The CGPA grading system is one of the most common methods of evaluating academic performance in India. According to India’s Ministry of Education, over 90% of universities now follow a 10-point CGPA scale to assess students. However,universities abroad, especially in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, use GPA systems based on a 4.0 or 5.0 scale, creating confusion for international applicants.
For example, the U.S. Department of Education highlights that most American universities expect aGPA between 3.0 and 3.5 for graduate admission, which often requires converting CGPA to GPA. Similarly,Canadian Universities usually set GPA cutoffs around 3.0, whileUK universitiesprefer at least a 2:1 classification, roughly equal to 60–70% in Indian grading.
This blog explains the CGPA full form in education, breaks down CGPA vs percentage, and provides a country-wise CGPA conversion table to help you understand what your academic scores really mean for study abroad applications.
Courses like physics and civil engineering are popular choices, but before you apply, it helps to know how colleges look at your marks.
What Is the CGPA Grading System?
The CGPA grading system is a standard method used by many schools and universities to assess academic performance across multiple subjects.
Quick facts:
CGPA full form in education: Cumulative Grade Point Average
Measures the overall academic performance over a term, year, or full degree
Commonly used in India, UAE, Singapore, and parts of the Middle East and Asia
Widely adopted by institutions under CBSE, UGC, and various autonomous universities in India
Instead of percentages, marks are converted into grade points and then averaged. This helps standardize results across subjects that may have different levels of difficulty.
If you’re planning higher studies abroad, understanding the CGPA format is important. Many global universities use the GPA system so knowing your score in that format helps you meet the GPA requirement for foreign universities.
Before you get into conversions, it helps to understand the difference between GPA and CGPA and how they’re used by global universities.
Also, check this quick explainer on CGPA vs SGPA and what SGPA really means for your term-wise scores.
CGPA Grading System Structure and Scales
Universities across the world follow different grading scales. While the 10 point CGPA system is common in India, international institutions often use 4-point or 7-point GPA systems.
Common CGPA Grading Systems:
System
Used In
Top Band Meaning
10-point CGPA
India, UAE, Nepal
9.0 – 10.0 = Excellent
4.0 GPA
USA, Canada, Philippines
3.7 – 4.0 = A / A+
7.0 GPA
Australia, some EU countries
6.0 – 7.0 = Distinction
Key Points
Indian universities use the CGPA grading scale, usually marked as 8.5/10 or 7.0/10.
A CGPA of 7.0 or higher is generally considered good for studying abroad.
There is no single formula for CGPA to GPA conversion, as it changes by country and university.
Many universities require students to use WES or country-specific credential evaluation.
Understanding the CGPA needed for study abroad helps students pick realistic university options.
Tip:
If you’re unsure how to convert CGPA for foreign universities, check the admissions page of your target university or use official evaluation tools like WES, ECE, or university-specific GPA calculators.
You’ll also need to prepare key documents. Use this SOP format and pick the right LOR samples for your course.
How the CGPA Grading System Works
The CGPA grading system relies on two things: assigning grade points to marks and then calculating a weighted average based on the subject credits. This gives a balanced view of a student’s academic performance across different subjects or semesters.
Here’s how it works:
Each subject gets a grade point, depending on your score range
These points are assigned to letter grades (e.g., A = 10, B = 8)
Subjects with more credits carry more weight in the final CGPA
Your CGPA is calculated by dividing the total weighted grade points by total credits
Example of 10-point CGPA scale under CGPA Grading System:
Score Range
Grade
Grade Point
91–100
A1
10
81–90
A2
9
71–80
B1
8
61–70
B2
7
51–60
C1
6
41–50
C2
5
33–40
D
4
Below 33
E
Fail
This system avoids calculating averages from raw marks and helps standardize scores across subjects. Most universities that follow the CGPA grading system in India adopt this logic.
How weighted CGPA is calculated
Each subject carries a specific number of credits. The final CGPA considers both the grade points and the weight (credits) of each subject.
Example of Weighted CGPA Grading System:
Subject
Credit & GP
Weighted Score
Mathematics
4 credits, GP 9
36
English
3 credits, GP 8
24
Economics
2 credits, GP 10
20
Total
9 credits
80
CGPA = Total (GP × Credit) ÷ Total Credits = 80 ÷ 9 = 8.88
What many students miss:
Only credit-bearing subjects are included in the CGPA
Courses marked as audit or pass/fail are usually excluded
Institutions may round off CGPA to the nearest decimal
Some autonomous colleges cap CGPA at 9.0 or 9.5 for internal policies
CGPA Grading System in Different Countries
Many countries have adopted the CGPA grading system, but each one follows its own structure. Some use a 10-point scale like India, others follow the 4-point GPA system, while a few countries apply a reverse scale (lower numbers = higher scores).
