Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) follows a structured and transparent grading system to evaluate student performance. Whether you are a student in Matric, FA, BA, BS, MA, or any professional program, it’s important to understand how AIOU assigns grades, calculates GPA, and determines whether a student has passed or failed.
In this article, we will explain the grading system of AIOU, including percentage-to-grade conversion, GPA calculation (for semester programs), and how marks from assignments and exams are combined.
Understanding the Grading System
Understanding the AIOU grading system helps students:
- Track their academic performance
- Set realistic goals for each course
- Avoid confusion in result interpretation
- Maintain a healthy GPA (for semester-based programs)
Whether you are preparing for your first semester or nearing graduation, knowing how the grading system works is essential for success.
Also Check: Virtual University Grading Scheme
AIOU Grading System
The grading system at AIOU is based on a combination of:
- Assignments (formative assessment)
- Final term examination (summative assessment)
The marks from both components are merged to determine the final grade. In general:
- Assignments carry 30% to 50% weightage
- Final Exam carries 50% to 70% weightage
- The passing criteria for most courses is 40% overall marks
Marks to Grade Conversion (For Annual System and General Courses)
Here is the general marks-to-grade conversion scale used by AIOU in most programs:
| Percentage (%) | Grade | Grade Points | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85 – 100 | A+ | 4.0 | Excellent |
| 80 – 84 | A | 4.0 | Very Good |
| 70 – 79 | B | 3.0 – 3.9 | Good |
| 60 – 69 | C | 2.0 – 2.9 | Satisfactory |
| 50 – 59 | D | 1.0 – 1.9 | Pass |
| Below 50 | F | 0.0 | Fail |
Note: This scale is used for interpreting results shown in percentage form for most programs up to bachelor’s level.
GPA / CGPA Based Grading System
For BS, B.Ed, M.Ed, MBA, M.Phil, and other semester-based programs, AIOU uses a GPA and CGPA-based system. Grades are calculated using the following scale:
| Marks (%) | Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|---|
| 90 – 100 | A+ | 4.0 |
| 85 – 89 | A | 4.0 |
| 80 – 84 | A- | 3.7 |
| 75 – 79 | B+ | 3.3 |
| 70 – 74 | B | 3.0 |
| 65 – 69 | B- | 2.7 |
| 61 – 64 | C+ | 2.3 |
| 58 – 60 | C | 2.0 |
| 55 – 57 | C- | 1.7 |
| 50 – 54 | D | 1.0 |
| Below 50 | F | 0.0 |
A student must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 to remain in good academic standing.
GPA and CGPA Calculation Formula
To calculate GPA for a single semester:
GPA = Total (Credit Hours × Grade Points) / Total Credit Hours
To calculate CGPA across multiple semesters:
CGPA = Sum of (GPA × Credit Hours of each semester) / Total Credit Hours Completed
Passing Criteria
To pass a course, students must:
- Secure at least 40% in total marks (assignments + exam combined)
- Submit all assignments on time
- Score at least 50% marks in the final exam for certain programs
- Maintain minimum CGPA of 2.00 for semester-based programs
Failure in either assignments or final exam results in failing the subject.
Rechecking and Improvement Policy
If a student is not satisfied with their grade, they can:
- Apply for paper rechecking within a specific time after result declaration
- Reappear in the course in the next semester for grade improvement
Note: Only the highest grade is considered in the final transcript.
How Grades Appear on Transcript
AIOU provides transcripts that show:
- Course titles
- Credit hours
- Grade (A, B, C, etc.)
- Grade points for each subject
- GPA/CGPA per semester and cumulatively
Students must ensure that their name, registration number, and grades are accurate on the transcript before applying for a degree.
Final Thoughts
The grading system of Allama Iqbal Open University is designed to evaluate students fairly and transparently. By understanding how grades, GPA, and percentages work, students can better manage their studies, stay on track, and meet their academic goals.
Whether you’re in an annual or semester-based program, your performance in both assignments and exams plays a key role in your final grade. Study regularly, meet deadlines, and stay updated with university policies to ensure academic success.
