The Indian Educational System:

An Overview of Education in India,

with Practical Guide to Determining
Credit and Grade Equivalencies

NAFSA Region II Timothy J. Kell

October 21-24, 2008 Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
Park City, UT www.ece.org [email protected]

***Copies of this presentation are available online at:

www.ece.org/Presentations***
 Ganesha
One of the most
well known and
beloved Hindu
representations
of God. He is the
“eliminator of
obstacles”.
 Saraswati
She is the
goddess of
learning and the
arts. Her name
in Sanskrit
means “she
who has lakes
or pools”.
India at a Glance
Population (2007): 1.3 billion

Number of universities (2006): 279

Number of Indians studying in U.S.

universities (2007): 88,833

Number of students studying in Indian

universities (2006): 9.3 million
 Goals / Objectives
1)To provide an overview of the Indian
Secondary Educational System
2)To provide an overview of the Indian Higher
Educational System
3)To provide a practical, accurate and efficient
method of converting Indian marks into US
equivalent grades and credits
4)To provide a brief overview of other types of
education in India.
5)To provide practical resources to be used in
Indian credential evaluation.
 PART I:
Indian Secondary
Education
 Primary & Secondary Level Education

Education is compulsory through upper primary, grade 8, age 14

Length of Schooling: (standardized nationwide after 1985)

Primary: 5 years
Upper Primary: 3 years
Secondary: 2 years
Higher Secondary: 2 years

Average academic week is 45 periods

of 40 minutes duration
School year is a minimum of 200
teaching days
School year most commonly runs from
July through April
Literacy Rates: 65%
76%male, 54% female
(2001 India Census)
 Primary & Secondary Level Education

● Secondary level examinations are conducted by either a state or central examination

board.
● State Examination Boards:
http://www.education.nic.in/circulars/boards.asp
● All-India (Central) Boards:
-Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
-Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)
-National Institute for Open Schooling (NIOS)

● Credentials Awarded:
Secondary: Secondary School Certificate (SSC)
All India Secondary School Certificate
Matriculation Examination

Higher Secondary: Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC)

Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate
Pre-University Examination
Intermediate Examination
http://www.education.nic.in/circulars/boards.asp
Sample State Board Docs
Gujarat State
Sample State Board Docs
Andhra Pradesh State
Sample State Board Docs
Tamil Nadu State
Sample State Board
Docs- Punjab State
 Sample Central Board of
Secondary Education Docs
 Primary & Secondary Level Education

Lower Secondary Curriculum *

Two languages (13 periods total), one of which must be Hindi or English
Mathematics (7 periods)
Science & technology (9 periods)
Social Science (9 periods), including history, civics and geography
Work / pre-vocational training (6 periods)
Art (2 periods)
Physical education and health (2 periods)
Electives: commerce, music, home science, information technology

*Department of Education, “Secondary School Curriculum 2002-04, Vol. 1 Main Subjects”

Upper Secondary Curriculum

*is established by the State or Central Board to which a school is affiliated
*generally, academic track students can focus in one of three areas: humanities, science
or business
Sample Upper Secondary Curriculum
Central Board of Secondary Education http://cbse.nic.in
National Institute of Open School www.nios.ac.in/syllabus.htm
Not All Work Completed at a
University is University Level!
Some universities offer their own
preparatory secondary
curriculum.
Known as:
Pre-Degree Examination
Pre-University Examination
Pre-Professional Examination
Pre-Medical Examination
Pre-Engineering Examination
Pre-Agricultural Examination
Schools offering secondary level
curriculum are often referred to
as “junior colleges”, not to be
confused with institutions of
higher education.
Not All Work Completed at a
University is University Level!

This 1996 Diploma in Pharmacy

from Saurashtra University has an
admission requirement of Std X.

