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

CGPA is a grading system used in Indian educational institutes. It can be seen as a report card that runs on a scale of 1-10 rather than the grades. This article explains covers - what is CGPA, what is its full form, how it is calculated and why does it matter.

A CGPA is a single score that represents the overall performance of a student through the entire semester or degree. It is a metric representing a student's overall academic performance across all subjects and semesters, commonly 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 till 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 Score? 

A CGPA is a measure of a student's overall academic performance across all subjects and semesters in a course, calculated by averaging grade points (based on marks) weighted by subject credits, giving a holistic view of their academic standing for admissions to universities and jobs abroad and in India. In the Indian education system, CGPA is commonly used by schools and colleges as a performance metric to show the performance of students throughout their class or degree/course. The CGPA is generally denoted in numerical grades from 1 to 10. So, by far you must have understood what is CGPA in result. So, let's continue to learn more about CGPA, its full form, calculation formulas, etc. 

What is CGPA full form?

The full form of CGPA is Cumulative Grade Point Average, which 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). 

Related Blog: Calculate 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

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

Also Read:

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

What is 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.

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.

CGPA and Percentage Equivalence Table on a 4-Point CGPA Scale

The CGPA to Percentage Conversion Table on a 4-point CGPA scale is given below. Note that the percentage calculation formula from CGPA to percentage on a 4-point scale is:

Percentage = CGPA × 25

This chart provides an estimated range for the percentage equivalent of a CGPA above 3.0 on a 4-point scale. Note that these conversions are drawn according to the above-given CGPA to Percentage formula (and vice versa). These approximations may change based on different universities and colleges abroad.

5.0 Scale CGPA to Percentage Conversion

The standard formula to convert a 5.0 scale CGPA to a percentage is:

Percentage = (CGPA/5.0) x 100

With the above formula, the value of percentage corresponding to a few CGPAs are given in the table below.

CGPA to GPA Calculator

Here is the formula to convert your CGPA to GPA:

CGPA Vs 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 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 - 

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. 

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.