How marks percentage is calculated
Add up the marks you scored, add up the maximum marks available, divide the first by the second and multiply by 100.
Percentage = (Total obtained ÷ Total maximum) × 100
Scoring 425 out of 500 gives (425 ÷ 500) × 100 = 85%. The arithmetic is simple; the part people get wrong is which subjects to include.
The "best of five" rule
CBSE calculates the percentage printed on your marksheet from all subjects you took. But most Delhi University colleges, and many others, compute their own cut-off percentage using your best five subjects — which must include one language and the subjects relevant to the course.
This is why your board percentage and your admission percentage can differ. Use the "Count best of" dropdown to see both. Worth knowing:
- A sixth subject can only help — it can replace a weaker one in the best-five set.
- Some courses require particular subjects in the five regardless of score.
- Deductions may apply if a subject falls outside the approved list for that course.
Percentage to grade, roughly
| Percentage | Grade | CBSE grade point |
|---|---|---|
| 91–100 | A1 | 10 |
| 81–90 | A2 | 9 |
| 71–80 | B1 | 8 |
| 61–70 | B2 | 7 |
| 51–60 | C1 | 6 |
| 41–50 | C2 | 5 |
| 33–40 | D | 4 |
| Below 33 | E | Needs improvement |
CBSE assigns grades by relative position within the cohort as well as absolute marks, so treat the boundaries as indicative rather than exact.