The two most common metrics for measuring academic performance are GPA (Grade Point Average) and CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average). Both measure academic achievements, but they differ in scope, scale, and usage. CGPA is mainly used in Indian institutions, while GPA is a global standard to measure students, especially for admission into international universities.
What is CGPA?
Cumulative Grade Point Average abbreviated form CGPA measures the student’s class performance in a particular year, or even in one to two consecutive semesters. Most schools in India and colleges work based on this system, wherein the performance of the candidate is summed up in a way that provides his/her overall performance over a 10-point scale.
How is CGPA Calculated?
To calculate CGPA:
- Note downgrades for all subjects along with the credits accompanying them.
- Convert each grade to a grade point. For instance, an A could be 10, a B could be 8, and so on.
- Multiply the grade points by the credits for each subject to get weighted points.
- Add all the weighted points, and divide by the total credit for the semester to get the Semester GPA.
- To get a CGPA, add the total semester GPAs and divide the sum by the number of semesters.
- For instance, if a student scores a semester GPA of 8.5 in the first semester, 9.0 in the second semester, and 8.8 in the third semester, then the corresponding CGPA will be computed as follows: (8.5 + 9.0 + 8.8) ÷ 3 = 8.77.
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What is GPA?
GPA, for short Grade Point Average, refers to a measure of academic performance over one semester or term. International education systems employ it mostly and is calculated using a 4.0-point scale.
How is GPA Calculated?
To calculate GPA:
- Use grade points for each course – e.g., an A is a 4.0, B = 3.0
- Then multiply the grade points in every course by its course credit.
- Add up all the course’s total grade points.
- Divide the total by the amount of credits attempted to calculate the GPA.
- For instance, let’s take a student who achieves a 4.0 in a 3-credit course, 3.7 in a 4-credit course, and 3.5 in a 2-credit course. The GPA formula would be, (4.0*3)+(3.7*4)+(3.5*2)=12 +14.8+ 7 = 33.8
- Then, divide 33.8 by the sum of credits (3+4+2), that is 9: 33.8 ÷ 9 = 3.76.
Comparison of GPA with CGPA
GPA and CGPA are quite similar in terms of measuring the performance of any student; however, these two metrics are different in their scope of study and usage. While CGPA takes into account the average performance for all semesters, it concentrates on single semester performance or term with GPA.
Besides, while CGPA is very important for placements in India, GPA is more critical for students seeking universities abroad. A good CGPA is usually above 8.0, while a GPA of 3.4 or higher is competitive overseas.
Conclusion
GPA and CGPA are two completely different scoring systems for academics. CGPA is a very common scoring system in India, but GPA is an absolute requirement for global academic prospects. Therefore, to be successful academically and get placements or admissions in the most sought-after institutions, students should know of these metrics and their calculations. Students applying abroad have to ensure that their GPAs are converted accurately by authorized credential evaluation services to preserve the authenticity of their applications.
