GPA vs CGPA: Difference Between GPA and CGPA

Schools and colleges across the globe calculate, evaluate, and grade work differently, which is why it’s essential to be aware of the various assessment techniques used to analyse performance. 

Knowing the concepts and the techniques used fir grade assessment can help you keep track of your progress. The terms GPA and CGPA are two such popular terms that are prominently used in grading systems around the world. In order to keep track of your personal growth through attained GPA and CGPA, it is crucial to be aware of their differences, the calculations needed, as well as the conversions (as and when needed). 

In this article, we will address everything you need to know about CGPA and GPA. 

What is GPA?

GPA full form refers to Grade Point Average. It is the standard way to calculate student achievements during a semester. Schools and colleges throughout the world follow different grading systems. The GPA system was created to find common ground, which is accepted worldwide. 

The GPA scoring system implements a grading scale of alphabets – A to F with each alphabet representing grade scores. GPA is used for calculating the overall average performance of any student and associates grades accordingly. Universities use the GPA scoring system to analyse a student’s academic rigour. For instance, candidates with exceptional performance and grades are rewarded with an A, while grades such as D and F imply a poor performance by the student. 

What is CGPA?

CGPA full form Cumulative Grade Point Average is generally used to assess a student’s performance throughout the semesters. The CGPA of any student is found by taking an average of all GPAs a student has received through the semesters and dividing that by total credits. The CGPA score meaning implies that the system assigns a specific grade to a number of marks, for example, grade 8 for 80 to 85.

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Differences between GPA and CGPA

Knowing the key differences between these two predominantly accepted grading formats can offer you greater clarity on their concepts. The main differences between GPA and CGPA have been listed below:

GPA Formula 

Sum of all the courses in one semester ÷ Total Credit Hours in the Semester

CGPA Formula 

Sum of all the courses in one semester ÷ Total Credit Hours Taken in all semesters

GPA to CGPA

While most universities ask applicants to submit their grades on a 10-point scale, specific colleges only require a four-point scale. Candidates may perform a rough calculation for reference only; they are not required to complete the conversions themselves; outside entities handle them.

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GPA to CGPA Conversion Table

The terms GPA and CGPA are often used in the educational field. These two terms talk about the different approaches to the grading or allocating grades to particular students following their academic success across several fields. While grades are offered to students in primary courses, the grading system is standard for higher educational institutions. When evaluating candidates to enrol in specific courses, a majority of schools and institutions prioritise one of the grading techniques over the other, which has led to confusion between GPA and CGPA.

Let’s take a better look at the grading schemes for more clarity. 

Converting Percentages to GPAs and CGPAs

While GPA and CGPA are popular in higher education institutes, many academic institutions also extend a percentage grading system which provides candidate assessment through specific percentages, calculated using the total marks and obtained marks in examinations. 

This section will be divided into two sections. How to convert percentage into a 4-point GPA system and how to convert percentage into a 10-point CGPA system. Let’s take a look at how conversion takes place for the percentage scoring system. 

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How to calculate GPA from a percentage?

The four-grade point system is frequently used around the world. Candidates who want to convert their percentage to a four-grade point GPA should divide it by 100 and multiply the result by 4.

So, for instance, if a candidate receives 80%, they would need to multiply 4 by 80 to get their GPA, which would be 3.2.

How to convert a percentage into a CGPA?

Similarly, the 10-grade point CGPA is extensively used by students in India, Europe and other parts of the world. Candidates need to divide their percentage by 9.5 to convert it to a 10-grade point CGPA.

So, for instance, if a candidate receives 80%, they would need to divide 80% by 9.5, resulting in a CGPA of 8.4.

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Use of GPA and CGPA 

Understanding the GPA computation is essential for understanding the CGPA calculation. Typically, a lettered grade stands in for a numerical grade.

Grades A and B, for instance, represent multiples of four and three, respectively. So, if you receive an A, your grade point average is 4. In an identical line, a grade of B indicates a 3.0 GPA. The scale also changes further following the grading system.

Let’s imagine a student completed three courses worth three credits each, and their final grades were as follows:

• 1st Course – Grade A, which is a GPA score of 4 
• 2nd Course – Grade B, which is a GPA score of 3 
• 3rd Course – Grade C, which is a GPA score of 2 

Now multiply each GPA score by the number of credits stated, which is three.

• 1st Course – GPA score 4 x 3 = 12
• 2nd Course – GPA score 3 x 3 = 9
• 3rd Course – GPA score 2 x 3 = 6

The current grade point total is 27. And the total amount of credits is 9, which we calculate using the formula 3+3+3 = 9.

We now arrive at the equation: Grade Point Average = Total Grade Points / Total Credits.

Significance of CGPA and GPA

After defining the distinction between GPA and CGPA, let’s examine why both grading systems are significant and connected at the same time:

• To achieve an excellent CGPA, you must maintain a steady GPA.
• Since both are listed on your mark sheet, colleges frequently request you to pay attention to both your GPA and CGPA.
• Your GPA and CGPA will matter in the following areas:

1. Applying for a higher education programme.
2. For a variety of awards.
3. Placement applications

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Conclusion 

It’s time to transform your desire into reality by putting all your effort into your studies and correctly setting your goals. Recognise the fundamental differences between CGPA and GPA to analyse your growth through factual data. Pay close attention to your grades and maintain a good GPA and CGPA to present a strong candidature after the completion of your course. Having a good GPA and CGPA helps students achieve the best career opportunities. 

Apart from that, a certified course can also help you take your candidature up a notch. Advanced Cyber Security Programme by upGrad is one such splendid certificate course. Offered by IIIT-B, this course can be an exceptional addition to make you stand out from the crowd and present you with lucrative opportunities!