Understanding Grades & GPA: How Your Academic Performance is Evaluated at PAU
Introduction
One of the most confusing aspects of PAU's semester system for new students is understanding how grades work. You might wonder: "How is my grade calculated?" "What does a credit point mean?" "What's the difference between GPA and OCPA?" This post breaks down the grading system in simple terms so you know exactly where you stand academically.
How Your Grade is Calculated
Your grade in any course is not based on a single exam. Instead, it's a combination of multiple assessments throughout the semester. Rule 6.1
1. Short Tests (Announced Tests)
- Written tests lasting about 1 hour
- Announced at least 1 week in advance
- Tests your understanding of recent topics
- Contributes to your overall course grade
2. Mid-Semester Examination
- Held during week 11 of the semester
- Lasts at least 1 hour
- Covers material from the first half of the semester
- Important checkpoint before the final exam
3. End-of-Semester Examination
- Held at the end of the semester
- Lasts at least 2 hours
- Covers the entire course content
- Must account for at least 35% of your total marks
4. Continuous Evaluation
- Laboratory work and practical assignments
- Seminar presentations
- Problem-solving assignments
- Research projects
- Class participation (varies by instructor)
What Weightage Each Component Gets?
Your instructor decides how much weight to give each component. For example, a course might be graded as:
- Short tests: 20%
- Mid-semester exam: 25%
- End-of-semester exam: 40%
- Lab work/assignments: 15%
Understanding Credit Points
Credit points are the numerical representation of your performance in a course. They're measured on a scale of 0 to 10.00. Rule 6.1.2
The Credit Point Scale
| Your Score | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| 100% | 10.00 |
| 99% | 9.90 |
| 98% | 9.80 |
| 95% | 9.50 |
| 90% | 9.00 |
| 85% | 8.50 |
| 80% | 8.00 |
| 75% | 7.50 |
| 70% | 7.00 |
| 65% | 6.50 |
| 60% | 6.00 |
| 55% | 5.50 |
| 50% | 5.00 |
| Below 50% (UG) / Below 60% (PG) | F (Fail) |
Example: If you score 78% in a course, you get 7.80 credit points in that course.
Understanding Your GPA vs. OCPA
These two terms confuse many students, so let's clarify:
CPA = Credit Point Average for one semester
This is the average of credit points you earned in courses during that specific semester, weighted by credit hours.
How it's calculated:
- Each course has credit hours (usually 3 or 4)
- Multiply credit hours × credit points for each course
- Add all the results
- Divide by total credit hours
Example:
- English (4 credits, 7.5 points): 4 × 7.5 = 30
- Math (3 credits, 8.0 points): 3 × 8.0 = 24
- Science (4 credits, 6.5 points): 4 × 6.5 = 26
- Total: (30 + 24 + 26) ÷ (4 + 3 + 4) = 80 ÷ 11 = 7.27 CPA
OCPA = Your cumulative performance across all semesters
This includes every course you've ever taken at PAU since admission.
How it's calculated:
- Add all credit hours from all semesters
- Add all credit points from all semesters
- Divide total credit points by total credit hours
Example:
- Semester 1 total: 140 credit points from 20 credit hours
- Semester 2 total: 152 credit points from 22 credit hours
- OCPA: (140 + 152) ÷ (20 + 22) = 292 ÷ 42 = 6.95 OCPA
Passing vs. Failing
Minimum Marks to Pass
| Student Type | Theory Minimum | Practical Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 50% | 50% |
| Postgraduate | 60% | 60% |
You get an 'F' grade, which means:
- Zero credit points for that course
- The course doesn't count toward your graduation credits
- You must retake the course
When you retake a failed course:
- Your second attempt's grade replaces the F
- New credit points are recorded
- Both attempts appear in your official record
- The retake is marked with an "r" notation
Grades Beyond Numbers: What Do They Mean?
