CGPA Full Form Name: CGPA Meaning
Full Form of CGPA:
Cumulative Grade Point Average
CGPA Full Form is
Cumulative Grade Point Average. CGPA is a grading system used
in schools or colleges to measure the academic performance of students. CGPA
gives the final average of all grade points that are obtained in all subjects
other than the additional subject. However, based on the scheme the calculation
could vary. Since CGPA is given as a point in relation with 10, in order to
obtain the percentage value the CGPA has to be multiplied with 9.5. For example,
if the CGPA of a student is 9.2 then the equivalent percentage of marks would be
87.4% (9.2X9.5 = 87.4).
Based on the range of marks, the grade and grade
point are determined. The grades include A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D, E1, and E2,
in descending order respectively. The highest grade point one receives on
scoring an A1 would be 10.0 while the lowest on scoring a D would be 4.0. It is
the CGPA that determines the further admission for a student for higher
studies.
CGPA Full Form – Additional Information
We all know that when it comes to education, all
that one thinks of is grades and marks percentage. Some think that it is a rat
race. But without this gradation, there is no future for higher academic
pursuit. GPA or grade point average was devised to facilitate admission process
for higher studies as well as a means to keep the student’s performance always
on the go.
What is CGPA?
CGPA or Cumulative Grade Point Average is a
system of grade calculation by finding the average of grade points obtained by a
student in his/her academic career. Grade Point Average is usually calculated
for a specific period from middle school to high school to see the average score
of the student’s performance.
In many universities, the GPA is calculated for
undergraduate and graduate programs and is the grading per semester of marks for
subjects as well as grades for extra-curricular activities. However, by the end
of the course, the entire span’s grades are considered and an average is
obtained which is known as CGPA or Cumulative Grade Point Average.
The grading is either in alphabetical form from
O, A, B, C, D, E, F where O stands for outstanding, A is excellent, B is Very
Good, C is Good, D is Average, E is Below Average and F is Fail. The marks range
for each of the alphabetical representation may vary from institute to
institute. For some, the O level is 80-85 and above, whereas others may have
90+. This goes on for other categories also.
However, when we say Average marks, it is below
60 but above 50. The Below Average range is 40-49 and in all cases, marks below
40 account to failure. The numerical representation of grades may also vary from
different institutes. Some choose to have the 7 point system of 5-10 and 0 is
Fail. Others may have from 1-7 where 1 is Fail.
Table of Gradation and Its Representation
in Various Institutes
This is the general grading for the University of Mumbai and other colleges.
Sometimes the higher mark tab may start from 70+. However, technical institutes
have a very stringent grading system and institute like IITs, NIT and BITS have
their own grading as per the course standards. The grades are calculated by
taking into account the continuous assessment marks of the student along with
the project work, quiz marks, contribution in class discussions and attendance
on the roll. The following table is taken from Wikipedia that shows typical
grade system in IIT Madras.
As one can see, for gradation purpose only the examination performance is not
sufficient. There needs to be a constant involvement in the academic circuit
through co-curricular and extra- curricular activities, participation in various
group discussions and quizzes as well as maintenance of mandatory attendance.
This motivates the students to take the courses seriously and there is no lapse
or last minute rush to gain decent marks.
Advantages of adopting CGPA System
Whenever a new system
is introduced there are bound be reactions and counter reactions stating the
pros and cons of introducing the system. Let us look at the pros first. In
schools, this system means fewer burdens on the students. Since the grades are
not based on the final examination only, but calculated with continuous
assessments in consideration along with final exam marks, it does not stress the
students to burn the midnight’s lamp and mug up the portion.
The pattern of units
and assessments related to the units ensures that the child is well prepared at
all times and once the unit is over, there is no need to revise it for the
future exams. Since the grades are based not only on studies but also active
participation in school activities, the student is encouraged to showcase his
hidden talents and develop an outgoing personality.
As far as colleges and
universities are concerned, almost the same norm applies. The stringent
attendance rule makes sure that the student attends his lectures on a regular
basis and does not miss classes. The group discussions, quizzes etc encourages
the person to sharpen the brain and wits to emerge a winner. Semester wise study
lessens the burden of memorizing difficult, long chapters and also imbibes a
good habit of daily study to score in continuous assessments.
The grades are
generalized in particular marking range and not marks specific. This is enough
to boost the morale of students who strive to do better yet feel that they
cannot compete with the class toppers. The mention of marks may demoralize them,
but here since 95+ as well as 85+ come under the same category of grade point,
the lower scoring students feel good that they have managed to come at par with
the toppers and some day they too can achieve the high score.
Disadvantages of CGPA System
Every coin has a flip
side. Just as there are positive traits for adopting the grading system, there
are some negative issues too. Since the grades of the toppers, as well as
average students, are sometimes categorized under the same grade, this may hurt
the outstanding students as they feel that their special efforts are not
recognized as exemplary and average students are given the same leverage.
Just as the toppers may
resent this arrangement, the average students may think differently. For them,
even the slightest of sincere input puts them at par with excellent students, so
they feel that they need not work extra since they will have the same grade
advantage as the studious ones.
Since the grades are
given per semester in college or unit study in schools, the students study for
the assessment to get the required grade and show less interest towards the
final exams, as they know that the CGPA is finally their year-long performance
and not only the final exam.
Another disadvantage is
that such grades are just explanatory about the student’s overall performance in
academics and activities. However, it does not ascertain the true potential of
the person and a person with lower grades may not necessarily be useless or
failure in life.
What is the use of CGPA?
For many companies when
they hire a person they want to make sure that they have a right candidate for
the job. To a certain degree, the CGPA helps to gauge whether the person has the
potential to take up the responsibilities or not. Maybe it is a common logic
that if a person has strived to attain good grades, then there has to be
sincerity involved in the efforts. So the same kind of sincere output can be
expected at work. Whatever be the reason of introducing this grading system, it
is here to stay and is followed by different pattern all over the world.
GPA – Grade
Point Average – This is also a grading system which gives the
performance of a student in one semester or term. The average of all the grade
points along with other grades obtained in the practical classes and project
works will give the CGPA.