What is CGPA? - Full Form, Meaning & Conversion Formula

The full form of CGPA is "Cumulative Grade Point Average". It is a standardised metric used by schools and universities to evaluate a student's overall academic performance across all subjects and semesters throughout an entire course. This article presents complete information on what is a CGPA.

CGPA is a grading system used in colleges, schools and universities to present a student's academic performance across all subjects throughout all the semesters/exams of a degree or course. The CGPA is commonly measured on a 10-point-scale in India. It is calculated by dividing the total earned grade points by the total credits attempted. It indicates long-term consistency in academic endeavours of the students.  

In simple words, CGPA is the average of grade points you got in every semester of your course. If you are planning to study abroad - your CGPA is very important. Many top universities abroad check your CGPA score to understand your academic level and decide if you qualify for admission. The CGPA is calculated by taking the average of all SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average) you got in each semester. It shows your total academic result from the beginning to the end of your degree. Your CGPA can be shown as a letter grade (like A, B, C) or as a number grade (like 7.8 or 9.0). Each CGPA score has a matching percentage of marks that you scored in exams.   

What is CGPA and its Full Form?

The full form of CGPA is Cumulative Grade Point Average. A CGPA is a grade point that summarises a person's overall academic performance across all your subjects, semesters, and years throughout your entire academic degree. The CGPA is useful in attracting various academic and professional opportunities, such as getting higher education, scholarships, and jobs abroad. Major aspects of CGPA below:

1. CGPA represents total academic standing over time; which further shows consistency.
2. Calculation: (Total Grade Points Earned) / (Total Credit Hours Attempted) across all semesters.
3. It is important for postgraduate admissions, scholarships, and job opportunities, as it shows long-term dedication.
4. It is scaled a 10-point scale in India (max 10.0) but can vary for universities in US (e.g., 4.0). 

If you're a student, then you must also know how to convert CGPA into Marks.

Why is CGPA important?

A CGPA is important for the following reasons-

1. It gives a holistic view of your performance
2. A CGPA balances out the strong and weak subjects to give an overall picture of your academic performance
3. It is needed for university and job applications as it shows the efforts put in by a student in achieving the grades
4. It can be converted into a percentage to get a clear picture of the marks scored out of 100  
5. A good CGPA can bring you good reputation among your peers and class of studies. 
6. A good CGPA can help you secure a scholarship to study abroad

How Does the Grading System CGPA Work?

A CGPA is a weighted average of all the courses and subjects taken in a degree/course or during the length of an academic program. The weighted average is calculated from the weighted credit points for each subject (which tells how much important that subject is for the course completion) and not just on the basis of plain grades. Here's how the CGPA is calculated 👇

How is CGPA Calculated?

The calculation of CGPA may vary from institution to institution depending on the type of grading system accepted. However, the general principle of calculating the CGPA remains the same. Let us learn how to calculate CGPA from GPA and from percentage below.

1. Calculation of CGPA from Percentage

You can calculate your CGPA from percentage by using the following formula:

CGPA = Percentage ÷ 9.5

As per the above formula, by dividing your overall percentage by 9.5, you can get your CGPA.

2. Calculation of CGPA from GPA

The formula to calculate your CGPA from GPA is:
CGPA = (GPA x 10)/4 or 5
Here, 10 = maximum CGPA scale, and

4 or 5 = maximum GPA scale

You may also be interested in reading about -  

• How to Calculate SGPA?
• How to convert SGPA into CGPA?
• Difference Between SGPA & CGPA  

How to Convert CGPA to Percentage? 

CGPA to percentage conversion can be done by using a simple formula. Students often require a CGPA to percentage conversion to reflect on their academic journeys better, as to how much of the total score out of 100 they have scored. Students also need the CGPA to percentage conversion when applying for admission to a higher course in an Indian university or for applying to a job within India, as percentage is the commonly accepted grading system in India. The CGPA to percentage formula is given below.

