Understanding UK and Indian Grading Systems for Indian Students Planning to Study Abroad

25 July 2025

For the majority of Indian students, studying in the UK is a dream, but one of the first things that can confuse them is the grading system. The grading system based on classes is upheld by UK universities, as compared to India’s percentage system. If you’re an Indian student wondering how your grades measure up against UK university standards, or how your grades will be viewed once in the UK, this user-friendly guide from BCES Admissions Abroad will have you feeling more prepared and better able to navigate the process.

Before making course applications, academic conversion, or even estimating one’s fit at a UK university, it is best to understand how both systems measure academic performance. While India uses percentages and divisions such as First Class or Second Class, the UK uses terms such as First Class Honours or Upper Second Class (2:1). Both systems attempt to measure student performance on an equal scale, whereas they do so differently.

The Indian system mostly has a percentage mark system in which a mark of over 60 percent is likely to put a student in the category of First Class. A First Class degree in the UK, however, typically goes to students who score 70 percent and above. This variation in marking approach is not to indicate UK universities have higher expectations of Indian students—simply that the marking range is narrower in the UK and the marking out is more guarded.

Another essential difference lies in the nature of assessment. India awards marks quite frequently for theory-based information and memorization, while UK education focuses on independent research, logical thinking, and analyzing abilities. It is thus likely that a mark of 65 in the UK might represent significantly better academic performance than the same mark in India.

UK universities realize that every nation has its own various scholarly systems. That is why the majority of UK universities consider Indian transcripts in a conversion form. For instance, if you graduated with over 60 percent in your Indian undergraduate program, it’s usually equated to the UK Upper Second Class Honours (2:1). Nonetheless, this may also slightly differ with the university and course.

Key Takeaways for Indian Students

• Don’t be fooled by lower percentages in the UK – 70 percent is a pass.
• Indian qualifications are accepted by UK universities using their internal conversion schemes.
• Intellectual performance is evaluated more for analytical competence than for repeating facts.
• First Class in India is numerically distinct from First Class in the UK, but both are evaluated as good academic performances.
• Transcripts and letter of recommendation are important apart from grades in UK admissions.

Why it is important to your study in the UK

Knowing how the grading system works enables you to have realistic academic expectations and control expectations during studying in the UK. It also becomes simple to clarify your academic background during visa interviews, scholarship applications, or when searching for jobs after graduation.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we manage Indian students of the entire UK admissions process—from profile assessment and university shortlisting to detailing grading conversion and developing strong academic documents. Call us at +91 9319996328.