NEB & SEE Grading System Update
Students scoring below these thresholds will receive an NG (Not Graded) status and will not be awarded a graduation certificate until the required grades are achieved through a grade increment exam.
Introduction to the NEB Letter Grading System
The National Examination Board (NEB) of Nepal initially introduced a grading system for Class 10 (SEE) and Class 12 students in the 2017 academic year. This system replaced the traditional numerical scoring and the absolute "pass" or "fail" labels. However, aiming to elevate academic standards, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology recently revised these guidelines.
The revised letter grading system, applied comprehensively from Grades 1 to 12, evaluates students on a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) scale ranging from A+ to D. Notably, the previous 'E' grade has been abolished and replaced with 'NG' to enforce a strict baseline of academic proficiency.
Secondary Level Grading Scale Breakdown
The evaluation is based on two distinct parameters: theory marks and practical/internal marks. Below is the official four-point scale employed to measure scholastic achievements.
| Marks Range (%) | Grade Awarded | Grade Point (GPA) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 91 - 100 | A+ | 3.6 - 4.0 | Outstanding |
| 81 - 90 | A | 3.2 - 3.6 | Excellent |
| 71 - 80 | B+ | 2.8 - 3.2 | Very Good |
| 61 - 70 | B | 2.6 - 2.8 | Good |
| 51 - 60 | C+ | 2.2 - 2.6 | Satisfactory |
| 41 - 50 | C | 1.6 - 2.2 | Acceptable |
| 35 - 40 | D | 1.6 | Basic |
| Below 35 | NG | Below 1.6 | Not Graded |
Important for Class 11 & 12:
To be promoted to the next higher class or to apply for Bachelor-level university programs, students must secure qualifying grades in at least 4 out of 5 subjects in Class 12, alongside passing the theory and practical examinations independently.
How to Convert GPA to Percentage in Nepal
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) represents a student's overall academic performance across all subjects. Because universities and scholarship boards sometimes require a percentage format, you can estimate your percentage using a standard conversion multiplier.
Step 1: Calculate CGPA = (Sum of grade points obtained in main subjects) / (Total number of subjects)
Step 2: Conversion Formula = CGPA × 25 = Percentage (%)
3.6 × 25 = 90%.Rules for NG (Not Graded) and Grade Increment
The NEB grading framework is designed to reduce severe exam anxiety through continuous evaluation rather than a single end-of-year stress test. However, standards must be maintained.
- Separate Passing Requirements: Students must score a minimum 'D' grade (35%) in theory and a 'C' grade (40%) in practical exams separately. Cumulative grades are no longer awarded if a student fails one component.
- Grade Increment Exams: If a student receives an 'NG' in a maximum of two subjects, they are eligible to sit for a supplementary grade increment exam.
- Repeating the Year: If a student is unable to upgrade their 'NG' status after three consecutive increment attempts, or if they score 'NG' in more than two subjects initially, they must repeat the entire academic year for all subjects.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the GPA System
Advantages of the NEB GPA System
- Reduced Academic Stigma: It removes the dreaded "Fail" tag from report cards, helping preserve student mental health.
- International Standardization: Aligning with global 4.0 GPA frameworks makes it easier for Nepali students to apply to foreign universities.
- Broad Performance Bands: Decreases the unhealthy competition for exact numerical marks, encouraging a focus on holistic learning.
Disadvantages of the NEB GPA System
- Lack of Precision: The GPA system masks a student's exact numerical performance. A student scoring 81% and a student scoring 89% both fall under the 'A' grade bracket, hiding minor performance gaps.
- Complacency: Broad grading bands can sometimes cause high-achieving students to perform with less effort once they feel secure within a specific grade boundary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum pass mark for SEE and NEB exams?
Students must secure a minimum of 35% in the written/theory examination and 40% in the practical/internal assessment for each subject independently to pass the exam.
What happens if I get NG in my SEE result?
If you receive an NG (Not Graded) in one or two subjects, you will not receive an official grade sheet for higher enrollment. However, you are permitted to take a supplementary grade increment exam for those specific subjects to improve your score.
Are grades shown for internal assessments?
Yes. Under the new rules, while external written exams might show numerical scores during the evaluation phase, the final report card will only display letter grades for both internal/practical assessments and external theory exams.