PAU uses letter grades and symbols for various situations: Rule 6.1.3
| Grade | Meaning | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| F | Fail | Below passing marks |
| S | Satisfactory | Used for research work, seminars, projects |
| US | Unsatisfactory | Research/projects don't meet standards |
| W | Withdrawn | You officially withdrew from the course |
| I | Incomplete | Couldn't complete due to valid reasons |
| NC | Non-Credit | Doesn't count toward credit requirements |
If you can't finish a course due to illness or emergency:
- Your instructor can award an 'I' grade
- You must complete the work in a later semester
- You must clear this grade before graduation
Getting Better Grades: Special Options
If you fail in theory but pass practical, you can take a compartment exam. Rule 6.1.1.1(a)
Rules:
- Maximum 3 compartment exams per semester
- Only one attempt per compartment exam
- Fees apply
- Exams held as per academic calendar
- You must pass to clear the course
Who's eligible:
- Must have attended at least 75% classes
- Must have passed the practical exam
- Must have appeared in the end-of-semester exam
- Must have secured 35% marks in both mid-term and end-term exams
Think your answer sheet was marked unfairly? You can request re-evaluation. Rule 6.1.1.2
Limits:
- Up to 50% of courses you registered for (or 3 courses, whichever is less)
- Only for final theory examinations under external exam system
Process:
- Apply within 15 days of result announcement
- Pay the prescribed fee
- A different examiner reviews your paper
- Results declared within 3 working days
- Marks can increase by maximum 5% (unless there was a counting error)
Keeping Good Standing: The Magic Numbers
Minimum OCPA for Graduation
| Student Type | Minimum OCPA Required |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 5.50 (out of 10) |
| Postgraduate | 6.50 (out of 10) |
If you meet this minimum, you're in "Good Standing" and can graduate. Rule 7.6.1
Scholastic Probation: If you fall below the minimum at the end of any semester, you're placed on scholastic probation. Rule 7.6.2
What this means:
- You get one more semester to improve
- Continue your courses as normal
- Must bring your OCPA up to minimum
- Can't represent the college in sports/activities
If you still don't improve:
- You may be dropped from the university
- You can petition for re-admission
If you get CPA below 4.00 (UG) or 5.00 (PG) in either 1st OR 2nd semester, you are permanently dropped from the university - no second chance. Rule 7.6.4(b)(c)
If you score between 5.00-5.49 (UG) or 6.00-6.49 (PG) in a course, you can repeat it with the Dean's permission. Rule 7.6.3
Important conditions:
- Only allowed once per course
- Must be to help you meet minimum GPA (not for merit improvement)
- Both attempts appear on your record
- New grade replaces the old grade for GPA calculation
- Marked with an "r" in your official record
Example: You got 5.25 in Biology, need to improve your GPA.
- You repeat Biology
- Score 6.50 this time
- New grade (6.50) is used in GPA calculation
- Both attempts listed in your record
Make-Up Exams: What If You Miss an Exam?
You can take a make-up exam if you have legitimate reasons. Rule 6.1.1
Valid reasons:
- Medical emergency (with hospital certificate)
- University-deputed activities (sports, cultural events)
- Hospitalization during exam period
How to Get a Make-Up Exam:
- File a petition within 3 working days of the missed exam through your advisor, instructor, or Head of Department
- Provide proof: Medical certificates from recognized hospital, official university deputation letter, or hospitalization records
- The Head will decide if your reason is valid
- If approved: You take make-up exam within 7 working days
Tips for Academic Success
- Attend all classes: Regular attendance helps you understand topics better
- Stay organized: Keep track of test dates and deadlines
- Ask for help early: Talk to instructors before exams, not after
- Understand weightage: Know how each component contributes to your grade
- Review mid-semester reports: Identify weak areas early
- Know your minimum: Aim for 5.50 (UG) or 6.50 (PG) OCPA
- Use re-evaluation wisely: Request within 15 days if needed
Common Questions About Grades
A: No. Repetition is only allowed to meet minimum GPA requirements, not for merit improvement.
A: Both grades appear in your record, but the new grade is used for GPA calculation. The old attempt is marked with "r".
A: No. You must retake the entire course, including theory.
A: There's no specific time limit, but the course must be retaken when it's offered in your curriculum.
A: No. Non-credit courses don't count toward GPA calculations.
Key Takeaways
- Your grade is based on continuous assessment, not just final exams Rule 6.1
- Credit points (0-10 scale) represent your performance Rule 6.1.2
- GPA is semester-based; OCPA is cumulative
- Meet minimum OCPA to graduate and stay in good standing Rule 7.6.1
- Compartment exams and re-evaluation are backup options Rule 6.1.1.1(a) Rule 6.1.1.2
- Regular attendance and early intervention are your best strategies
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