There is not an equivalent high

school level vocational program in
pharmacy offered in the United
States.
 Structure of Secondary Education,
by State, pre-1985 Standardization
Prior to 1985, secondary education was not yet standardized in all
states to the 8+Std X+Std XII structure.
Depending on the state, Higher Secondary / Intermediate
Certificates were awarded after a range between 11 to 13 years.
Universities in states with a Std XII structure commonly required a
extra year of remedial work for students from Std XI states.
Carefully check the secondary education structure for any work
completed before 1985!
 State Technical Exam Boards
Offer three year diplomas usually entered after Std. X
Some students may enter after Std. XII, but are not given advanced
standing
Commonly seen in engineering, medical laboratory technology,
pharmacy, textiles, and other technical fields
Many universities exempt Technical Board Diploma holders from the
first year Bachelor degree examinations in a related field

As Tailor (A) fits customer (B) and calls out measurements, college boy
(C) mistakes them for football signals and makes a flying tackle at clothing
dummy (D). Dummy bumps head against paddle (E) causing it to pull hook
(F) and throw bottle (G) on end aof folding hat rack (H) which spreads and
pushes head of cabbage (I) into net (J). Weight of cabbage pulls cord (K)
causing shears (L) to cut string (M). Bag of sand (N) drops on scale (O)
and pushes broom (P) against pail of whitewash (Q) which upsets all over
you causing you to look like a marble statue and making it impossible for
you to be recognized by bill collectors.
Sample State Technical Board Docs
Sample State Technical Board Docs
Sample State Technical Board Docs
PART II:
Indian Higher
Education
 Higher Education in India
Indian higher education has its roots in the British system, inherited
after 1947 independence.
The oldest Indian universities, Madras (now Chennai), Bombay (now
Mumbai) and Calcutta (now Kolkata) were founded in 1857.
Enrollment in Indian higher education is exploding. The number of
universities (279) and enrolled students (9.6 million) have both tripled
since 1984.
English and Hindi are the nation's two official languages, and the
most common languages of instruction, especially in professional,
technical and graduate programs. In some programs, regional
languages (eg: Gujarati, Malayalam, Urdu) are used.
ECE considers English used in India to be English as a foreign
language.
 Indian Degree-Granting Institutions
Universities
-some established and funded by the Central Government: Central Universities
-some established and funded by the respective state government: State Universities
-some universities are multidisciplinary, some specialize in one professional/technical field

Institutions of National Importance

-institutions that are authorized by Parliament to issue university-level degrees
-includes the six Indian Institutes of Technology

Deemed-to-be Universities
-specialized institutions recognized as university-level by the Central Government, on the
recommendation of the University Grants Commission
-recognized on the basis of a long tradition of teaching or specialization and excellence in
a field

The University Grants Commission website lists all recognized degree-granting

institutions, organized by type
http://www.ugc.ac.in/inside/university.html
 Types of Indian Universities
Affiliating Type
-sets curriculum and standards for affiliated colleges
-actual classroom instruction is conducted at the affiliated college
-the affiliating university conducts examinations and awards degrees
-the majority of universities in India are this type
-some large universities have hundreds of affiliated colleges
-affiliating universities may conduct instruction and research at the postgraduate level
Unitary Type
-is self-contained; has no colleges
-actual classroom instruction is conducted by this type of university
-the unitary university conducts examinations and awards degrees
Mixed Type
-has affiliated colleges as well as managing its own colleges
Open University
-provide distance education for students outside of traditional university enrollment
-account for 13% of all university and college enrollment in India
 Indian Colleges
Colleges are responsible for the actual undergraduate classroom instruction.
Most (70%) are privately-managed trusts or societies, but all receive
state government subsidies.
“Constituent colleges” are owned and managed by the university itself.
Each college is affiliated to a single university, which sets the curriculum
and conducts all examinations.
Colleges do not have the authority to issue official academic documents and
degrees! However, most colleges will issue “transcript-style” documents,
which are not valid for official use in India. It is recommended to use
these documents only as supplements to the official university-issued
documents. These documents often omit failed examination attempts!
NOTE: In some very rare cases, a large university will authorize the college
to conduct some of the examinations, but never the final year exam.
This practice is common only at the University of Mumbai (Bombay). In
these cases, you would expect examination results to be issued by the
college.
 Autonomous Colleges
234 Autonomous Colleges operate in 14 states (as of 2006)
Colleges authorized by the UGC to create their own admission
standards, curriculum, and assessment methods
Autonomous Colleges conduct their own examinations
Degrees are always issued by the university, although the degree
itself will often list the name of the autonomous college
The University Grants Commission website lists all affiliated
colleges, autonomous colleges and the university each is
connected to: http://www.ugc.ac.in/inside/college.html
 University Grants Commission and
Association of Indian Universities
The University Grants Commission
-the government body in India responsible for regulating academic standards and
distributing government funds
-funded by the Central Government and is accountable to Parliament
-the official body in India with the jurisdiction to give degree-granting authority to
universities and other university-level institutions
-maintains an excellent website listing all recognized institutions of higher education:
http://www.ugc.ac.in

