Places Used

Schools, Colleges, Universities

Purpose

Academic Assessment

 

CGPA: Formula 

Calculated by total grade points earned in each subject divided by total credit hours completed. 

 

The formula of CGPA is: 

CGPA= ∑Total Credit Hours / ∑(Grade Points×Credit Hours)

 

CGPA: Advantages

Education is an evolving sector in terms of exams, patterns, assessment systems, etc. CGPA is fully being used in foreign universities. However many countries like India are still implementing it gradually in schools, colleges, and universities. However, there are added advantages to adapting CGPA as an academic assessment -  

Standardization: CGPA simplifies assessment by converting grades into single numerical values. This kind of standardization allows easier academic comparison among students.

Comprehensive  Evaluation: Comprehensive evaluation of students' academic performance gives a holistic view of achievements. 

Strengths and weaknesses: CGPA acts as a mirror as it shows students where they stand in the class. It allows them to self-analyze their academic performance and improve their weak subjects.

Motivation: CGPA will help set academic goals, encouraging students to continuous improvement wherever required.

Academic Planning: CGPA helps students identify their weak and strong subjects. It will help them plan their academics like which subjects need more focus. It will help in making informed decisions about future prospects according to the strong subjects as well. 

CGPA: Calculation 

Also Read: SGPA to CGPA

 

The cumulative Grade Point Average is calculated through grade points and credit hours in semester. 

Grade 

Grade Points

Credit Hours

Grade A

4.0

Grade A - 

3.7 

2

Grade B 

3.0 

4


Step-by-step process to calculate CGPA:

Grade points: Specific grade points are assigned to each subject/course. For example: 

Grade

Grade Points

A

4

B

3

C

2

D

1

F

0

 

 

Credit Hours: Find out the credit hours in each course. It represents the importance of the course in the academic program. 

 

Grade point calculation for each subject: Multiply the grade points assigned to each course by respective credit hours. 

 

A sum of Quality Points: Add all the points gained after completing the courses. 

 

A sum of Credit Hours: Add the credit hours completed.

 

Compute CGPA: The total sum of quality points will be divided by the Total sum of credit hours

 

CGPA: Criticism

Nothing is perfect. Everything comes with pros and cons. Despite the CGPA is a desired academic assessment system, it has some disadvantages:

 

Masking individual performance: High or low CGPA doesn’t reflect students' real capabilities across varied subjects. 

 

Ignored Non-academic factors: For the holistic development of students, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and leadership skills are required. CGPA blatantly ignores all of it and solely focuses on academics. 

 

Adverse effects on career: Overemphasis on getting high CGPA might ignore Skills that are required for a successful career.

 

CGPA: Grading Criteria

Grade

Marks

Performance

O

90+

Outstanding

A+

90 - 80

Excellent

A

80 - 70 

Very Good

B+

70 - 60

Good

B

60 - 50

Above Average

C

50 -45

Average

D

45 - 40

Pass

F

Less than 40

FAIL

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full form of CGPA?

CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average.

How to convert CGPA into percentage?

To know about the scored percentage from CGPA, you need to multiply CGPA score with 9.5

What are the advantages of CGPA?

Standardization of academic assessment, analyzing strength and weakness for improvement in academic performances, better academic planning according to career prospects

Are CGPA and GPA the same ?

No, they are not the same. CGPA refers to overall academic performance whereas GPA calculates marks of specific timeframe

What is the highest CGPA?

9.5 out of 10 is considered as the highest CGPA. That means one cannot score 10 out 10 in CGPA system

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