Percentage = CGPA × 9.5

Indian universities, on the other hand, mostly use the formula - Percentage = CGPA × 10

CGPA and Percentage Equivalence Table for a 10-Point CGPA 

The CGPA to Percentage Equivalence Table on a 10-point CGPA scale is given below.

Note that these conversions are drawn according to the formula - Percentage = CGPA × 9.5. 

Note: To be admitted to good universities abroad, students must score a minimum CGPA of 6.0.

If you're interested in knowing about the CGPA to Percentage Equivalence tables when CGPA is on a 4-pont scale or on a 5-point scale, then download the PDF given below.

What is the difference between a CGPA and GPA?

While the CGPA full form and the GPA full form are closely the same, there is a significant difference between the criteria of measurement of these two types of grades. Note that in India, the commonly used grading system is either the “percentage” or the CGPA grading system. However most universities and colleges abroad follow GPA grading system and some use CGPA 10-point scale as well.

The key points on the difference between GPA and CGPA are given below.

How to convert CGPA into GPA?

Universities abroad seek your grades in GPA, i.e. on a 4.0 grading system. That's why you would need to convert your 10.0 CGPA received from Indian universities and college into a GPA. For that purpose, you can use the following simple formula - 

CGPA to GPA Calculator

Here is the formula to convert your CGPA to GPA:

What is the difference between SGPA and CGPA?  

In colleges, CGPA is a metric to denote the overall academic performance of an individual for the entire course of their academic degree. Unlike the SGPA, which determines the performance of a student through a semester, the CGPA determines the academic performance across the entire journey of completing a degree. rather than just one semester or year. 
For example, a B.Sc degree usually has 6 semesters divided across the course of 3 years. So, the SGPA you receive after each semester exam would represent your performance limited to that semester only while, a CGPA  would represent your performance throughout all three years. With this being said, it can be inferred that you can get a SGPA before getting your CGPA but you cannot get your CGPA before getting all your SGPAs across a degree or higher education program. Check more differences between SGPA and CGPA here. So, the CGPA you get at the end of your degree is a result of how you performed across all the years of your program.

Do Universities Abroad Accept Indian CGPA?

Universities abroad do accept the Indian CGPAs, which are typically given on a 10-point scale, for admissions to their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Since, most universities abroad are aware of the Indian grading system, so they do not require a direct conversion of grades into another standardised credits system. However, for a holistic approach, universities also consider GRE/GMAT scores, IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo test scores, SOP, LOR and work experience.

WES Credential Evaluation for Studying in US/Canada

The full form of WES is "World Education Services". It is a non-profit organisation that converts global academic credentials into a US/Canada equivalents for universities, employers, immigration authorities and licensing boards. However, it does not convert the "overall CGPA", it works from your study hours and course credits - to calculated the weighted credits. In broader terms, WES evaluates each course individually, converts the grade to a 4.0 scale equivalent, multiplies by credit hours, and divides by total credits.  

This was all about "What is CGPA', CGPA meaning, the full form of CGPA, how is CGPA calculated and CGPA Vs GPA. We hope this comprehensive guide on CGPA has resolved all your doubts. 

What are the Benefits of CGPA Grading System?

Most universities in India provide students' final reports in terms of CGPA and it is very useful for students and the host institution/organisation they move to next. Here's why:

1. A CGPA is a grading system that assesses not just your performance through exams in a course, but also in all types of assignments and attendance. Hence, it gives an overall picture of your performance across your degree or program. So, if you perform badly in one semester and well in another, that will get reflected in your CGPA as it is also the weighted average of your grades across different semesters. 
2.  Since CGPAs are awarded within a range and not as exact numbers in the exam, this induces less stress among students - since many students tend to take the competition negatively, which is not good for their future self.
3. Most of the universities and employers worldwide accept CGPA to determine your academic performance and your fitness for a position in their institution or organisation, respectively.
4. If you have a good CGPA and good English test scores, you might have stronger chances of securing a scholarship to study abroad. 

If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.

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