Association of Indian Universities

-members include universities, deemed universities and institutions of national importance
-responsible for coordinating work among foreign and domestic universities, acting as a
bureau of information, conducting research on university development, training
university administrators, promoting sports and cultural activities and representing the
universities in national and international forums
-publishes the biannual Association of Indian Universities Handbook, which lists a wealth
of information for all AIU members, including degrees offered, program lengths and
admission requirements
 Indian Program Lengths
The Association of Indian Universities Handbooks are the best source for this
information.
Remember to check the lengths of any secondary credentials completed prior to 1985.
Typical Program Lengths:
Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce 3 years
Bachelor of Education 1 year (after BA, BSc or BCom)
Bachelor of Engineering / Technology / 4 years
Agriculture / Pharmacy
Bachelor of Dentistry 4 years (+1 year internship)
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery 5.5 years (+1 year internship)
Master of Arts / Science / Commerce / 2 years
Engineering
Master of Philosophy (prep for doctoral 1.5 years
study)
Doctor of Philosophy varies by student and program
Sample University Documents
Sample University Documents
Sample University Documents
Sample
University
Documents
Sample University Documents
Sample University Documents
Sample University Documents
Sample University Documents
Sample University Documents
Sample Deemed University Document

The UGC website includes

an official list of all deemed
universities.
Autonomous College Documents
Sample College-Issued Documents
Sample College-Issued Documents
 Self-Styled Univs aka: Fake Univs
The University Grants Commission website maintains a list of “fake” universities
that are operating without any authority to grant degrees (updated August 2007)

1) Maithili University/Vishwavidyalaya, Darbhanga, 12)Mahila Gram Vidyapith/Vishwavidyalaya, (Women's

Bihar. University) Prayag, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.

2) Varanaseya Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Varanasi 13)Indian Education Council of U.P., Lucknow, Uttar
(UP) Jagatpuri, Delhi. Pradesh.

3) Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj, Delhi. 14)Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag, Allahabad, Uttar
Pradesh.
4) United Nations University, Delhi.
15)National University of Electro Complex Homeopathy,
5) Vocational University, Delhi. Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

6) ADR-Centric Juridical University, ADR House, 8J, 16)Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open
Gopala Tower, 25 Rajendra Place, New Delhi 110 University), Achaltal, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
008.
17)Uttar Pradesh Vishwavidyalaya, Kosi Kalan, Mathura,
7) Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Uttar Pradesh.
Society, Gokak, Belgaum, Karnataka.
18)Maharana Pratap Shiksha Niketan Vishwavidyalaya,
8) St. John's University, Kishanattam, Kerala. Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh.

9) Kesarwani Vidyapith, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. 19)Gurukul Vishwavidyalaya, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh.

10)Raja Arabic University, Nagpur, Maharashtra. 20)Indraprastha Shiksha Parishad, Institutional Area,
Khoda, Makanpur, Noida Phase-II, Uttar Pradesh.
11)D.D.B. Sanskrit University, Putur, Trichi, Tamil
Nadu.
 PART III:
A Practical Guide
to Grade and
Credit Conversions
The Indian Marks System
 Indian Marks System
Students receive a marksheet (statement of marks, memorandum of marks)
for each examination. These statements are often the only official indicators
of a students academic achievement.
Mark sheets always indicate the results of the examination, and very often
include the results of internal work completed during the year at the college.
When mark sheets show both external and internal results, combine these
two figures before calculating credit and grade equivalences.
Each examination subject is scored out of a maximum number of marks,
which may vary from 25 to 200 or more. A student must meet a minimum
number (or percentage) of marks in each subject as well as a minimum
number in the examination as a whole.
Marks are not an absolute or transferable value. Marks are relative only to
other marks in the same degree program. For example, the examinations for
a three year Bachelor of Arts program might total 5000 marks, while a four
year Bachelor of Engineering program at the same school might total only
1200 marks. There is no “universal” conversion.
 Complete Set of Documents

