UK Universities Indian Degree Equivalency Explained for Indian Students [2026 Guide]

Study Abroad Expert | Updated On - Jan 14, 2026

For Indian students applying to UK universities for postgraduate courses, one common confusion is understanding how Indian undergraduate degrees—especially percentages—translate into the UK’s degree classification system. Since most UK PG programs ask for a "2:1 honours degree" or a "2:2 equivalent," it’s critical to understand what that means and how your Indian degree will be assessed.

This guide explains how Indian degrees are evaluated by UK universities, what 2:1 and 2:2 classifications mean, and how your university tier and marks may affect your chances of admission.

What Is the UK Degree Classification System?

UK universities classify undergraduate (UG) degrees into the following honours divisions:

UK Classification	Grade Range (%)	Description
First Class Honours	70% and above	Excellent academic standing
Upper Second Class (2:1)	60% – 69%	Very good academic standing
Lower Second Class (2:2)	50% – 59%	Satisfactory performance
Third Class	40% – 49%	Bare minimum passing level

These classifications are specific to UK undergraduate degrees, but most UK postgraduate courses (especially master’s and MBA programs) refer to them when asking for minimum entry qualifications.

How UK Universities Assess Indian Degrees?

UK universities use a mix of university tier recognition, academic performance, and contextual judgment to assess Indian UG degrees.

Key considerations:

Which Indian university did you study at (Tier 1 vs Tier 2)
Your CGPA or percentage score
Course relevance and academic progression
Whether the university is listed with UK ENIC (formerly UK NARIC)
Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and career goals

Some universities use internal conversion metrics, while others may require a UK ENIC certificate to officially validate your degree.

Tip: The same Indian percentage might be considered 2:1 at one UK university and 2:2 at another—based on university tier.

Indian Percentage to UK Degree Equivalency (Tier-Wise Table)

The table below offers a general benchmark UK universities may follow when converting Indian degrees:

Indian University Tier	Indian % Range	UK Equivalent
Tier 1 (IITs, DU, JNU, BITS)	70%+	First Class Honours
	60–69%	2:1
	50–59%	2:2
Tier 2 (State & Top Private Univs)	65%+	First Class Honours
	55–64%	2:1
	50–54%	2:2
Tier 3 (Deemed & Regional Colleges)	70%+	2:1
	60–69%	2:2
	<60%	May not qualify

Disclaimer: This is an indicative chart. Always check individual university websites or use UK ENIC for official assessments.

Where Is 2:1 Required? Where Is 2:2 Accepted?

A 2:1 honours degree (usually ~60%+ from Tier 1 or Tier 2 university) is often the minimum requirement for:

Russell Group universities (Oxford, UCL, Manchester, Edinburgh)
Competitive PG courses like Data Science, Finance, Law, AI
MBA programs with minimal work experience

A 2:2 degree (~50–55% from Tier 1/Tier 2) may be accepted at:

Post-1992 or modern universities (e.g., Coventry, Teesside, Roehampton)
Courses in arts, humanities, hospitality, or business with relevant work experience

Check university-specific PG entry requirements before applying.

Understanding Backlogs, CGPA & Other Indian Nuances

UK universities may ask you to:

Convert CGPA to percentage (if your university doesn’t use raw marks)
Explain backlogs or year drops in your SOP
Demonstrate progression (e.g., if you are applying for a second master’s)

Example: A student with a 6.5 CGPA from a Tier 1 college might still be eligible for a 2:1 equivalency.

Final Tips

Be honest and consistent across SOP, transcripts, and CV

Use UK ENIC for clarification, if required

Don’t hesitate to email the admissions office for tier-specific guidance.

FAQs: Indian Degree Equivalency in the UK

Ques. What is a 2:1 degree in Indian percentage?

Ans. 2:1 is typically equivalent to 60–69% from a reputable Indian university.

Ques. Is 60% enough to study in the UK?

Ans. Yes, if your university is recognised and the course requirements are flexible. Top universities may expect 65%+.

Ques. Can I get admission with a 2:2 in the UK?

Ans. Yes, especially if your course is non-technical or you have strong work experience/SOP.

Ques. How do UK universities check Indian degrees?

Ans. They use tools like UK ENIC, university databases, and internal conversion policies.

Ques. Is a UK ENIC certificate mandatory?

Ans. It is not mandatory for all universities, but can help clarify equivalency if your grades are borderline.

UK Universities Indian Degree Equivalency Explained