To evaluate the academic performance of a student, universities all over the world use different scoring systems. While universities in India prefer the percentage system, institutes in foreign countries use Grade Point Average (GPA) and Semester Grade Point Average (SGPA).
Most Indian students get confused between these scoring systems while seeking information about studying abroad. So, to help study abroad aspirants like you, in this article we will discuss what is SGPA, how to calculate SGPA from marks and many more key points.
What is SGPA?
Students who have cleared their class 12 and are now planning to study abroad come across the term 'SGPA' quite often. However, many of them have no idea what it means. SGPA’s full form is Semester Grade Point Average. Simply put, SGPA is used for the evaluation of a student's performance every semester. This scoring system is indicated by a number.
Universities and colleges abroad prefer SGPA as it is the most common method to calculate students’ performance. Scoring a good SGPA is a must for every student as it not only helps them to get admission to prestigious colleges but also shows how well they know about their subjects.
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How to Calculate SGPA?
Now after having a basic understanding of SGPA and its concept, it is time to know how to calculate SGPA. Calculating SGPA is not rocket science, but some students often get confused. In simple terms, just multiply grade points with credit points achieved in all subjects in a particular semester and then calculate their average to know the SGPA. To make it easy for everyone, we have given a few steps through which students can easily calculate SGPA:
Step 1: First find out the credit points of all the subjects.
Step 2: Multiply the credit points obtained in each subject with the grade points the student has received in a particular semester.
Step 3: Now add the sum of the above.
Step 4: At last, divide the aggregate total by the total number of credits to get the SGPA.
Example to Calculate SGPA for Semester 1
Here we have given an example of how to calculate SGPA from marks for semester 1. Take a look at the table below:
Semester 1 |
Credits |
Grade |
Grade Points |
Credit Points (credits * grade points) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Course No. 1 |
5 - 0 - 0 = 5 |
B |
8 |
(5×8) 40 |
Course No. 2 |
3 - 2 - 0 = 5 |
F (Absent)** |
0 |
(5×0) 00 |
Course No. 3 |
3 - 0 - 0 = 3 |
A |
9 |
(3×9) 27 |
Course No. 4 |
0 - 1 - 1 = 2 |
F* |
0 |
(2×0) 00 |
Course No. 5 |
4 - 1 - 0 = 5 |
D |
6 |
(5×6) 30 |
Course No. 6 |
5 - 0 - 0 = 5 |
E |
4 |
(5×4) 20 |
Total Credits for Semester 1 |
25 |
Total (40+0+27+0+30+20) |
117 |
As per the table given above, we have multiplied the credits for each score with the grade points to get the cumulative grade points. Then, we summed up the aggregate credit points and divided them by the total number of credits obtained in Semester 1. So, 117 / 25 will be 4.68 SGPA for Semester 1.
Example to Calculate SGPA for Semester 2
To show how to calculate SGPA from marks for semester 2, we have given an example similar to semester 1. Check out the table below:
Semester 2 |
Credits |
Grade |
Grade Points |
Credit Points (credits * grade points) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Course No. 1 |
3 - 1 - 1 = 5 |
C |
7 |
(5×7) 35 |
Course No. 2 |
4 - 0 - 0 = 4 |
B |
8 |
(4×8) 32 |
Course No. 3 |
3 - 0 - 0 = 3 |
D |
6 |
(3×6) 18 |
Course No. 4 |
4 - 1 - 0 = 5 |
E |
4 |
(5×4) 20 |
Course No. 5 |
2 - 1 - 1 = 4 |
A |
9 |
(4×9) 36 |
Course No. 6 |
2 - 0 - 0 = 2 |
F** |
0 |
(2×0) 00 |
Course No. 7 |
0 - 2 - 0 = 2 |
B |
8 |
(2×8) 16 |
Total Credits for Semester 2 |
25 |
Total (35+32+18+20+36+00+16) |
157 |
For semester 2 as well, we have multiplied the credits for each score with their respective grade points to get the cumulative credit points. After that, we summed up the aggregate credit points for Semester 2 and divided it by the total number of credits gathered in semester 2 i.e. 157/25. So, the SGPA for semester 2 is 6.28.
SGPA to CGPA
As earlier mentioned, SGPA is calculated for each semester, while Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is calculated at the end of the academic year. Now, to convert SGPA to CGPA, first, the student needs to add the SGPA for all the semesters. Divide the summation of SGPA by the number of semesters the student has been given. The number they will have is their CGPA.
For instance, the SGPA of a student for four semesters is - 7.0, 7.2, 6.8 and 7.8 respectively. Now, add these numbers, i.e 7.0+7.2+6.8+7.8 = 28.8. To take out the CGPA, divide 28.8 by the number of semesters taken. So, 28.8/4 = 7.2. Hence, 7.2 is the CGPA.
SGPA to Percentage
The procedure is quite simple to calculate SGPA to percentage. First, calculate the SGPA of all the semesters. Now add them up. Divide the number received after adding the SGPA by the number of semesters given. Multiply the number with 10 and then subtract the number by 7.5.
For example, the SGPA of all four semesters is 7.0, 7.2, 6.8 and 7.8 respectively. Add these numbers - 7.0+7.2+6.8+7.8 = 28.8. Now, divide it by the number of semesters given - 28.8/4 = 7.2. Finally, multiply 7.2 with 10 and then subtract 7.5 from the total. (7.2×10) – 7.5 = 64.5%.
Common Terms When Calculating SGPA
Students sometimes get confused with a few terminologies after seeing their scores. So, before calculating, it is also important to know what these terms mean, and what value they add to the students' reports.
Credit Points
The credit points are the measurement of a student's study load. Universities and colleges use it to evaluate their progress and completion of the course matters. Each college and university require the students to finish a particular number of credits to allow them to sit for the final examination.
Grade Points
It shows how well the students have absorbed the information provided in class and whether they can reuse the same during the examination. Grade points are awarded for each subject that is part of the course that derives the grade point average after the end of each term.
Semester
A semester is one of the halves of an academic year. An academic year can be divided into two or more semesters to complete a particular section or course during the period. Generally, an academic year is categorised into two semesters.
Students who are still having trouble calculating the SGPA can search for SGPA calculators online and compare the results. Admission committees at any college or university first consider the grades as they hold a major decision-making role. There are other things as well that students should take care of while applying to universities abroad - statement of purpose (SOP), English proficiency test scores and more. A good SGPA along with all the needful requirements can help them to achieve their goals.
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