Here’s a quick look at country-wise CGPA conversion patterns and grading structures:
Country
Common Scale Used
Notes
India
10-point
Most common under CBSE, UGC, autonomous colleges
UAE
4.0 GPA
Similar to US-style GPA systems
Philippines
5.0 to 1.0
1.0 = highest grade; lower numbers are better
Malaysia
4.0 GPA
GPA used across most public and private institutions
Bangladesh
4.0 GPA (or % based)
Some use percentage, others GPA depending on the institution
Common questions students ask:
Is 9.0 CGPA equal to 4.0 GPA? Not always. There’s no direct CGPA to GPA conversion. It depends on how your university calculates GPA from international transcripts.
How to convert CGPA for foreign universities?
Use official evaluation services like WES, ECE, or IQAS
Check if your target university provides a CGPA conversion chart
Avoid using general GPA calculators unless approved by the institution
This world map gives a visual overview of how different countries grade students.
Tip for Indian applicants:
Many top universities in USA, UK, Canada, and Europe rely on third-party evaluation bodies. For example:
WES (World Education Services) evaluates Indian CGPA on a course-by-course basis
A CGPA of 8.5/10 may translate to around 3.5/4.0 GPA depending on institution-specific standards
CGPA Grading System Used in Top Global Universities
Many universities around the world now recognize or use the CGPA grading system especially in countries across Asia and the Middle East. This makes it easier for Indian students to apply without confusion or extra conversion steps.
Countries where CGPA Grading System is commonly accepted:
Country
University
Grading Format
UAE
University of Sharjah
4.0 GPA / 10-point CGPA
American University of Dubai
4.0 GPA
Malaysia
University of Malaya
4.0 GPA
Taylor’s University
4.0 GPA
Bangladesh
University of Dhaka
4.0 GPA / Percentage
BRAC University
4.0 GPA
Philippines
University of the Philippines
Reverse GPA (1.0 = highest)
Ateneo de Manila University
Reverse GPA (1.0 = highest)
These universities often provide clear CGPA grading scales on their admissions pages. Some also publish specific GPA requirements for foreign universities, especially for Indian or South Asian applicants.
If you're applying to institutions in these regions, check if they:
Accept direct CGPA evaluation
Use internal equivalency charts
Recommend third-party credential evaluators for accuracy
How to Convert CGPA to Other Formats
Converting your CGPA to the format used abroad is one of the most important steps in your application. Universities in USA, Canada, and Europe typically use a 4.0 GPA scale, which means Indian students need to present their CGPA grading system in an accepted format.
Why CGPA grading system conversion is needed:
Indian universities use the 10-point CGPA system, but global institutions mostly follow a 4-point or percentage-based GPA
Admissions teams assess academic eligibility based on GPA requirement for foreign universities
Accurate conversion helps you meet the minimum cutoff and qualify for scholarships
How credential evaluators handle CGPA:
These evaluators assess your academic transcripts and convert your CGPA based on credit hours, grading policies, and course difficulty.
Evaluator
Used For
Notable Features
WES
USA, Canada
Course-by-course or document-level evaluation
ECE
USA
Detailed GPA breakdown, suitable for grad school
IQAS
Canada
Commonly used for PR and study applications
UK ENIC
UK
Recognizes Indian CGPA in most postgraduate cases
Common mistakes to avoid:
Assuming 9.0 CGPA = 4.0 GPA (it doesn’t)
Using online calculators not accepted by universities
Ignoring country-wise CGPA conversion rules
Submitting transcripts without proper English translation or attestation
If you're unsure how to convert CGPA for foreign universities, start by checking the university’s admission page or reach out to their international student team. Some universities also offer their own GPA conversion charts.
Remember, the correct conversion method can strengthen your profile and help you meet the CGPA needed for study abroad more confidently.
CGPA Grading System Chart
Every CGPA score corresponds to a letter grade and, in some cases, a GPA equivalent—especially when students apply abroad. While each institution may adjust slightly, most follow a common structure within the 10-point CGPA system.
Here’s a sample CGPA grading scale used by many Indian universities and accepted globally for basic conversions:
CGPA (out of 10)
Letter Grade
Approx. GPA (USA scale)
9.1 – 10.0
A+
4.0
8.1 – 9.0
A
3.7
7.1 – 8.0
B+
3.3
6.1 – 7.0
B
3.0
5.1 – 6.0
C+
2.7
4.1 – 5.0
C
2.3
Below 4.0
D / F
Not eligible
Note: This chart provides only a rough CGPA to GPA conversion. For applications abroad, use official evaluators like WES or ECE.
