How to calculate CGPA to apply to study abroad

This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of CGPA, which stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average. Most of the foreign universities and colleges widely use CGPA is to determine the current academic standing of their candidate and to assess their suitability for admission to bachelor's or master's degree programs. In this article, we will delve into the details of how to calculate CGPA for students seeking admission abroad.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Compute CGPA using Grade Points

As previously mentioned, CGPA is a measure of a student's average grade point. In India, students can calculate their CGPA by adding up the grade points earned in their main subjects and dividing the total by the number of subjects. Typically, students are advised to consider their top five subjects and add up their grade point sums, then divide the result by 5 (the number of subjects). This calculation method is commonly used to determine a student's academic performance and is particularly relevant for those who are planning to pursue higher education.

Example

Let's determine the CGPA for the given example. To calculate CGPA, we add up the grade points earned in each subject and divide the total by the number of subjects. In this case, we need to consider the grade points of five subjects and add them up. The resulting sum is then divided by 5 to obtain the CGPA. Applying this formula to the example given, we get a CGPA of 8.0, which is within the 10 point scale limit. It's important for candidates to note that CGPA cannot exceed 10 points, regardless of the number of subjects taken.

CGPA Formula: (Subject 1+2+3+4+5) / number of subjects

Therefore: (8+9+9+7+7) / 5

40/5 = 8.0

Grade Points Table

A grading system based on Grade Points is used to evaluate a student's performance in a specific subject. In addition to computing the CGPA, students can calculate their subject-wise percentage by multiplying the Grade Point earned in a subject by 9.5. To provide a clearer understanding of this system, a table is presented below.

Difference between CGPA and GPA

Students often mistakenly use the terms GPA and Grade point synonymously, but they are not interchangeable. While CGPA evaluates a student's performance across the entire course duration, GPA only measures their performance in one semester or a single unit. Additionally, GPA follows a 4-point grading system that is generally used by American universities, whereas CGPA follows a 10-point grading system that is more commonly recognized in other parts of the world.

How to Convert 10-Point CGPA to 4-Point GPA

Your academic records can significantly impact your admission process when applying to universities abroad. These institutions typically require candidates to follow a standard grading system, which helps them evaluate academic credentials and determine whether to accept admission applications. Credential evaluation is a crucial aspect of the admission process, as it enables candidates to gain recognition for their academic achievements.

If you're applying to universities in the US, you'll need to convert your 10-point CGPA to a 4-point GPA. Candidates are not typically required to convert their CGPA to GPA themselves during the admission process to universities abroad. Rather, this conversion is usually handled by the universities themselves or by designated organizations appointed by the universities. By following the provided method down below you can make an approximate calculation just to get an idea or for reference, but don't expect it to be completely accurate.

If the university's statement of marks indicates your CGPA as 7.0 and also reveals that the top-performing student in your batch received a CGPA of 8.0, you may use this information to compute your own score as:

(7.0/8.0) X 4 = 3.5

There are numerous concerns regarding how to compute the 4-point GPA using the CGPA, particularly when it comes to the topper's GPA. It's crucial for applicants to understand that the formula provided above is simply a means of approximating their likelihood of success in the application process.

How to convert CGPA to percentage

The formula to convert CGPA to percentage is straightforward. Multiply the CGPA by 9.5 or 10, depending on the grading scale used by your institution. The resulting number is your percentage.

Example:

Suppose your CGPA is 8.5 on a scale of 10. To convert it to a percentage, you can use the formula:

Percentage = CGPA x 10

Percentage = 8.5 x 10

Percentage = 85%

Tips to Remember:

Always check the grading scale used by your institution before converting CGPA to percentage. If your institution uses a grading scale of 9, multiply your CGPA by 9.5 instead of 10. Keep in mind that the conversion formula is not an exact science, and there may be some variation in the actual percentage obtained.

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