CGPA vs GPA: Difference between CGPA and GPA

There is a huge difference between CGPA and GPA, but they are used to assess a student’s academic performance. While CGPA is widely used in Indian institutions, GPA, on the other hand, is commonly used for admission to universities abroad and to assess the performance of international students. Check everything about GPA and CGPA, along with CGPA vs GPA, here. 

CGPA to GPA Converter

Check out the CGPA to GPA converter to convert your score:

CGPA To GPA

What is CGPA?

When discussing CGPA, it is also referred to as Cumulative Grade Point Average, which evaluates students' academic achievements at the school or college level. There may be various reasons why institutions choose to assess students based on a cumulative grade point average, and they include:

• Core placements based on CGPA 
• Understanding the CGPA of the applicant in a competitive environment
• Most Indian institutions assess students based on CGPA.
• Based on CGPA, applicants can understand their overall performance in the year or semester.

A CGPA will not be acceptable when applying for education abroad; thus, it is here that CGPA vs GPA comes into play. Hence, universities abroad will require a GPA score from the applicant for admission.

How to Calculate CGPA?

In order to calculate CGPA, this is what you need to do:

1. List all the courses studied, calculate their credit hours and assign grade points (e.g., A = 10, B = 8).

2. Het weighted grade points by multiplying grade points with course credits for each subject.

3. After adding all weighted points, divide the total credits by SGPA.

4. Calculate CGPA:

   • Add all Semester GPAs.
   • Divide by the number of semesters.

CGPA Calculation Formula:

1. Semester GPA = ∑(Grade Points×Credits) / Total Credits

2. CGPA = Number of Semesters / ∑Semester GPAs​

Check out the following related reads for CGPA,

What is GPA?

When understanding what is GPA and CGPA, one first needs to understand GPA. The Grade Point Average, or GPA, is simply a numerical representation used to evaluate students based on their performance in each of the proposed credits. The reasons why a GPA is integral for applicants abroad are:

• It is important to apply for a scholarship to fund education abroad
• An applicant's GPA is important before joining an extracurricular club or organisation.
• Also, when applying for admission abroad, GPAs play a major role. 
• GPA can fluctuate with the scores of credit points in a certain semester or over time. 

You can use our free GPA calculator tool to calculate your GPA score. 

How to Calculate GPA

CGPA vs GPA: Key Differences

Now that applicants have understood both topics, it will be easier to understand CGPA vs GPA. A significant difference exists between GPA and CGPA, even though both are used to assess an applicant’s academic performance. Check out CGPA vs GPA in the table below:

Thus, the difference between CGPA and GPA is based solely on the method of assessment. The CGPA vs GPA difference is commonly noted in their different methods of computation, which result in distinct calculation methods. While CGPA is widely used in Indian institutions, GPA, on the other hand, has a more universal approach abroad. The conversion from GPA to CGPA is rarely required for Indian students, but the conversion from CGPA to GPA is required for admissions abroad. Applicants looking for more details can check out 'How to Convert Percentage to GPA?'

How to Convert CGPA to GPA?

Apart from the CGPA vs GPA debate, some conversions are essential to understand. Since CGPA vs GPA have different roles and are used across different institutions, their acceptance is limited to certain areas. CGPA is scored on a 10-point scale, whereas GPA is typically scored on a 4.0-point scale. The following is a comparison of CGPA to GPA, the two-grade average points and an equivalent score point for international students’ reference:

This is the ideal conversion from CGPA to GPA and vice versa. Thus, applicants applying abroad can have a fair idea of their academic standing. Thus, the CGPA to GPA for manual calculation can be avoided, and the table above can also be referred to. This is also an essential part of CGPA vs GPA. 

Get more details here about How to Convert CGPA into GPA? 

Is Conversion from CGPA to GPA Always Authentic?

Typically, foreign universities recommend credential evaluations for an accurate assessment and conversion of grade point averages to meet university admission requirements. Thus, universities may suggest WES credentials or ECE based on their partnerships. Check out more about Credential Evaluations.

In these cases, applicants must avoid converting their CGPA scores into GPA on their own when submitting admission applications, as the information may become invalid for use. 

Conversion from CGPA to GPA is, thus, authentic only if they have been converted by designated agencies that are experts in this field. Thus, applicants must first understand in detail about CGPA vs GPA and then take steps towards computing one value from the other. 

Thus, this was all about CGPA versus GPA and the various aspects, parameters, calculations, and applications. CGPA and GPA are useful in their terms and roles and are used for different purposes, but ultimately for the same goal. Need more clarity on CGPA vs GPA? Get in touch with us in the comments below.