If you’ve applied for jobs recently, you might have noticed one thing: most companies still ask for your percentage instead of your CGPA. At first, it feels strange because many universities have already shifted to the CGPA system. The main thing here is why CGPA is considered less important. Let’s break down the real reasons.
Percentages Are Straightforward
When someone says they scored 75%, you don’t have to think twice. You instantly know it’s a good score. But if someone says they got a 7.5 CGPA, you have to stop and calculate what that means.
Recruiters don’t have the time to keep converting numbers. They prefer something clear, simple, and easy to read, which is why percentages are the safer option.
CGPA Scales Are Not the Same Everywhere
One big drawback of CGPA is that not all universities use the same scale.
- Some follow a 10-point scale.
- Others stick to a 4-point scale.
- Even within the same scale, rules change.
Percentages don’t have this problem. A 70% will mean roughly the same thing no matter where you studied. That makes it easier for companies to set a fair cut-off.
Percentages Show a Clearer Academic Picture
CGPA averages out your marks, which can sometimes hide fluctuations. Let’s say you scored poorly in your first year but improved later. Your CGPA might still look average, even though your growth was huge.
Percentages, however, show exactly how much you scored overall. Recruiters believe this provides them with a more accurate representation of your academic consistency.
Helps in Shortlisting Faster
Think about the hiring process. Large companies may receive thousands of resumes for a single job opening. They can’t spend hours checking each one.
If they set a rule like a minimum 65% required, they can filter candidates in minutes. But if they use CGPA, they also need to explain whether it’s on a 4-point or 10-point scale. That’s extra work nobody wants. With percentages, shortlisting becomes quick and standardized.
Government and Public Sector Preference
It’s not just private companies. In India, Pakistan, and many other countries, government exams, scholarships, and public sector jobs usually ask for a percentage.
Since this is already the standard in official documents, private firms also continue to use it. Keeping everything in one common format avoids unnecessary confusion.
Recruiters Need a Level Playing Field
At the end of the day, recruiters want to compare students fairly. Imagine two candidates:
- One with 8.4 CGPA (10-point scale)
- 3.6 CGPA (4-point scale) of another candidate.
All these digits may seem similar to each other, but when compared, they seem different. Without conversion, it’s confusing.
Now, imagine both students give their percentages. Suddenly, it’s much easier to decide who performed better. That’s why most companies ask for percentages upfront.
Do Companies Ignore CGPA Completely?
Not at all. Many firms do accept CGPA, but they usually want you to convert it into a percentage first. Most universities already provide a conversion formula.
For example, in several Indian universities, the formula is:
Percentage = CGPA × 9.5
But this formula is not universal. Some universities use different rules. That’s why companies prefer you to do the conversion and submit your percentage instead of leaving it up to them.
FAQs
Summary
Most of the interviewers ask for a percentage instead of CGPA. The reason behind this is that the criteria for calculating percentages are the same everywhere. But CGPA changes from one university to another. A percentage gives them a clear number they can trust. If your degree only shows CGPA, just convert it and write both. That way, you’re covered no matter what the company asks for.