Difference Between SGPA and CGPA: A Complete Guide for Students

An Indian student planning to study abroad must understand the difference between SGPA and CGPA, along with the grading systems used by universities around the world. Irrespective of whether you are going to the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or anywhere else to study, knowing how your Indian grades equate to their grading system in their countries is very important.

Universities in India generally use a percentage-based grading system; however, different countries use different methods of evaluation, such as letter grades, numerical scales, and Grade Point Averages (GPAs). 

Key Examples of Grading Systems

• India – In India, a percentage-based system is used where 90% and above is considered excellent, whereas 45-50% is considered passing the benchmark. 
• United Kingdom – In the UK, the Classification system is used, where first-class honours are considered excellent, equivalent to 70% and above. 
• USA and Canada– In the USA and Canada, a letter-based grading system is used where “A” is the highest grade, which is equivalent to 90% and above, on 4 point GPA.  Here, universities may use the mixed system of letter-based Grades and GPA.

In this article, we will discuss why GPA matters and how SGPA differs from CGPA, knowledge that is vital for all study abroad aspirants.

What is GPA?

GPA is “Grade Point Average”, typically a numerical representation of a student’s score in their academics. It is generally measured on a 0-4 or 0-10 scale. The higher the number, the higher the performance of a student. GPA is calculated on a simple average or a weighted average method.

How to calculate the GPA

In GPA calculation, every subject is given a grade and a credit value. The grade points are multiplied by the credits, added up for all subjects, and then divided by the total number of credits. For example

Subject	Grade	Credits	Corresponding Grade Point
English	A	3	4
Economics	B	2	3.3
Maths	C	5	2

• Total Credits: 3+2+5 = 10
• Total grade Points: (4*3)+(3.3*2)+(2*5) = 28.6
• So, GPA= 28.6/10 = 2.86

What is the Indian GPA System?

• Most of the Indian Universities or Institutions use a 10-point grade scale with the highest score of 10 to measure the academic performance of the student. 
• CGPA and SGPA are the two factors that are calculated to assess the performance of the students. 
• GPA is calculated by dividing the total grade points earned by a student by the total number of credits taken for a particular semester.

UGC Approved 10-point Grading system is mentioned below–

Letter Grade	Grade Point	Description
O	10	Outstanding
A+	9	Excellent
A	8	Very Good
B+	7	Good
B	6	Above Average
C	5	Average
P	4	Pass
F	0	Fail

Reference Link: https://www.suniv.ac.in/upload/UGC%20Guidelines.pdf

Now, let’s understand the concepts of CGPA and SGPA

What is SGPA?

SGPA stands for “Semester Grade Point Average”. It is calculated to understand the student’s academic performance in a particular semester.

How to calculate the SGPA?

• List down the subjects of a semester, their grade points, and credits per subject
• Multiply the grade point of each subject by credit hours
• Add the credit points of all the subjects, and  add the credit hours
• Divide the sum of credit points by the total number of credits of a semester. 

For Example

Subject in a Semester	Grade Points	Credits	Credit Points
Maths	10	3	30
English	9	2	18
Science	8	5	40
Total	27	10	88

Here, Total Credit points are 88, and Total credits are 10

So, SGPA is 88/10 = 8.8

What is CGPA?

CGPA stands for “Cumulative Grade Point Average.” This is an evaluation of students’ academic performance throughout the course. It is the average of all SGPA over the entire course of studies. 

CGPA = Sum of all the grade points / Total number of Subjects 

For Example,

• Total Credit points for Sem 1+ Sem 2+Sem 3 (115+100+120) = 335
• Total credits for all the semesters (15+15+15) = 45 
• So CGPA = 335 / 45 = 7.44

What are the Key Differences between SGPA and CGPA

Aspect	SGPA	CGPA
Meaning	SGPA measures the academic performance of a semester only	CGPA measures the entire course's academic performance
Calculation Formula	SGPA = Grade Points Sum / Credit Points Sum	CGPA = Sum of Grade Points / Total Number of Subjects
Measurement Scale	It is often measured on a 4-point grade scale	It is generally measured on a 10-point grade scale in India, but it may vary
Usage	It reflects short-term academic progress	It reflects a long-term overview, like admissions, scholarships, and job opportunities
Scope of Improvement	Lower SGPA in one semester can be covered by high SGPA in future semesters	A lower CGPA is difficult to improve as it reflects overall performance

Conversion of SGPA to CGPA and CGPA to Percentage (%)

• Multiply the SGPA by the total credits of the semester
• Add the total of the Weighted average of SGPA
• Add total credits of all semesters
• Divide the Average by total credits.

For Example

Semester	SGPA	CREDITS	Total Avg
Sem 1	9	8	72
Sem 2	8	8	64
Sem 3	8.5	8	68
Total		24	204

CGPA = Total Avg / total credits
So, CGPA = 204 / 24
CGPA = 8.5

How to convert CGPA to a Percentage?

For the conversion of CGPA to percentage on a 10-point Grade scale,

We have to multiply the CGPA by 9.5
This is the most common UGC Approved method of converting CGPA to %, on a 10-point Grade scale.

• For Example, if a student is having 8.5 CGPA, then
  Percentage = 8.5 * 9.5 = 80.75%

For the conversion of CGPA to percentage on the 4-Point Grade scale,

We have to multiply the CGPA by 25.

• For Example, if your CGPA is 2.5 out of 4, then
  Percentage = 2.5*25 = 62.5%

However, some universities may have different formulae or multipliers for converting the CGPA into a Percentage. So it is always advisable to check your institution’s or University’s criteria for % and CGPA. Check their grading scales and method of conversion carefully.

For Example,

The University of Mumbai uses the following method for the 10-point grade scale conversion –
Percentage (%) = CGPA*7.1+11

• If CGPA is 6.7 then,
• Percentage = (6.7*7.1)+11 = 58.57%

CGPA or SGPA, which one is more important?

If you are seeking admission to Universities abroad, your admission will be based on your overall academic performance in a bachelor’s degree, which is measured by CGPA. The higher the CGPA, the higher the chances of getting admitted to your dream university.  

On the other hand, SGPA is a semester-wise evaluation of your academics; it will not be assessed individually at the time of applications, but maintaining a consistent SGPA is very important as it contributes directly to your overall CGPA of a course. If you have scored less in one semester, it can be balanced by scoring good in others, resulting overall competitive CGPA.

All in all, CGPA and SGPA are equally important to secure admission in your dream university. 

Common Misconceptions Students Have about SGPA and CGPA

Misconception:-

• SGPA & CGPA are the same 
• ONLY CGPA matters 
• A higher SGPA always means a higher CGPA

Reality:-

• SGPA is a part of CGPA, but both are different concepts. SGPA is the semester’s evaluation, and CGPA is the average of all the semesters.
• Both CGPA and SGPA matter, as CGPA is an average of all semesters.
• Higher SGPA results in good overall CGPA, but a good SGPA should be maintained in all semesters.

 

Author Name: Ankita Thakker

Designation: Founder & CEO of  Education Street