Having a complete set of the right documents is essential when preparing

credit and grade equivalences.
Always request that a students submit: Statements of marks for every
attempt at every examination, even if an examination was failed and re-
taken or if marks from an earlier examination or attempt appear on a
later statement of marks.
A complete set of document ensures that you have the complete picture of
how a student has performed academically.
Normally, mark sheets are issued by the university. At some of the larger
universities (e.g. Mumbai) affiliated colleges have permission to issue some
of the mark sheets. A few “autonomous” colleges can issue all of the mark
sheets, but never the degree.
Affiliated colleges often issue “transcript” style documents. However, these
should not be considered official.
Consolidated Mark Sheets usually show only passing attempts, and omit
any indication of past failure.
Consolidated
Marksheet
GPA prepared from
a Bachelor of Engineering
Consolidated Marks
Statement

=2.81
 Individual
Marksheets
GPA prepared from the
individual marksheets
submitted by the same
student

=2.11
*This student took 17 attempts
to pass 7 examinations. The
consolidated statement
indicated no failures.
 Exam Dates and Structure

Students first sit for the Annual exams. If one more more subjects
(papers, heads of passing) are failed, the student returns for the
Supplemental exam. In rare cases, supplemental attempts may be
held in conjunction with the following year annual attempt.
In the yearly system, annual attempts are almost always held in the
summer (April/May/June) and supplemental attempts in the winter
(Nov/Dec/Jan).
In the semester system, odd semester (I, III, V, VI) exams are almost
always conducted in the winter and even semester (II, IV, VI) exams
in the summer.
Carefully check the dates and sequence of all exams. Exams taken
out of the expected sequence often indicate a failed previous attempt.
Supplemental mark sheets may show results only for the subject re-
attempted, or may include the previous passing results for all
subjects.
A Complete Set of Mark Sheets

First Year Annual: March 1997 First Year Supplemental:

September 1997
A Complete Set of Mark Sheets

Second Year Annual: April 1998 Third Year Annual: April 1997
 The Anatomy of a Marksheet

Name of the Marks Secured

Examination (analogous to
grades)
Date of the
Examination Maximum Marks
analogous to
credits)
Subjects,
(also known
as Papers or
Heads of
Passing)

Passing
Minimum
 4 Step Credit Equivalences

1)Determine Indian program length and

target number of US equivalent credits.
2)Find and “box” the total maximum marks
for each individual subject.
3)Find the total maximum marks for the
entire program.
4)Calculate your conversion factor and
apply to each subject.
 1)Determine Indian Program Length
Determine the minimum number of years of full-time university -level study normally
required to complete the program. The Association of Indian Universities
Handbooks are the best source for this information.

Example #1: University of Madras,

Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Commerce = 3yrs of full
time study
 1)...and Determine the Target
Number of US Equivalent Credits
One year of full-time study in the US normally represents 30-36 semester
hours of credit.

Two year program: 60-72

Three year program: 90-108
Four year program: 120-144

Your may believe the ranges should be higher or lower, or your institution
may operate on a different system (eg: quarter hours). This is fine, as long
as you determine a credit range and apply it consistently to all students.

Example #1: University of Madras, Bachelor of Commerce

Bachelor of Commerce = between 90 and 108 equivalent credits
 2) “Box” the Total Maximum Marks
for Each Individual Subject
Draw a box around the combined maximum marks for all parts of each
individual subject (internal, external, practical, theoretical)
Examination parts differ from university to university, degree to degree and
subject to subject
Practical (Lab) sections are most commonly included as a part of the
subject, and can be treated as a single unified course

Example #1: University of Madras,

Bachelor of Commerce
 3)Determine the Total Maximum
Marks for the Entire Program
Add the maximum number of marks for all examinations, including
only marks from the annual attempts. Do not double-count marks
from supplemental examination attempts.
It is most accurate to determine credit conversions based on the
maximum marks for the entire program, rather than for each year /
semester. The maximum number of marks for each examination from
year to year (or semester to semester) can vary somewhat.
Think of total maximum marks in “sets of 100”. Move the decimal
point two spots to the left.

