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CGPA & Grading Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the grading terms behind CGPA-to-percentage conversion. For the conversion formulas themselves, see the university formula directory.
- CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average)
- A weighted average of grade points earned across all semesters of a programme, on a fixed scale (usually 10). It summarises overall academic performance.
- SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average)
- The weighted average of grade points for the courses taken in a single semester.
- GPA (Grade Point Average)
- The average of grade points, typically on a 4-point scale (common in the US) or a 10-point scale (common in India).
- Percentage of marks
- Marks expressed out of 100. Universities convert CGPA to percentage using an official formula that varies by institution (e.g. CGPA × 10, CGPA × 9.5, or (CGPA − 0.75) × 10).
- Credit
- A unit measuring the weight of a course, usually based on weekly instruction hours. Grade points are weighted by credits when computing SGPA and CGPA.
- Grade point
- The numeric value assigned to a letter grade (for example O = 10, A = 9), used to compute averages.
- Letter grade
- A symbolic grade (O, A+, A, B, C, and so on) awarded for a course and mapped to a grade point.
- CBCS (Choice Based Credit System)
- A UGC framework that lets students choose courses across a credit-based structure, graded on a 10-point scale.
- Conversion formula
- The institution-specific rule for converting CGPA to a percentage. It varies by university, which is why a single ×10 rule is often wrong.
- Absolute grading
- A scheme where fixed mark ranges map to grades, independent of how other students performed.
- Relative grading
- A scheme where grades are assigned relative to the class distribution (a curve).
- Backlog
- A course a student has failed and must clear; also called an arrear or supplementary.
- Distinction / First Class
- Classifications of a degree result based on CGPA or percentage thresholds set by the university.
- Weighted average
- An average where each value is weighted by its credit; the basis for SGPA and CGPA.
- WES evaluation
- A credential evaluation (World Education Services) that converts international grades for use abroad.