You probably encountered the question, “How important is a CGPA?” at some point during your time in college. You might have also encountered your seniors talking about CGPAs. Well, the response differs depending on the individual. Unfortunately, a lot of students do not realise how important it is until their third year. And it might already be too late by then. During the first semester, teachers subtly remind students to put in a lot of study time and maintain a high CGPA. After that, no one really bothers. But why it is so important is the crucial question. Is it really worth getting worked up over?
In this blog, we will discuss:
- CGPA: What Is It?
- Why is it important?
- How much CGPA do you need?
- Advice for a high CGPA
CGPA: What Is It?
Let us take a moment to define CGPA before getting into the details. CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average, and it is a measure of a student’s academic performance throughout their college tenure, calculated as an average of the grade points obtained in all subjects. You can calculate your CGPA by following the following steps:
- Grade Points: Each grade a student earns in a subject is assigned a grade point. For example, in a 10-point grading system, an “A” might be equivalent to 9 points, a “B” to 8 points, and so on.
- Credit: Each subject or course usually has a certain number of credits associated with it, reflecting its weight or importance.
- Weighted Grade Points: For each subject, multiply the grade point by the number of credit hours to get the weighted grade points.
- Total Weighted Grade Points: Sum the weighted grade points of all subjects.
- Total Credit Hours: Sum the credit hours for all subjects.
- Calculate CGPA: Divide the total weighted grade points by the total credits.
Why is it important?
The Passing Grades-
Most colleges have a minimum CGPA requirement that students must meet to avoid academic probation or expulsion; typically, this minimum is around 5.0 to 6.0 out of 10. If a student falls below this threshold, they may have to retake courses or possibly be unable to continue in the program.
Honours and Recognition-
Many colleges offer academic distinctions or honours programs to students with exceptional CGPAs, especially those with higher aspirations. Generally speaking, applicants to honours programs must have a CGPA of 7.5 or above. Additionally, a CGPA of 8.0 or higher is frequently needed to graduate with honours or make the Dean’s List. These awards can help you network, improve your resume, and recognise academic achievement.
Admissions to Universities-
Your CGPA will be a major factor in the admissions process if you are considering a master’s or doctoral degree. Most graduate programs require a minimum CGPA of 7.0. However, more competitive programs, especially those in top-tier institutions, may expect a CGPA closer to 8.0.
Financial Assistance and Scholarships-
Numerous scholarships have CGPA requirements, but they are a fantastic way to pay for your education. For most scholarships, you must have a CGPA of at least 7.0. More prestigious scholarships may require even higher CGPAs, alongside other criteria such as extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and community service.
Jobs and Internships-
A strong CGPA can help you stand out from the competition when applying for internships and jobs. CGPA is frequently used by employers as a first screening tool when hiring new employees. Many employers typically expect a CGPA of 6.5 to 7.0 or higher. Certain sectors or positions with high demand may require applicants to have a CGPA of 8.0 or higher. Even if you want to apply for foreign internships, they usually consider an 8.0+ CGPA.
Check out this blog to know more about paid internship opportunities. And if you are wondering what career opportunities lie after IISERs, check out this blog.
Academics and Extracurriculars: How to balance?
Maintaining a high cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is important. Still, participating in extracurricular activities, internships, and other experiences can improve your resume and help you develop new skills. Graduate programs and employers look for well-rounded people who can manage their time between work and other commitments and interests.
How much CGPA do you need?
All things considered, we can state that a CGPA of 8.0 or higher is required in order to apply for jobs or internships. If your CGPA is this, you will be in the safe range and have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to your next move. Try to keep it up every semester because you never know when an opportunity may arise. However, if your CGPA is lower than 8 but your co-curricular record is great, you don’t need to worry. Many students have a CGPA lower than 8 but have good co-curricular records like good projects, internships, research papers, awards in competitions and various other activities.
Advice for a high CGPA
College life is not the same as school life. There will be no one to constantly ask you about studying. It will be your complete responsibility to work on yourself and be a better version of yourself. Here are some tips to maintain a good CGPA:
- Establish and follow a regular study schedule to cultivate consistent study habits.
- Do not hesitate to approach instructors, tutors, or fellow students for assistance.
- Remain organised by keeping a record of your homework, tests, and due dates.
- Make sure you exercise, get enough sleep, and eat a balanced diet.
- Strike a balance between your extracurricular and academic commitments.
Conclusion:
A strong CGPA greater than 7 or 8) is essential for both academic achievement and future prospects, so it must be understood and maintained. Keeping your focus and organisation in check will help you achieve a CGPA that is worthy of your dedication and hard work.
Check out our courses on internships and scientific writing to help you with co-curricular activities in your college. These courses will help you boost your resume and confidence and will help you write your reports, applications, and emails more efficiently.
FAQ:
- What is CGPA?
CGPA is the Cumulative Grade Point Average and measures a student’s overall academic performance across all completed courses.
- How is CGPA different from GPA?
CGPA is the average of grade points obtained over all semesters, while GPA typically refers to the average for a single semester or term.
- What is the minimum CGPA required to pass courses at most colleges?
Most colleges require a minimum CGPA of 5.0 to 6.0 to pass courses.
- Are there specific CGPA requirements for scholarships?
Yes, most scholarships require a CGPA of at least 7.0, with some requiring even higher CGPAs.
- How important is CGPA for job placements?
Employers often look for a CGPA of 6.5 to 7.0 or higher, especially for fresh graduates.
- Does CGPA impact eligibility for internships?
Yes, many internships have minimum CGPA requirements, usually around 7.5 to 8.
- Can extracurricular activities compensate for a lower CGPA?
While extracurricular activities are important, a strong CGPA is still crucial for many academic and professional opportunities.
- What is considered a good CGPA?
A CGPA of 7.0 or higher is generally considered good, with 8.0 or above being excellent.
- Is it possible to improve a low CGPA?
Yes, by performing well in future courses, students can improve their CGPA over time.
- Are there penalties for a low CGPA?
A low CGPA can lead to repetition of that course or a year, loss of scholarships like INSPIRE, and limited job or internship opportunities.
- How frequently is CGPA calculated?
CGPA is typically calculated at the end of each semester or academic year.
- Should I prioritise CGPA over extracurricular activities?
Both are important; maintaining a balance between a good CGPA and active participation in extracurricular activities is ideal.
About us:
SciAstra is a team of scientists and research scholars from the top research institutes around the world like Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and so on. Our vision is to promote critical thinking and scientific temperament by helping students in their careers in science.
We offer many free and paid courses where our mentors from the top research institutes like IISER, NISER, IACS, CMI,ISI IISC Bangalore, etc. teach students in live classes with study materials, mock tests, books, and everything needed. We have taught more than 10,000 students already since 2021 and achieved over 1000 selections with AIR 1, 7, 10, 12, and 13 in IISc Bengaluru, IISERs, NISER, IACS, and so on. If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST 2025, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more!
To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from the Play Store!
