Academic Queries

Evaluation and Grading Policies:

1.  What are the evaluation and grading policies at NUCES?

  A: The evaluation and grading policies at NUCES include the calculation of the Semester Grade Point Average (SGPA) and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). The interpretation of letter grades and corresponding grade points is provided on Grading Policy Page. 

Link for this: Grading Policy

To calculate GPA (Grade Point Average), the credit hours of each course are multiplied by the grade points earned in that course. The total sum of these products is divided by the total credit hours taken.

Let's take the example of the "Programming Fundamentals" course, which has 3 credit hours for theory and 1 credit hour for the lab. We will assume the student earned a grade of "B+" in the theory and “C” lab components.

• According to the grading scale provided in the reference, a "B+" corresponds to 3.33-grade points, and a "C" corresponds to 2.00 grade points.

• For the theory component:
  Grade points earned = Grade points for "B+" * Credit hours for theory = 3.33 * 3 = 9.99 (rounded to 2 decimal places)

• For the lab component:
  Grade points earned = Grade points for "C" * Credit hours for lab = 2.00 * 1 = 2.00

• Total grade points earned = Grade points for theory + Grade points for lab = 9.99 + 2.00 = 11.99 (rounded to 2 decimal places)

• Total credit hours = Credit hours for theory + Credit hours for lab = 3 + 1 = 4

• GPA = Total grade points earned / Total credit hours = 11.99 / 4 = 2.9975 (rounded to 4 decimal places)

• Note that this is only a single course example, it will be followed for all courses and a combined SGPA is calculated for the whole semester.

2.  What do GPA, SGPA, and CGPA mean and how do they differ?

• GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It is a numerical representation of a student's academic performance, typically calculated on a scale of 0 to 4. GPA is calculated by assigning grade points to each course based on the grades earned, multiplying those grade points by the credit hours of the respective courses, and then dividing the total sum by the total credit hours.

• SGPA stands for Semester Grade Point Average. It is the GPA calculated for a specific semester or term. SGPA is determined by taking the weighted average of the grade points earned in the courses taken during that semester. The weights are determined by the credit hours assigned to each course.

• CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average. It is the overall GPA calculated for the entire duration of a student's academic program. CGPA takes into account all the courses taken by the student up to that point, considering their respective grade points and credit hours. It provides a cumulative measure of the student's academic performance throughout their academic journey. Meaning it is a combined GPA of all the previous semesters rather than a single semester.

• In summary, GPA is calculated for each semester (SGPA) based on the grades and credit hours of the courses taken during that semester. CGPA is the cumulative GPA calculated for all the courses taken up to a certain point in the academic program.

Summer Policy:

• Q1: Can undergraduate students register for courses during the summer semester?
  A: Yes, undergraduate students can register for courses during the summer semester.

• Q2: What is the maximum number of courses that a student can register for during the summer semester?
  A: A student can register for a maximum of two courses during the summer semester, in accordance with the rules for the summer semester.

• Q3: Are there any prerequisites for registering for courses during the summer semester?
  A: Yes, students can only register for courses for which they have passed all the prerequisite courses as specified in the approved curriculum.

• Q4: Is the medium of instruction the same during the summer semester?
  A: Yes, the medium of instruction and examinations for all courses during the summer semester is English, except for language courses, other than English, and Islamic Studies.

• Q5: What is the duration of the summer semester?
  A: The duration of the summer semester may vary, and it is typically shorter than the regular fall and spring semesters.

• Q6: Are there any specific attendance requirements for courses during the summer semester?
  A: Yes, students are required to maintain attendance as prescribed by the course instructor/department and is usually followed as

  • Students are required to maintain 100% attendance in lectures, labs, tutorials, seminars, and discussions.

  • Absence of up to 20% of the total attendance may be condoned by the Head of the Department for genuine reasons.

• Q7: Can classes be rescheduled during the summer semester?
  A: The rescheduling of classes during the summer semester is subject to the approval of the concerned Academic Office and the Head of the Department. Students will be notified in advance of any rescheduled classes.

• Q9: Are there any specific rules or restrictions for summer semester enrollment?
  A: Students are advised to follow the university's guidelines and regulations for summer semester enrollment, including course load limitations and academic performance requirements. The students are usually informed through email address about the summer enrollment (usually done via filling Google form)

• Q10: What is the grading system for courses taken during the summer semester?
  A: The grading system for courses taken during the summer semester follows the same standards and criteria as the regular semesters, as outlined in the Academic Rules and Regulations.

• Q11: If I want to improve a course only which has an associated lab as well, do I have to register for both Course + Lab or I can only register for the one I want to improve (either lab or course)?

According to academic rules & regulations, the course (3+1 crd. hr) alone cannot be registered. If you want to improve your grade in the course, you must have to register its associated lab as well. The latest grades, except W, obtained in the course and lab will count towards CGPA calculation.