Understanding Graduation Requirements in VTU BE Course Under CBCS Scheme

The Bureau of Technical Education in Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has introduced the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) scheme in 2016, which significantly affects how academic performance is measured for students pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree. One of the key aspects is the graduation aggregate, which is a critical determinant for class division and degree awarding.

Aggregation for Graduation

According to the CBCS scheme, the final Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is calculated based on the performance in the last four semesters. This means that the grades and credits earned during these semesters are the primary factors in determining your GPA. However, it's important to note that specific details can vary, and it's always advisable to refer to the official VTU guidelines or contact the university for accurate information.

SGPA and CGPA Calculation

When monitoring your academic performance, you might notice the SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average) and CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) alongside each other. For example, if you score 560 out of 700 in a 2nd semester which includes 6 theory papers and 2 practicals, your SGPA for that semester would be 5.6. Assuming your 1st semester SGPA was 5.4, your CGPA would be calculated as (5.4 5.6) / 2 5.5. This process is characteristic of how the CBCS scheme operates.

Key Differences in Graduation Aggregation

Some students may wonder if the last four semesters alone are sufficient for their final CGPA calculation. However, this is not the case. For the CBCS scheme (2016 onwards), the final CGPA or grade system is based on the SGPA of all eight semesters, from 1st to 8th. Therefore, all semesters contribute to your overall performance and academic standing.

Final Transcript and Degree Certificate

While the final transcript and degree certificate will showcase all semester marks, only the SGPA of the 5th to 8th semesters is considered for the final aggregate percentage and class division. This system ensures a holistic evaluation of a student's academic performance over the entire course duration.

For instance, the aggregate score from the last four semesters may determine whether a student graduates with a first class, first class with distinction, or a second class. If your aggregate in the last four semesters is less than 60%, it typically means a second class, as in the case of many students who graduated under the 2008-2012 scheme.

Conclusion

In summary, the final CGPA for your VTU BE course under the CBCS scheme is not solely based on the last four semesters. While the last four semesters play a critical role in your CGPA, the entire curriculum from 1st to 8th semester is assessed. This ensures a fair and comprehensive evaluation of your academic achievements.

For more detailed and accurate information, always refer to the official VTU guidelines or contact the university directly.