The CBSE grading system Class 12 is the new system of grading introduced for reducing the classification of the students on the basis of their marks and competition among the toppers.
- The CBSE grading system for Class 12 will be calculated on the 9-point grading system.
- The CBSE Class 12 grading systems are given in alphabets, A, B, C, D, and E respectively.
- A1 is the highest grade on a nine-point scale, while E is the lowest (needs improvement).
This 'Relative Grading' has been adopted by the CBSE which is the more scientific approach instead of absolute grading wherein grades are given based on predetermined cut off levels. This means that the grades are not determined on the marks range i.e. 91 to 100, 81 to 90 or so but on the basis of the group you fall into on the merits. The grades vary from subject to subject based on the number of candidates passing the subject.
- There is a range of marks associated with each grade. For example, an A1 is awarded for grades 91–100, an A2 for grades 81–90, and so on.
- CBSE grading system is more student-friendly and inclined to assess them based on their skills and not theoretical knowledge.
“Millions of children take the Class 12 board examinations each year, which are crucial for both job and college admissions. The grading system, which is one of the main components of the CBSE evaluation, is intended to fairly evaluate student achievement while dealing with their mental health.”
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CBSE 2026 Class 12 Grading System
Students' grades in the CBSE 2026 Class 12 Grading System are determined on their performance. From A to E, there are five primary grades. "E" is the lowest grade, while "A" is the highest. Each grade has a grade point, and a specific percentage of pupils fall into each grade according to the 9-point grading system. A basic overview is provided in the table below.
| Grade | Qualification |
|---|---|
| A-1 | Top 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| A-2 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| B-1 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| B-2 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| C-1 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| C-1 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| D-1 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| D-2 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| E | Essential Repeat |
FAQs
Ques: What is the Grading System of 12th CBSE Board?
Ans: The student's overall performance and learning are assessed using the 9-point grading system. Pupils receive grades ranging from A1 to E along with thorough comments on their growth and development. This system fosters students' development and helps them get ready for chances in the future.
Ques: What grade is 75% in CBSE?
Ans: A score of 75% in CBSE Class 12 usually places students within the B1 grade, which is equivalent to a mark range of 71% to 80%. This grading scheme is a component of the larger CBSE initiative to assess pupils on a relative basis while accounting for the cohort's overall achievement. 75% is typically regarded as an excellent result, signifying above-average academic performance, while the precise grade may vary significantly depending on the topic and year owing to relative grading. When combined with excellent success in other areas, such as admission tests or extracurricular accomplishments, it shows a good grasp of the material and puts the student in a favorable position for chances in further education.
Ques: Is 90% A1 or A2 in CBSE Class 12 Grading System?
Ans: 90% is equivalent to an A2 grade, not an A1, according to the CBSE grading system. A1 grades go from 91 to 100, while A2 grades range from 81 to 90.
CBSE 2026 Class 12th Grading System: Grade Points
The alphabets A, B, C, D, and E stand for the various grading schemes. Under the careful supervision of the Central Board of Secondary Education for Board Exams, the Class 12 grading scheme was created. The table below details the nine-point grading scheme used to assess academic performance.
| Range | Grades | Grade Point |
|---|---|---|
| 91-100 | A1 | 10.0 |
| 81-90 | A2 | 9.0 |
| 71-80 | B1 | 8.0 |
| 61-70 | B2 | 7.0 |
| 51-60 | C1 | 6.0 |
| 41-50 | C2 | 5.0 |
| 33-40 | D | 4.0 |
| 21-32 | E1 | C (Fail) |
| 0-20 | E2 | C (Fail) |
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CBSE Class 12 Grading System 2026: Key Features
The following are the main features of the CBSE Class 12 Grading System:
- If two students receive the same score in a tie, they will receive the same grade. The smaller segment will accompany the bigger one if the number of pupils at a scoring point must be split across two segments.
- In topics with more than 500 passed applicants, this grading scheme will be applied.
- Grading would be based on the distribution and grading pattern in related topics if there were less than 500 passing candidates overall.
- In addition, a student receives a CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Assessment), which is the average of their grades in all of their major subjects.
FAQs
Ques: What is the difference between CGPA and Percentage in CBSE?
Ans: CGPA is the average of grade points of five subjects. The CGPA obtained is later multiplied by 9.5 to convert it into a percentage, which represents marks out of 100.
Ques: How can Students Calculate their Overall CGPA?
