Global Grading Systems Uncovered
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Across the globe, there are over a million higher education institutions and each of them follows a certain grading system. Half the Europe follows the Bologna system of education and grading system, while countries in Latin and North America follow the GPA grading system. Let’s check out country country-wise grading system in this article.
Grading systems are not just about grades; marks, percentages, and other types of grading systems exist. Each country for studying abroad has a set of standard grading systems used across its schools and universities. Firstly, let’s check the different types of grading systems, then understand how the CBSE 10th grading system works and finally, check out the top countries and their grading systems.
- Types of Grading Systems
- What are the Pros and Cons of Grading Systems?
- CBSE Grading System
- Grading Systems in Countries Abroad
Types of Grading Systems
There are different grading systems in the world, and each varies per country internationally. In some cases, there is grading based on marks, or in others, the grading is based on percentage. Following is the type of grading that is followed across a couple of countries:
- Grading based on percentage scores like 90% is ‘A’ grade.
- Letter grades, each denoting a certain level of achievement like, grade ‘O’ represents outstanding.
- GPA grading system - where a GPA is graded based on the student's performance.
- Mastery grading where students are graded based on these parameters - Unfamiliar, Adequate, Emergent, Proficient, Distinguished and Master.
- Common grading scale (GSC) - this grading gives grades like A1, A2, A3 and a pass or fail denotion. Based on all grades, the final pass/fail verdict is given.
- Narrative grading is another type of grading that offers more consolidated feedback to students.
There may also be other grading types, but the above-mentioned grading system is used widely.
Also, Read: Consolidated Marksheet
What are the Pros and Cons of Grading Systems?
The grading system is enhanced, where students scoring in a broad category are all graded in the same slot. While few may regard this as a boon, others may always feel its a bane. Let us check out some of the pros and cons of grading systems in the table below:
| Pros of Grading System |
Cons of Grading System |
|---|---|
| Less pressure on students based on academic performance. |
Those falling in the 95% - 100% category are graded similarly. |
| Easier to mark students based on performance. |
Not easy to judge between the best performers and a notch lower performers. |
| The grading system helps students understand their standing along with other students. |
The bifurcation is not very clear hence, not a lot of students can be counted into one category. |
Thus, the pros are more for the grading system but the cons are equally scalable for students.
CBSE Grading System
Since many Indian students study abroad for higher education, it is essential to understand the CBSE grading system first and then check out the Indian universities’ grading system.
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CBSE 10th Grading System
It is important to note that the CBSE 10th grading system is similar to class 12th. Check out the CBSE grading system in the table below:
| Grade Awarded |
Grade Point Awarded |
Category of Students Passed/Failed |
|---|---|---|
| A1 |
10 |
Top 1/8th of the passed students |
| A2 |
9 |
Next 1/8th of the passed students |
| B1 |
8 |
Next 1/8th of the passed students |
| B2 |
7 |
Next 1/8th of the passed students |
| C1 |
6 |
Next 1/8th of the passed students |
| C2 |
5 |
Next 1/8th of the passed students |
| D1 |
4 |
Next 1/8th of the passed students |
| D2 |
2 |
Next 1/8th of the passed students |
| E |
1 |
Failed students |
This is how the grading system works for CBSE students in India. The grading system is the same for both Board classes, 10th and 12th, in India.
Indian Universities Grading System
At universities in India, there are grade scales and marks that can then be categorised into division categories. The Indian university level’s education grading system is as follows:
| Percentage of Marks |
Division |
|---|---|
| 75% - 100% |
Distinction + First Division |
| 60% - 74% |
First Division |
| 55% - 59% |
Second High Division |
| 50% - 54% |
Second Division |
| 42% - 49% |
Third Division |
| 35% - 40% |
Fail or Third Division |
| 0% - 34% |
Fail |
This is how Indian university scores their students and categorise them into divisions. These percentages can be converted to GPA if applying for admissions abroad. May universities also score students based on CGPA, thus, applicants can submit their GPA from CGPA also. Now, let us look at the countries abroad in the sections below to understand their grading systems in detail.
Grading Systems in Countries Abroad
Since Indian students hail from different countries abroad, they must understand the grading system of these countries.
Grading System in USA
The grading system in US usually assigns grades or assesses students based on the GPA grading system. Here, the students are marked based on either percentage or grades, and they fall into a category of GPA. The following table summarises the GPA grading system in the US:
| Grades |
Percentage Category |
GPA (4.0 Point Scale) |
|---|---|---|
| A+ |
97% - 100% |
4.0 |
| A |
93% - 96% |
4.0 |
| A- |
90% - 92% |
3.7 |
| B+ |
87% - 89% |
3.5 |
| B |
83% - 86% |
3.0 |
| B- |
80% - 82% |
2.7 |
| C+ |
77% - 79% |
2.3 |
| C |
73% - 76% |
2.0 |
| C- |
70% - 72% |
1.7 |
| D+ |
67% - 69% |
1.3 |
| D |
65% - 66% |
1.0 |
| F |
Below 65% |
0 |
American education grading system focuses on GPAs rather than marks and percentages. International applicants can also check out how to calculate GPA for a better understanding.
Korean Grading System
The South Korean grading system is a mix of percentages and grades, the following table throws more light on the same:
| Percentage Obtained |
Grades |
|---|---|
| 95% - 100% |
A+ |
| 90% - 95% |
A |
| 85% - 90% |
B+ |
| 80% - 85% |
B |
| 75% - 80% |
C+ |
| 70% - 75% |
C |
| 65% - 70% |
D+ |
| 60% - 65% |
D |
| Below 60% |
Fail |
Universities may also grade students on a 4.0-point to 10.0-point scale, varying across universities. Thus, there is no standard way to grade students in South Korean universities.
Australian Grading System
International students enrolling at Australian universities must know about the recognised grading system, which is as follows:
| Grade |
Scale |
Scale 2 |
Grade Description |
Division |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD |
7.00 |
83.00 - 100.00 |
High Distinction (A) |
First Class |
| D |
6.00 - 6.99 |
73.00 - 82.99 |
Distinction (A) |
Second Class, Upper Division |
| C |
5.00 - 5.99 |
63.00 - 72.99 |
Credit (B) |
Second Class, Lower Division |
| P |
4.00 - 4.99 |
50.00 - 62.99 |
Pass (C) |
Third Class |
| N |
0.00 - 3.99 |
0.00 - 49.99 |
Fail |
- |
The grades given in the table above denote the following:
- HD: 85% and above (High Distinction)
- D: 75–84% (Distinction)
- C: 65–74% (Credit)
- P: 50–64% (Pass)
- N: 49% and under (Fail)
Canadian Universities Grading Process
For those planning to study in Canada, will first have to identify the state they wish to study in. Applicants should identify the Canadian state for studying because each state has a different grading system. so, some of the common ones are as follows:
- Alberta Grading System: There is a letter grading system which is further translated into a grade point on a GPA scale.
- British Columbia Grading System: Letter grades are translated into percentage scores.
- Manitoba Grading System: Grading happens on a GPA of 4.0-point scale.
Universities abroad use a standard grading system, typically a GPA or a grading system that includes percentage or mark calculations. However, grading systems justify the intent and can be evaluated if applying for admission abroad.
The Oklahoma State University acceptance rate is 71%, as per some unofficial sources. The moderate percentage shows that it is easy to get into the university. International students must showcase their positive profile by scoring excellently in academics and a minimum of 3 GPA on a scale of 4. Students need to demonstrate their English language proficiency by submitting the score of IELTS, TOEFL, and prove themselves by aiming for high standardized test scores.
The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 87%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
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