Tribhuvan University (TU) Grading System Explained 2026

A complete guide to how TU evaluates students in Semester and Annual systems – updated for 2026.

Tribhuvan University (TU), established in 1959, is the oldest and largest university in Nepal with over 600 affiliated colleges. TU has adopted the Semester-based grading system for most of its technical and management programs (BCA, BBA, BIM, CSIT, BBM), while some programs like BBS follow an annual system. Understanding the TU grading system is essential for every TU student in Nepal.

TU Semester Grading Scale (4.0 Scale)

The TU semester system, introduced in 2074/75 BS (2017/18 AD), uses a 4.0 letter grading scale. Here is the official breakdown used by the Faculty of Management and Institute of Science & Technology:

Marks Range Letter Grade Grade Point Performance
90 - 100 A 4.0 Distinction
80 - 89 A- 3.7 Very Good
70 - 79 B+ 3.3 First Division
60 - 69 B 3.0 Second Division
55 - 59 B- 2.7 Pass
50 - 54 C+ 2.3 Pass
45 - 49 C 2.0 Pass
40 - 44 D 1.7 Marginal Pass
Below 40 F 0.0 Fail

How SGPA and CGPA are Calculated at TU

TU uses two key metrics to measure student performance:

  • SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average): Calculated at the end of each semester. It considers only the grades obtained in that specific semester. SGPA = Σ(Grade Point × Credit Hours) ÷ Σ(Credit Hours for that semester).
  • CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average): Calculated at the end of the degree. It is the weighted average of all SGPAs throughout the program. For BCA and BBA (8 semesters), CSIT (8 semesters), and MBS (4 semesters), CGPA represents overall performance.

TU GPA Calculation Example

Suppose a TU BCA student scores the following in Semester 1 (total 18 credit hours):

Subject Credits Grade GP Quality Points
C Programming3B+3.39.9
Mathematics I3A-3.711.1
English I3B3.09.0
Digital Logic3A4.012.0
Society & Tech3B+3.39.9
Accounting3C+2.36.9

SGPA = (9.9 + 11.1 + 9.0 + 12.0 + 9.9 + 6.9) / 18 = 58.8 / 18 = 3.27 (Second Division)

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TU Division Classification

CGPA RangeDivision
3.6 - 4.0Distinction
3.2 - 3.59First Division
2.7 - 3.19Second Division
2.0 - 2.69Pass

Passing Criteria at TU

For most semester programs, a minimum grade of C (2.0 GPA) is required to pass a subject. For some faculties, the minimum may be D (1.7). Students failing to secure the minimum grade must appear for a make-up examination. Under the semester system, make-up exams are usually held before the next semester begins.

TU Programs Using Semester Grading

The following TU programs use the semester-based letter grading system:

  • BCA – Bachelor of Computer Application (8 semesters)
  • BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration (8 semesters)
  • BSc CSIT – Bachelor of Science in CSIT (8 semesters)
  • BIM – Bachelor of Information Management (8 semesters)
  • BBM – Bachelor of Business Management (8 semesters)
  • MBS/MBA – Master of Business Studies (4 semesters)

Calculate Your TU GPA Now

Use our free TU GPA calculators to instantly calculate your semester GPA or cumulative CGPA:

TU Semester GPA TU BCA CGPA TU CSIT CGPA TU BBS CGPA TU BBA CGPA TU MBS CGPA

TU Grading System – Deep Dive

TU Semester System vs Yearly System

Tribhuvan University operates two parallel systems. The semester system, introduced in 2074/75 BS (2017/18 AD), is used for most technical programs (BCA, BIM, CSIT, BBM) and management programs (BBA, MBS/MBA). The yearly/annual system is still used for programs like 4-year BBS. Under the semester system, each academic year has two semesters, and students typically complete 4-8 semesters depending on their program length. The grading scale differs slightly: semester programs use the 4.0 letter grading scale, while yearly programs may still use percentage-based divisions.

How to Calculate TU Semester GPA

To calculate your TU semester GPA: (1) Find the grade point for each subject based on your marks: A=4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, B=3.0, B-=2.7, C+=2.3, C=2.0, D=1.7, F=0.0. (2) Multiply each grade point by the credit hours of that subject. (3) Sum all the products. (4) Divide by total credit hours. For example, if you scored B+ (3.3) in a 3-credit subject and A (4.0) in a 4-credit subject: GPA = (3.3×3 + 4.0×4) / (3+4) = (9.9 + 16.0) / 7 = 3.7.

TU Back Paper and Make-up Exam Rules

If a TU student fails a subject (scores below the passing grade, typically C or D depending on the faculty), they must appear for a make-up examination. Under the semester system, make-up exams are usually held before the next semester begins. Students can carry up to 2-3 back papers (failed subjects) depending on faculty rules. The highest achievable grade in a make-up exam varies – some faculties cap it at B+, while others allow the full grade range.

What CGPA do I need for First Division at TU?

At Tribhuvan University, the division classification for semester programs is: Distinction (CGPA 3.6 and above), First Division (CGPA 3.2 to 3.59), Second Division (CGPA 2.7 to 3.19), and Pass (CGPA 2.0 to 2.69). For most programs, a CGPA below 2.0 means the student has not completed the program successfully. These divisions appear on your final transcript and degree certificate.

Related Calculators & Guides

TU Semester GPA CalculatorCalculate your TU semester GPATU BCA CGPA CalculatorCalculate BCA cumulative GPATU BSc CSIT CGPA CalculatorCalculate CSIT cumulative GPATU BBS CGPA CalculatorCalculate BBS cumulative GPASGPA vs CGPA ExplainedKey differences between SGPA and CGPA