The grading system in India varies from school to universities. While the grading system of universities is Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), grading system in Indian schools follows nine-point grading scale pattern.
The grading system in India provides a more inclusive and learner-friendly academic evaluation of students. Unlike the traditional grading method, which measures students’ performance out of 100, the present grading system aims at reducing the stress of high academic competition by adopting different grading methods at different levels of education.
The grading system in Indian schools varies from university assessments. For example, the CBSE board uses a nine-point grading scale for students' overall performance. However, universities have adopted a Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) or a 10-point grading scale. Applicants must check the CBSE grading system for Class 10 and 12.
The significant changes to the grading system in India came in 2009 when the CBSE board adopted the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CEC) method, focusing on continuous evaluation of students throughout the year.
Grading System in India
The grading system in Indian Universities has evolved in recent years. The shift from a traditional marks-based approach to grades places more emphasis on critical thinking and practical knowledge of students. This has also enabled teachers to evaluate students' performance more uniformly by providing effective education to all.
Types of Grading Systems in India
The schools and university grading system in India follow different ways to asses students progess. GPA, CGPA, CEC are some of the types of grading practices. The detailed of each have been provided below.
GPA Grading System
Grade Point Average, abbreviated as GPA, is a grading method that evaluates students’ performance over a semester or a term. Each grade awarded has a grade point which is calculated by adding the grade points and dividing them by the total number of subjects.
How to calculate GPA?
Let’s say your grade points in 4 subjects are 10, 8, 9, and 7. Therefore, your GPA for a term or semester would be:
GPA = Total grade points / Number of subjects
GPA = (10+8+9+7) / 4 = 8.5
Now, let’s see how to convert a percentage to GPA. To convert a percentage into GPA, you need to divide the percentage by 100 and multiply it by the total number of subjects. For example, you scored 80 per cent and the total number of subjects is 4. The formula given below:
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GPA = 80 / 100 * 4 = 3.2 |
CGPA Grading System
The Cumulative Grade Point Average is an evaluation method that determines students’ performance over an entire academic period. Many universities across India widely use CGPA and measure academic performance using a 10-point or 7-point grading scale.
There are different types of grading system in India. The following table mentions the grading system of a university along with the institution's name in detail.
| University | Grading Scale | Grades |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) | 10-point grading scale | Grade points with A to F grades |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) | Letter grades | Varies |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | 9-point grading scale | Grade points with A to F grades |
| Delhi University (DU) | 7-point grading scale | Grade points with A to F grades |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | 10-point grading scale | A+ to F grades with grade points |
| Anna University | 10-point grading scale | Grade points with S to U grades |
| Mumbai University | 10-point CGPA scale | Grade points with O to E grades |
| University of Madras | 7-point grading scale | Grade points with A to E grades |
| Pune University | 10-point grading scale | Grade points with O to E grades |
| Calcutta University | 7-point grading scale | Grade points with A to E grades |
10-Point Grading Scale
Applicants must go through the table shared below showing the 10-point grading scale.
| Grade | GPA | CGPA | Percentage Range |
| A+ | 4.0 | 10.0 | 97 - 100% |
| A | 4.0 | 9.7 - 10.0 | 93 - 96% |
| A- | 3.7 | 9.4 - 9.6 | 90 - 92% |
| B+ | 3.3 | 9.1 - 9.3 | 87 - 89% |
| B | 3.0 | 8.7 - 9.0 | 83 - 86% |
| B- | 2.7 | 8.4 - 8.6 | 80 - 82% |
| C+ | 2.3 | 8.1 - 8.3 | 77 - 79% |
| C | 2.0 | 7.6 - 8.0 | 73 - 76% |
| C- | 1.7 | 7.3 - 7.5 | 70 - 72% |
| D+ | 1.3 | 7.0 - 7.2 | 67 - 69% |
| D | 1.0 | 6.8 - 6.9 | 65 - 66% |
| E/F | 0.0 | <6.7 | Below 65% |
7-Point Grading Scale
The 7-point grading scale has been defined in the section below for the applicants reference. Students must check the table below to understand the 7-point grading system.
| Grade | GPA | Percentage Range |
| O | 9.0 - 10.0 | 80% - 100% |
| A | 8.0 - 8.9 | 70% - 79% |
| B | 7.0 - 7.9 | 60% - 69% |
| C | 6.0 - 6.9 | 50% - 59% |
| P | 5.0 - 5.9 | 40% - 49% |
| F | Below 5.0 | Below 40% |
What is the grade 4 grading system?
The grade 4 grading system states that the grade letters, that is, A, B, C, D, and F are allotted with some numerical values, such as, 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0. This grading system is generally used in schools and colleges to calculate the Grade Point Average (GPA). Here A grade stands for "excellent", B for "good", C for "average". D for "poor", and F for "failure".
Must Read: ISC Grading System 2025 for 12th
Grading System in India CBSE
Based on the 2024 notice, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has adopted the Relative grading method to provide grades to students of classes 10 and 12. Check out the rank order for passed students shown below:
| Grade | Qualification |
| A - 1 | Top 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| A - 2 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| B - 1 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| B - 2 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| C - 1 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| C - 1 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| D - 1 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| D - 2 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| E | Essential Repeat |
Grade Points for CBSE Class 12
In the CBSE board, students’ overall assessment is done based on a 9-point grading system. For marks ranging from 91 to 100, the grade awarded is A1 and the grade point is 10, while grade E2 is considered the lowest for marks ranging from 0 to 22.
| Marks Range | Grades | Grade Point |
| 91 - 100 | A1 | 10.0 |
| 81 - 90 | A2 | 9.0 |
| 71 - 80 | B1 | 8.0 |
| 61 - 70 | B2 | 7.0 |
| 51 - 60 | C1 | 6.0 |
| 41 - 50 | C2 | 5.0 |
| 33 - 40 | D | 4.0 |
| 21 - 32 | E1 | C (Fail) |
| 0 - 20 | E2 | C (Fail) |
Read More: CBSE Grading System 2025 for Class 10 and 12
Grading System by UGC
The University Grant Commission (UGC), follows the following grading system.
| Marks Range in Percent | Grade Point | Grade |
| 97.0 - 100 | 10 | O |
| 87.0 - 96.9 | 9.0 - 9.9 | A+ |
| 77.0 - 86.9 | 8.0 - 8.9 | A |
| 67.0 - 76.9 | 7.0 - 7.9 | B+ |
| 57.0 - 66.9 | 6.0 - 6.9 | B |
| 47.0 - 56.9 | 5.0 - 5.9 | C |
| 37.0 - 46.9 | 4.0 - 4.9 | P |
| Below 37.0 | 0 | F |
| Absent | 0 | Ab |
Why are grades awarded?
To reduce academic stress: Unlike the traditional method, which focuses on awarding marks, the various grade practices adopted by institutes aim at reducing the stress of students and shifting their focus to overall learning and development.
Enhances Holistic Development: The modern grading system not only assess scholastic areas but also focuses on skills, creativity and physical development of students. This promotes analytical development along with the knowledge that books impart.
Comprehensive and Continuous Evaluation: Many schools and universities practice continuous evaluation method through various means like conducting quizzes, activities, projects, etc. This enables students to identify the gap in learning and gives them scope for improvement.
Also Read: ICSE Class 10 Grading System
