03 Feb
Higher grades are crucial if you are planning to study abroad. Academic performance is often measured using different grading scales, with GPA and CGPA being the most common. While both terms relate to academic grading, they serve distinct purposes in evaluating a student’s progress.
Most universities and colleges use GPA and CGPA as a criterion for international student’s admission. Therefore, you should understand the difference between GPA and CGPA. This article help you understand this concept.
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What is GPA?
GPA or Grade Point Average is a numerical representation of a student’s academic performance for a specific term or semester. It provides a short-term assessment of how well a student performs in their coursework.
GPA is an essential component for those students who are planning to Study abroad. In practice, the GPA is calculated by dividing the total academic grade points earned by the total number of credits attempted.
What is CGPA?
CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average which represents the overall academic performance of a student over multiple semesters. Unlike GPA, which is limited to a single term, CGPA considers all completed courses throughout an academic program.
The CGPA is marked on a scale of 10, in which above 8 is considered a higher grade. Learn how to convert CGPA to GPA for Study Abroad.
What is the difference between GPA and CGPA?
The main difference between GPA and CGPA is in the fact that GPA, measures the overall performance in a single semester or unit while CGPA measures performance in the entire course which covers all semesters and units.
Some of the difference between GPA and CGPA are discussed below.
| GPA | CGPA |
|---|---|
| Measures performance for a single term or semester | Measures overall performance over multiple semesters |
| Based on grades in one semester | Average of all GPA scores from different semesters |
| Determines short-term academic success | Reflects long-term academic achievements |
| Widely accepted for study abroad admissions. | Acceptable within India only. Not widely accepted for all study abroad admissions |
| A score of 3.4 or above is considered a good GPA score. | Above 8 grade points is a good CGPA score. |
| GPA = Weighted Grade Points / Total Credit Hours | CGPA = Weight Average GPA / Total Credit Hours |
Why are GPA and CGPA important?
Both GPA and CGPA are widely accepted by colleges and universities for study abroad. CGPA to be converted to GPA when students are applying for higher education abroad.
- Academic Performance Tracking:
- GPA helps students gauge their progress in individual semesters, while CGPA provides a comprehensive view of their entire academic journey.
- College and University Admissions:
- Higher education institutions often consider GPA and CGPA when evaluating applicants for undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Job and Internship Opportunities:
- Many employers assess CGPA when shortlisting candidates, as it reflects consistency in academic performance.
- Scholarships and Honors:
- Various scholarships and academic distinctions have minimum GPA or CGPA requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the basic difference between GPA and CGPA is essential for students who seek abroad education. While GPA provides a short-term academic overview, CGPA reflects long-term academic performance. Both play a crucial role in shaping academic and career opportunities.
FAQs
1. Which is more important, GPA or CGPA?
Both are important. GPA reflects performance in a particular semester, which is useful for immediate feedback, while CGPA shows overall academic consistency over time.
2. Can a student have a high GPA but a low CGPA?
Yes, if a student performs well in one semester but poorly in others, the CGPA will be lower because it averages out performance over multiple semesters.
3. What is a good GPA or CGPA for University Admissions?
It depends on the institution. However, a GPA of 3.5+ and a CGPA of 7.0+ (on a 10-point scale) are generally considered competitive for admissions and scholarships.
4. Is It possible to improve CGPA?
Yes, improving performance in future semesters can raise a student’s CGPA, as new grades contribute to the overall calculation.
5. Do all universities use GPA and CGPA?
No, different countries and universities have their grading systems. Some use percentage-based grading, while others use letter grades or a different point scale.
