CGPA : Full Form
CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average. It is the sum of all the semesters or years. Academic performance is calculated by grade points assigned to students in all subjects over a period of semesters or years.
In the CGPA system, students are graded on a scale of 0 - 10 or 0 -4 depending on the academic curriculum.
CGPA: Highlights
CGPA: Formula
Calculated by total grade points earned in each subject divided by total credit hours completed.
The formula of CGPA is:
CGPA= ∑Total Credit Hours / ∑(Grade Points×Credit Hours)
CGPA: Advantages
Education is an evolving sector in terms of exams, patterns, assessment systems, etc. CGPA is fully being used in foreign universities. However many countries like India are still implementing it gradually in schools, colleges, and universities. However, there are added advantages to adapting CGPA as an academic assessment -
Standardization: CGPA simplifies assessment by converting grades into single numerical values. This kind of standardization allows easier academic comparison among students.
Comprehensive Evaluation: Comprehensive evaluation of students' academic performance gives a holistic view of achievements.
Strengths and weaknesses: CGPA acts as a mirror as it shows students where they stand in the class. It allows them to self-analyze their academic performance and improve their weak subjects.
Motivation: CGPA will help set academic goals, encouraging students to continuous improvement wherever required.
Academic Planning: CGPA helps students identify their weak and strong subjects. It will help them plan their academics like which subjects need more focus. It will help in making informed decisions about future prospects according to the strong subjects as well.
CGPA: Calculation
Also Read: SGPA to CGPA
The cumulative Grade Point Average is calculated through grade points and credit hours in semester.
Step-by-step process to calculate CGPA:
Grade points: Specific grade points are assigned to each subject/course. For example:
Credit Hours: Find out the credit hours in each course. It represents the importance of the course in the academic program.
Grade point calculation for each subject: Multiply the grade points assigned to each course by respective credit hours.
A sum of Quality Points: Add all the points gained after completing the courses.
A sum of Credit Hours: Add the credit hours completed.
Compute CGPA: The total sum of quality points will be divided by the Total sum of credit hours
CGPA: Criticism
Nothing is perfect. Everything comes with pros and cons. Despite the CGPA is a desired academic assessment system, it has some disadvantages:
Masking individual performance: High or low CGPA doesn’t reflect students' real capabilities across varied subjects.
Ignored Non-academic factors: For the holistic development of students, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and leadership skills are required. CGPA blatantly ignores all of it and solely focuses on academics.
Adverse effects on career: Overemphasis on getting high CGPA might ignore Skills that are required for a successful career.
