Self-Instruct
When one steps into the academic world, they come across a variety of new concepts, procedures, and terminology. Among these, two commonly used terms that may cause confusion are GPA and CGPA. While both are used to measure a student's academic progress, they differ in their calculation methods and usage. In this article, we will explore the difference between GPA and CGPA.
GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It is a numerical calculation of a student's academic performance in a single semester or academic year. GPA is measured on a scale of 0 to 4.0, with 4.0 being the highest GPA that one can achieve. Every letter grade corresponds to a specific numerical value, which is assigned according to the university's grading system. For instance, at some universities, an A grade may carry a numerical value of 4.0, while at others, it may be 3.7 or 3.9. Similarly, B, C, D, and F grades also carry corresponding numerical values.
To calculate GPA, one must multiply the numerical value of each grade by the number of credit hours assigned to the course. Credit hours represent the weightage assigned to a particular course. For example, a three-credit course would carry more weightage than a two-credit course. Once the numerical values of all grades have been multiplied by the credit hour value, their sum is divided by the total credit hours completed in that semester or academic year. Thus, GPA is a measure of academic performance at a particular moment in time and usually used to determine a student's eligibility for scholarships, awards, and recognition.
On the other hand, CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average. It is a more comprehensive measure of a student's overall academic performance throughout their academic career, taking into account all their completed semesters or academic years. CGPA is calculated by adding the total numerical value of all grades achieved in each semester or academic year, multiplied by their respective credit hours. This sum is then divided by the total number of credit hours completed over the entire academic career. Since CGPA takes into account all semesters or a particular period of study, it is a measure of a student's performance over the long term.
While GPA is calculated on a scale of 0 to 4.0, CGPA is calculated on a scale of 0 to 10.0, with 10.0 being the highest CGPA that one can achieve. The CGPA system is commonly used in educational institutions across countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, among others. In this system, each letter grade is assigned a numerical value, as in the case of GPA, but the conversion table is different, and the weights assigned to each credit hour may also vary.
It is essential to note that GPA and CGPA are typically used in different contexts. GPA is commonly used in academic institutions where the focus is on measuring a student's performance in a single semester or academic year. In contrast, CGPA is more commonly used in job applications or higher education programs where the focus is on a student's overall academic performance. Furthermore, some academic institutions may use both GPA and CGPA in different contexts. For instance, a university may use GPA to determine a student's eligibility for a scholarship or academic recognition while using CGPA for admission to a Ph.D. program.
In conclusion, GPA and CGPA are both measures of academic performance, but they differ in their calculation methods, scales, and usage. While GPA calculates a student's academic performance in a single semester or academic year, CGPA is a more comprehensive measure that takes into account a student's performance throughout their academic career. Both GPA and CGPA are used in different contexts and have their specific uses. Thus, it is essential to understand the difference between these two terms to make informed decisions regarding one's academic and professional life.