Ans: To calculate the overall CGPA, add the grade points obtained in five main subjects. Later, divide it by 5.
Ques: What is the Minimum Grade Required to Pass in CBSE?
Ans: Students must score a minimum grade of D in each subject to pass in CBSE. A grade below D is considered a fail.
How CBSE Class 12 Board Grades are Calculated?
The student's overall performance and learning are assessed using the 9-point grading system. Pupils receive grades ranging from A1 to E along with thorough comments on their growth and development. This system fosters students' development and helps them get ready for chances in the future.To guarantee fairness and break relationships, CBSE makes minor adjustments to grading. Subjects with more than 500 passing students are graded using a standard system. Grade adjustments are made based on comparable topics if less than 500 students pass.
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CBSE Class 12 Grading System 2026: CGPA calculation for CBSE Class 12
Use the CBSE Class 12 Grading System 2026 to determine the percentage by doing the following:
The cumulative grade point average, or CGPA, for Class 12 is determined by averaging the grade points (GP) earned across all courses. This is how to figure it out:
- Find each subject's grade points: Verify the grade points that match the scores earned in each topic.
- Include the grade points: Total up each subject's grade points.
- Divide by the number of topics, The CGPA is calculated by dividing the total grade points by the number of subjects.
For Example-
| Subjects | Grade point |
|---|---|
| English | 7 |
| Political Science | 10 |
| History | 8 |
| Geography | 9 |
| Economics | 6 |
| Total | 40 |
Add grade points- 7+10+8+9+6=40
Divide by 5- 40/5=8
Calculate CGPA- 8
Convert to Percentage- 8x9.5=76%
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CBSE Class 12 Grading System 2026: CGPA to Percentage
Use the following calculation to get an indicative comparable percentage depending on the grade point:
Subject-wise Percentage = Student's Grade Point (GP) x 9.5
It is possible to compute the overall percentage of marks as follows:
Total Percentage = 9.5 times the CGPA
Multiply your CGPA by 9.5 to get your CGPA as a percentage. As seen below, for example, if your CGPA is 9, the appropriate percentage would be 85.5%:
9.5 x 9 = 85.5%
| Marks Range | Grade | Grade Point | Percentage (CGPA x 9.5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 91-100 | A1 | 10.0 | 10 x 9.5 = 95% |
| 81-90 | A2 | 9.0 | 9 x 9.5 = 85.5% |
| 71-80 | B1 | 8.0 | 8 x 9.5 = 76% |
| 61-70 | B2 | 7.0 | 7 x 9.5 = 66.5% |
| 51-60 | C1 | 6.0 | 6 x 9.5 = 57% |
| 41-50 | C2 | 5.0 | 5 x 9.5 = 47.5% |
| 33-40 | D1 | 4.0 | 4 x 9.5 = 38% |
| 21-32 | D2 | C | Eligible to appear in compartment exams |
| 00-20 | E | C | Eligible to appear in compartment exams |
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CBSE Class 12 Grading System: CGPA to Percentage Conversion Chart
To find out the percentage value at various CGPAs, students might consult the chart below:
| CGPA | Percentage | CGPA | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 95 | 7 | 66.5 |
| 9.9 | 94.05 | 6.9 | 65.55 |
| 9.8 | 93.1 | 6.8 | 64.6 |
| 9.7 | 92.15 | 6.7 | 63.65 |
| 9.6 | 91.2 | 6.6 | 62.7 |
| 9.5 | 90.25 | 6.5 | 61.75 |
| 9.4 | 89.3 | 6.4 | 60.8 |
| 9.3 | 88.35 | 6.3 | 59.85 |
| 9.2 | 87.4 | 6.2 | 58.9 |
| 9.1 | 86.45 | 6.1 | 57.95 |
| 9 | 85.5 | 6 | 57 |
| 8.9 | 84.55 | 5.9 | 56.05 |
| 8.8 | 83.6 | 5.8 | 55.1 |
| 8.7 | 82.65 | 5.7 | 54.15 |
| 8.6 | 81.7 | 5.6 | 53.2 |
| 8.5 | 80.75 | 5.5 | 52.25 |
| 8.4 | 79.8 | 5.4 | 51.3 |
| 8.3 | 78.85 | 5.3 | 50.35 |
| 8.2 | 77.9 | 5.2 | 49.4 |
| 8.1 | 76.95 | 5.1 | 48.45 |
| 8 | 76 | 5 | 47.5 |
| 7.9 | 75.05 | 4.9 | 46.55 |
| 7.8 | 74.1 | 4.8 | 45.6 |
| 7.7 | 73.15 | 4.7 | 44.65 |
| 7.6 | 72.2 | 4.6 | 43.7 |
| 7.5 | 71.25 | 4.5 | 42.75 |
| 7.4 | 70.3 | 4.4 | 41.8 |
| 7.3 | 69.35 | 4.3 | 40.85 |
| 7.2 | 68.4 | 4.2 | 39.9 |
| 7.1 | 67.45 | 4.1 | 38.95 |
| 4 | 38 |
FAQs
Ques: When will CBSE Class 12 Boards Results be declared?
