AKTU Grading System: 10-Point CBCS Scale & Passing Criteria
How do raw examination scores translate into letter grades and grade points under AKTU regulations? Here is the complete breakdown of minimum passing marks, aggregate rules, and grace policies.
1. Two Essential Passing Conditions in AKTU
To pass any credit theory subject in an AKTU semester exam, a student must simultaneously satisfy two mandatory conditions:
You must secure at least 30% marks in the university end-semester written exam. For a 70-mark paper, you need at least 21 marks. For a 100-mark paper, you need at least 30 marks. Scoring below this triggers an automatic fail ('F' grade) regardless of internal marks.
Your combined total (Internal Sessional + External Exam) must be at least 40% of the maximum marks. For a 100-mark total course (30 internal + 70 external), you must score at least 40 total marks.
2. The 10-Point Letter Grading Scale
Under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), grades reflect both academic mastery and relative ranking:
| Marks Range (%) | Letter Grade | Grade Point | Qualitative Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90% and above | O | 10 | Outstanding |
| 80% to 89% | A+ | 9 | Excellent |
| 70% to 79% | A | 8 | Very Good |
| 65% to 69% | B+ | 7 | Good |
| 60% to 64% | B | 6 | Above Average |
| 50% to 59% | C | 5 | Average |
| 40% to 49% | P | 4 | Pass |
| Below 40% | F | 0 | Fail / Back Paper |
3. AKTU Grace Marks Policy (PWG - Passed With Grace)
To prevent students from losing an entire academic year due to marginal deficits in 1 or 2 subjects, AKTU awards grace marks under strict conditions:
- Maximum Grace Quota: A maximum of up to 7 marks (or 10 marks depending on course ordinance) can be awarded across an academic year.
- Full Clearance Requirement: Grace marks are only granted if the addition of those marks enables the student to pass all subjects in that academic year. Grace will NOT be awarded if the student still has outstanding back papers.
- No Division Elevation: Grace marks cannot be added to improve overall percentage or elevate division from 2nd to 1st.
- Status Tag: Marksheets receiving grace display the result status PWG (Passed With Grace) rather than regular PASS.
Facing a back paper?
Read our complete guide to Carry-Over Paper (COP) rules and year back avoidance.