CGPA is a key academic metric used by universities to evaluate your academic progress. Whether you are a high school or a university student, understanding the CGPA grading system abroad is important to track, manage, and score well in your field.
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What is CGPA?
CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) represents your overall academic performance across all semesters of a program. It’s the average of grade points you’ve earned in every subject, weighted by credit hours. Indian universities usually use a 10-point scale, while international universities often use a 4.0-point scale.
In simple terms, CGPA gives a holistic view of your academic consistency, while GPA focuses on a specific term or semester. A high CGPA shows sustained effort and strong academic discipline throughout your course.
CGPA Calculation Formula
The commonly used formula to convert your CGPA to GPA is:
GPA = (CGPA / 10) × 4
This means you divide your CGPA (on a 10-point scale) by 10 and then multiply it by 4 to get an equivalent GPA on the 4.0 scale used by most U.S. universities.
Example:
If your CGPA is 8.2, then
GPA = (8.2 ÷ 10) × 4 = 3.28
So, a CGPA of 8.2 roughly converts to a 3.28 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Suggested: CGPA to GPA Calculator
How is CGPA Calculated?
To understand CGPA, it is significant that you understand the way in which it is calculated. Each course in the semester is assigned a particular number of total grade points, and your score determines the total grade points that you have earned throughout the course. Here's a detailed explanation of the calculation of CGPA for a better understanding:
Step 1: Assign Grade Points for Each Subject
Each subject you take is graded, and each grade (A, B, C, etc.) corresponds to a numerical value on a 10-point scale. For example, A = 10, B = 8, C = 6, and so on.
Step 2: Multiply Grade Points by Credit Hours
Every subject carries a specific number of credit hours depending on its importance. Multiply the grade points earned for each subject by its credit hours.
Step 3: Add All Weighted Points
Add up all the weighted grade points across all subjects to get the total grade points earned.
Step 4: Divide by Total Credit Hours
Finally, divide the total weighted grade points by the total credit hours attempted across all subjects.
Let’s discuss an example of calculating CGPA below:
Let’s say a student completes three subjects in a semester:
|
Subject |
Grade Point |
Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
10 |
3 |
|
Physics |
9 |
4 |
|
Chemistry |
8 |
3 |
The CGPA will be (10×3)+(9×4)+(8×3)(3+4+3)/ (3+4+3) =90/10 = 9.0
So, the student’s CGPA for this semester is 9.0 on a 10-point scale.
Suggested: Find out how to convert a percentage to CGPA
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What is the Difference Between CGPA and GPA?
CGPA and GPA both form part of the same grading system, but are used to reflect credit points earned by the students at separate points in time. Here's a detailed comparison of the two grade points to help you understand their differences better:
|
Feature |
CGPA |
GPA |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
Average grade point for all semesters |
Average grade point of a single semester |
|
Scope |
Reflects the overall academic achievements |
Reflects the achievements in a specific semester |
|
Scale |
10-point scale |
4.0 Scale |
|
Calculation |
Weighted average of all semester GPAs |
The weighted average of all the grades in the courses taken. |
|
Purpose |
Measures a holistic view of a student’s long-term academic progress |
Measures short-term academic achievement of a given term |
|
Use |
Important for graduation, and for eligibility, admissions, and job placements |
Useful for tracking the progression of semesters and the evaluation of grades |
How to Convert CGPA from GPA?
To find your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), you need to find out the number of credit hours associated with each course. After that, you can calculate the CGPA by taking the weighted average of the GPAs for all semesters or courses, where the GPA should be multiplied by each of their respective credit hours.
|
The formula is: CGPA (total of (GPA* Credit hours))/ Total of Credit Hours. |
Additionally, this formula implies that the greater the credit hours you have, the greater your CGPA will be.
Suggested: Universities Accepting Low GPA
From the Desk of Yocket
The CGPA has many benefits that make your academic journey smoother. It takes the pressure off by shifting focus away from exact scores, helping you worry less and concentrate more on learning. It also gives you a clearer idea of your strengths and the areas you need to improve. Plus, by categorizing performance levels, it allows educators to adapt their teaching methods to suit your needs better, giving you the right support where it matters most.
But if you're aiming higher, like studying abroad or applying to top universities, just knowing your CGPA isn’t enough. With Yocket Premium, you get expert guidance tailored to your academic profile, helping you use your CGPA strategically in applications. From course shortlisting to SOP reviews and visa prep, Yocket Premium supports you at every step. Take control of your future, start your Yocket journey today.