Ans: CBSE Result 2026 Date & Time: The CBSE Result 2026 date and time for Class 12 will likely be announced shortly by the CBSE. The first week of May 2026 is when the CBSE results 2026 are most likely to be announced, according to sources.
It is recommended that students who took the CBSE Class 12 Exams 2026 (which ended on April 4) have their date of birth, admit card ID, and CBSE roll number 2026 on hand so they may view their 2026 CBSE results.
Ques: Is 27 out of 80 pass or fail?
Ans: 27 out of 80 is considered a pass in CBSE and many other board exams. It represents 33.75% of the total marks, which is just above the mandatory 33% passing threshold. While 33% of 80 is exactly 26.4, the score is rounded up to 27, making it the official minimum passing mark.
Ques: Does the CBSE Grading System Affect College Admissions?
Ans: Yes, the CBSE grading system has an impact on college admissions because many colleges accept CGPA or percentage equivalents. A few colleges provide cutoff percentages, whereas some conduct entrance examinations for proper selection.
CBSE Class 12 Grading System: Changes Over the Years
| Year | Grading Method | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Relative Grading | The relative grading system remains in place, focusing on ranking students and distributing grades accordingly. |
| 2024 | Relative Grading | Maintained the relative grading approach, emphasizing percentile-based grade distribution. |
| 2023 | Relative Grading | Continued with the relative grading system introduced in 2022. |
| 2022 | Relative Grading | Shifted to relative grading where students were ranked, and grades were distributed based on percentiles: A1: Top 1/8th A2: Next 1/8th B1: Next 1/8th B2: Next 1/8th C1: Next 1/8th C2: Next 1/8th D1: Next 1/8th D2: Next 1/8th |
| 2021 | Alternative Assessment | Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, exams were cancelled. Results were based on a 30:30:40 formula considering Class 10, 11, and 12 assessments. Grades were assigned accordingly. |
| 2020 | Absolute Grading | Maintained the same grading approach with fixed mark ranges. |
| 2019 | Absolute Grading | Continued the same fixed mark range grading system as in 2018. |
| 2018 | Absolute Grading | Grades were assigned based on fixed mark ranges: A1: 91–100 A2: 81–90 B1: 71–80 B2: 61–70 C1: 51–60 C2: 41–50 D: 33–40 E1: 21–32 E2: 0–20 |
Benefits and Drawbacks of the CBSE Class 12 CGPA System
In order to streamline student grading, ease academic pressure, and prioritize ongoing learning over one-time, high-stakes tests, CBSE implemented the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) system. Nevertheless, CGPA has benefits and drawbacks like any other system. There are a number of benefits and drawbacks to the CBSE Class 12 CGPA system. Although the CGPA system relieves students of the burden of grades, it does not assess students' real achievement. The following lists the benefits and drawbacks of the CBSE Class 12 CGPA system.
Benefits
The following are some benefits of the CBSE Class 12 CGPA-based Grading System:
- In order to concentrate on areas that need development, students have the chance to evaluate and analyze their strengths and shortcomings.
- Since the real scores are not shown openly on report cards, one of the main benefits of CGPA is that it reduces the pressure to get high grades.
Drawbacks
The CBSE Class 12 Grading System has the following drawbacks:
- Students' actual performance levels are not adequately reflected by their CGPA.
- Students may be less motivated as a result of the grading system since they may feel that they may still get the mark they want even if they make a few mistakes.
Also Check:; CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern
Differences Between CBSE and Other Grading Systems
The grading system of CBSE differs from other grading systems:
| Aspect | CBSE | Other systems |
|---|---|---|
| Grading Scale | Uses 9-point letter grade scale | Use a wider range of grades. |
| Assessment approach | Continuous evaluation, which includes internal and external assessments. | Students are mainly evaluated based on their performance in final exams. |
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