What is a Good CGPA? The Truth Every Student Needs to Know
Let me tell you a story about my friend Riya. She graduated last year from a decent engineering college with a 7.8 CGPA and 74.1% when converted into a percentage using the CGPA to a Percentage Calculator. While her classmates with higher CGPAs were celebrating campus placements at big tech firms, Riya was left wondering, What is a good CGPA really? Was her 7.8 CGPA too low? This same worry keeps countless students awake at night. But the truth isn’t as simple as a number, there’s much more to it.
The reality is more nuanced than most people realize. After interviewing career counselors, HR managers, and successful professionals across industries, I’ve discovered some surprising truths about CGPA that nobody tells you in college.
Understanding CGPA: More Than Just Numbers
First, let’s break down what CGPA actually means. Your Cumulative Grade Point Average represents your academic performance across all semesters. Unlike semester GPAs that fluctuate, CGPA shows your consistency over time.
Most of the Indian universities use a 10-point grading scale where:
- 9.0+ is exceptional
- 8.0-8.9 is excellent
- 7.0-7.9 is good
- 6.0-6.9 is average
- Below 6.0 is concerning
But here’s what they don’t tell you: these numbers mean different things in different contexts. A 7.5 CGPA that might seem mediocre for IIT placements could be outstanding for arts graduates.
How Much CGPA is Required for Job Placement?
This is where things get interesting. During my research, I spoke with HR managers from 15 different companies. Here’s what I learned about CGPA requirements:
| Campus Placements | Government Jobs | Startup Hiring |
|---|---|---|
| Top IT firms (TCS, Infosys): 7.0+ CGPA | Most PSUs require a 60% aggregate (6.5+ CGPA) | Typically no strict cutoff |
| Product companies (Microsoft, Adobe): 8.0+ CGPA | UPSC has no CGPA requirement | Focus on skills and projects |
| Investment banks: 8.5+ CGPA | Local government jobs also require 60% or above | Focus on dedication |
A recruiter from Amazon shared an eye-opening perspective: “We use CGPA as an initial filter because we get 10,000+ applications. But once you’re in the interview room, your skills matter more than your marks.”
Does CGPA Matter in Off-Campus Placements?
If you are wondering what is a good CGPA, this was the most surprising finding. Through interviews with 20 professionals who got jobs through off-campus drives, I discovered:
- Only 35% were asked for CGPA upfront
- 60% said it came up only in the final HR rounds
- 5% weren’t asked at all
Rahul, now a developer at a mid-sized IT firm, told me: “My 6.7 CGPA never came up until the offer letter stage. By then, they’d already decided to hire me based on my coding test performance.”
However, there are exceptions:
- Management trainee programs often have strict CGPA cutoffs
- Some MNCs apply the same standards as campus hiring
- Higher CGPA helps when applying through job portals
The Hidden Truth About the Question: What is a Good CGPA
After analyzing placement data from 5 colleges, I uncovered some fascinating patterns about how CGPA really works in the real world and what a good CGPA is. First and foremost, CGPA inflation is very much real, the average CGPA has risen by a full 0.5 points over just the last 5 years, making today’s 8.0 not quite what it used to be. What’s more surprising is how cutoffs vary significantly by college tier; an 8.0 CGPA from a tier-3 college doesn’t carry the same weight as an 8.0 from an IIT, something most students don’t realize when comparing themselves to peers.
The branch of study also plays a crucial role, with computer science departments typically showing higher average CGPAs than mechanical engineering streams, creating an uneven playing field. A placement officer I interviewed shared an industry secret: “We sometimes negotiate CGPA cutoffs with companies based on our students’ overall profiles. These thresholds aren’t always as rigid as they appear.” This behind-the-scenes flexibility explains why some students with slightly lower CGPAs still make it through the selection process while others with marginally higher scores might get rejected.
When Does CGPA Stop Mattering?
Through tracking alumni career paths, I noticed that CGPA becomes irrelevant after:
- 2-3 years of work experience
- Demonstrating exceptional skills
- Building a strong professional network
- Starting your own venture
Priya, now a senior analyst at Deloitte, shared: “No one has asked for my CGPA since my first job. Your last drawn salary becomes more important than college marks.”
Actionable Advice for Students
Based on all these insights, here’s what you should do:
Know Your Goals:
- Aim for 8.5+ if targeting top campus placements
- 7.5+ is sufficient for most opportunities
- Below 6.5? Focus on building alternative strengths
Smart Strategies:
- Prioritize high-credit courses
- Retake low-scoring subjects if possible
- Balance studies with practical projects
Damage Control for Low CGPA:
- Build an impressive portfolio
- Gain certifications
- Network aggressively
The Bottom Line
So, what is a good CGPA? It depends entirely on your aspirations. While higher is generally better, it’s not the only factor that determines success. The corporate world ultimately values problem-solving abilities and practical skills more than perfect grades.
Remember Riya from the beginning? She ended up at a fast-growing startup that valued her hackathon wins over her 7.8 CGPA. Today, she earns more than many of her higher-scoring classmates.
Your CGPA is important, but it’s not everything. Focus on holistic growth, and you’ll find your path to success, regardless of that number on your transcript.