VTU implements the "No Degree if CGPA less than 5" rule for students admitted under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS).
What is CGPA?
CGPA means Cumulative Grade Point Average. CGPA measures the performance of the students admitted under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS).
How to calculate CGPA?
You can calculate your CGPA by finding an average of the grade points scored in all the subjects each semester. The calculation of CGPA is similar to that of SGPA. Also, many CGPA calculators are available over the internet that you could use to calculate your CGPA.
Previously, a student had to secure only passing marks in all subjects to get an engineering degree. The criteria, however, changes with the recent circular from VTU.
VTU Circular on CGPA
As per the recent notification from Visvevaraya Technological University (VTU), the students admitted under the 2015 scheme B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch. have to obtain a CGPA greater than equal to 5 for the award of Degree. Even if you pass all the subjects, you will get your Engineering Degree only if you secure a CGPA of 5 or more. The catch here is that the University provides unlimited attempts for Engineering students to improve their CGPA scores. Of course, you will get unlimited attempts subject to the maximum duration of the program.
Why VTU brought in the new CGPA rule "No Degree if CGPA less than 5"?
It is definitely not to make a student's life miserable. One of the opinions that are making rounds over the internet is that the CGPA is better than the ranking system, which puts unnecessary pressure on the students. In addition to this, to ensure the students are gaining knowledge of the subjects and are employable and not just preparing for examination's sake. CGPA of 5 or more is an essential academic eligibility criterion in a majority of the MNCs.
Do you want to improve your CGPA?
If you want your engineering degree, you must improve your CGPA to get a score of 5 and above.
Improvement of CGPA for the award of Degree
Let's face it; Engineering is in itself tough with semester examinations every three months. And some of you may even find it challenging to secure a CGPA greater than 5. However, if BE/ BTech degree is of utmost importance to you, getting a CGPA greater than five is also significant.
The University has stated the below conditions to secure CGPA equal to or above 5.
1.You can reappear for Semester End Examination (SEE) in full or part of the corresponding previous semester theory course.
2.You cannot attempt other exams- internship, technical seminar, project and laboratories.
3.You have unlimited attempts during the maximum duration of the programme.
4.The University will show the month and year of pass for each course in the Grade card/ Transcript.
5.The Faculty Advisor/ Head of the department will mentor you regarding the registration to courses to make your CGPA equal to or greater than 5.
6.Getting permission in writing from the Registrar (Evaluation), VTU, Belagavi, is mandatory to reappear in SEE to improve the CGPA equal to or greater than 5.
Applicability of CGPA Rule
A CGPA score of equal to greater than 5 applies to all the engineering students admitted under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). And the current BE/ BTech/ BArch students of the batch 2015- 2019 will be the first ones to whom the CGPA rule applies.
Benefits of the New CGPA Rule
You get the benefit of improving your CGPA score by multiple attempts during your programme. Also, you have a better chance of gaining good job opportunities with top MNCs. What's more, it drastically reduces the scope of peer pressure as only grades are given and not actual marks.
Cons of New CGPA rule
The new CGPA rule "No Degree if CGPA less than 5" is not with disadvantages. The major drawback of implementing the CGPA rule is that it does not accurately measure the students' performance. Another demerit is that the students have to prepare repeatedly painstakingly. They have to prepare for the subjects with less CGPA and regular semester exams. It is an additional burden to the students.