This scale helps students understand if they meet the GPA requirement for foreign universities, especially when applying from India where most colleges follow the CGPA grading system in India based on 10 points.
Validity and Use of the CGPA Grading System
Your CGPA remains valid as long as your transcript is issued by a recognized institution. It’s used beyond college admissions and plays a role in job applications, scholarships, and further studies.
Common Uses of CGPA
Scenario
Is CGPA Accepted?
Notes
Study abroad admission
Yes
Often converted to GPA
Scholarship selection
Yes
May ask for CGPA + percentage
Job applications
Yes
Domestic firms may ask for % as well
CGPA Validity Overview
Use Case
Validity
Additional Notes
Academic admissions
Unlimited
Must have official transcript
Postgraduate applications
Unlimited
May request updated resume/SOP
Professional recruitment
Unlimited
Some roles may convert CGPA to %
Knowing how long CGPA is valid, and how it connects with the CGPA grading scale, gives students clarity when applying for higher studies or moving between academic systems.
UpGrad’s Tools to Calculate or Convert CGPA Grading System
If you're unsure how your academic performance measures up against global standards, upGrad's CGPA to GPA calculator can help. It’s a free, fast, and accurate way to convert your Indian CGPA or percentage into the GPA formats used in USA, Germany, and other top study destinations.
What the tool does:
Converts your 10-point CGPA system to 4.0 GPA format (used in USA, Canada, etc.)
Provides estimates for German GPA based on percentage or CGPA
Works for both undergraduate and postgraduate applications
Gives you a country-wise CGPA conversion that aligns with most university requirements
Need a head start? Check these free courses from upGrad.
FAQs
Is 7.5 CGPA good enough to apply for US universities?
Yes, a 7.5 CGPA is generally considered competitive for many US universities. However, top schools may expect 8.0 or higher. Always confirm with official university GPA requirements or WES evaluation before applying.
How does CGPA affect scholarship eligibility abroad?
Scholarships often require a strong academic record, usually above 8.0 CGPA. However, some universities also consider extracurriculars, test scores, and essays. Each scholarship program sets its own minimum CGPA requirement for Indian students.
Do Canadian universities accept Indian CGPA directly?
Most Canadian universities accept CGPA but convert it into a 4.0 GPA scale using WES or IQAS. A CGPA above 7.5/10 is typically competitive. Some colleges may ask for both percentage and GPA equivalents for transparency.
What CGPA is required for a master’s in Germany?
German universities usually expect at least 7.0–7.5 CGPA, which converts to a 2.5 GPA on their 5.0 scale. Highly ranked universities may demand 8.0 or higher. Always check your target program’s official admission page.
Can I convert CGPA into percentage for foreign colleges?
Yes, many institutions still request percentages. A common formula is: Percentage = (CGPA × 9.5). But this varies across universities, so always check admission guidelines or use official conversion services for accuracy.
Does CGPA include failed subjects after clearing them?
If you fail a subject and later clear it, most Indian universities only count the passing grade in the final CGPA. However, some transcripts highlight reattempts, which foreign universities may notice during credential evaluation.
What CGPA is required for Ivy League admissions?
Ivy League schools generally admit students with exceptional academics, often equivalent to 9.0+ CGPA. However, admissions are holistic, meaning strong test scores, essays, and extracurricular achievements are equally important in securing a place.
How reliable are online CGPA to GPA calculators?
Free online calculators may provide estimates, but they are not accepted by universities. Official evaluators like WES or ECE should be used for applications. Using unofficial conversions can risk rejection of your documents.
Is CGPA valid for job applications outside India?
Yes, many international employers accept CGPA, but they may request GPA equivalents. For professional roles, your skills, certifications, and experience matter more. Some employers may ask for credential evaluation from official agencies.
How much CGPA is required for a UK master’s degree?
UK universities usually expect at least 6.5–7.0 CGPA, which is equivalent to a 2:1 honors classification. Top universities may prefer 7.5 or higher. Requirements differ by program, so always review admission criteria.
Does CGPA matter for student visa approval?
No, your student visa is not granted based on CGPA alone. Visa approvals depend on admission letters, financial proof, and compliance with immigration rules. However, a strong CGPA helps secure admission offers that support your visa.
Can CGPA from distance education be used abroad?
Yes, as long as your program is accredited by UGC or AICTE, the CGPA is valid. Foreign universities may still request credential evaluation. Ensure your transcript is detailed and officially recognized to avoid application issues.
Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT,...
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