Understanding the Grading System at NUST: Absolute and Relative Grading
The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Pakistan follows a unique grading system that combines both absolute and relative grading mechanisms. This system aims to evaluate and assess students' academic performance effectively. Let's delve into the detailed grading scale and the nuances of how it is applied.
Grade Scale
NUST's grading system typically follows a letter grade format combined with a grade-point average (GPA) structure. Here is the standard grade scale used by NUST:
A: 90-100 - 4.0
Excellent academic performance with scores of 90-100 earn a grade of A, which translates to a 4.0 GPA.
A: 80-89 - 4.0
This grade is awarded for scores of 80-89, also equating to a 4.0 GPA.
A-: 75-79 - 3.7
Students scoring between 75-79 receive an A- and a 3.7 GPA.
B: 70-74 - 3.3
A grade of B (3.3 GPA) is given for scores of 70-74.
B: 65-69 - 3.0
65-69 scores earn a B and a 3.0 GPA.
B-: 60-64 - 2.7
B- is given for scores between 60-64 and corresponds to a 2.7 GPA.
C: 55-59 - 2.3
A grade of C (2.3 GPA) is awarded for scores of 55-59.
C: 50-54 - 2.0
50-54 scores earn a C and a 2.0 GPA.
D: 40-49 - 1.0
A grade of D (1.0 GPA) is given for scores of 40-49.
F: Below 40 - 0.0
Scores below 40 result in an F and a 0.0 GPA. This is the minimum passing grade for most courses.
Important Notes
Pass Marks
The minimum passing grade is typically 40. Students who score below this threshold will not pass the course unless specific conditions warrant an exception.
GPA Calculation
NUST calculates the Grade Point Average (GPA) based on the credit hours and grade points earned in courses. This ensures that each course contributes proportionally to the overall GPA.
Cumulative GPA
NUST considers both the current semester GPA and the cumulative GPA for overall academic performance. This provides a comprehensive view of a student's academic journey.
Relative Grading at NUST
After the initial absolute grading scale is applied, NUST incorporates a relative grading system to adjust the final grades based on the class performance. This system ensures that grades accurately reflect a student's performance relative to their peers.
The class average plays a crucial role in determining the grade for students around the average score. Lower class averages can lead to lower grades, while higher averages can result in higher grades. An aggregate score of less than 40 typically results in an F, but exceptions can be made under specific conditions. Any student who misses a final exam is automatically given an F, regardless of their overall score. The grading curve is drawn based on the reverse-sorted student scores, and significant clusters of students are identified to define grade boundaries.Conclusion
The grading system at NUST is designed to provide a fair and comprehensive evaluation of students' academic performance. While it follows a standard letter grade and GPA format, the incorporation of relative grading ensures that success and failure are not solely based on individual performance, but also on the performance of the entire class.