Example #1: University of Madras, Bachelor of Commerce

Year 1 Annual: 400 Max Marks

Year 1 Suppl: 100 Max Marks
Year 2 Annual: 500 Max Marks
Year 3 Annual: 500 Max Marks
1500 Total Marks or “15 sets of 100”
 4)Calculate your conversion factor

Divide the Expected Equivalent Credits by the “Sets of 100”

Total Maximum Marks
EXPECTED CREDITS = CONVERSION FACTOR
TOTAL “SETS of 100”
For the cleanest results, round your conversion factor to the
most logical whole or half number.

Example #1: University of Madras, Bachelor of Commerce

90 Expected Credits (for 3 yr program)

= 6.0 Conversion Factor
15 Sets of 100 Marks (1500 total)
 4)...and Apply to Each Subject

Continue to treat each subject's maximum marks as a “set of

100”
Multiply each “set of 100” by your conversion factor to find the
US equivalent credits

Example #1: University of Madras, Bachelor of Commerce

Subject Max Marks Sets of 100 US Credits

Hindi 100 1 6
English 100 1 6
Financial Acc. 100 1 6
Business Laws 100 1 6
Business Math. 100 1 6

Year 1 Total: 30 US Credits

 Secondary Level Units
Systems vary within the United States, but students typically
earn 5 high school units per year, or 20 units from the freshman
to senior year.
Each secondary exam in India is taken after two years of study.
Prepare each examination separately.
Standard X Exams: freshman & sophomore years
-Secondary School Certificate
Standard XII Exams: junior & senior years
-Higher Secondary School Certificate
-Intermediate Examination
-Senior School Certificate
-Pre-University Examination
Secondary Level Units
1) Program Length: 2yrs

2) Expected Equiv. H.S. Units: 10 to 12

3)Total Maximum Marks: 1200

12 “Sets of 100”

4) 10 Expected Units = 1.0 Conversion Factor

12 “Sets of 100”

5) Subject Max Marks Sets US Units

Hindi 200 2 2.0
English 200 2 2.0
Comp Sci 200 2 2.0
Math 200 2 2.0
Commerce 200 2 2.0
Accountancy 200 2 2.0

Total US Equiv. Units 12

 Indian Grading Issues
Usually, marksheets do not indicate any kind of grading scale, and
one does not actually exist for individual subjects.
Marksheets typically only show the higher possible score for each
subject (maximum marks) and the lowest possible score for each
subject (minimum passing marks). Often the minimum number of
marks required to pass a year (aggregate pass) is also identified.
The only other available information about assessment in Indian
higher education is the system of degree classification, as influenced
by the British system.
Indian Degree Classifications:
First Class / Division with Distinction
First Class / Division
Second Class / Division
Third Class / Division
Most degree classifications are awarded based only on the final year
examination, not the entire program. Therefore, it is not accurate to
treat the overall degree classification as a US grade point average.
 Typical Degree Classification
by Percentage of Marks Earned
Arts, Science, Education & Commerce
First with Distinction: 70% (sometimes 75%)
First: 60%
Second: 50% (sometimes 45 or 48%)
Third or Pass: 40%

Professional Degrees & Some Graduation Programs

First with Distinction: 70% (sometimes 75%)
First: 60% (sometimes 65 or 70%)
Second: 50%
Third or Pass: XX

*The minimum percentage of pass marks can go down into the 30's for
individual papers, and the minimum pass for individual parts of
papers (eg: practical) can go above 40%.
 Treat Class Divisions as
US Grading Categories

By Division US Grade Equivalent

First with Dist. A
First A
Second B
Third / Pass C
 4 Step Grade Equivalences

1)Determine all known grading information.

2)Choose an appropriate grading scale
using the information from above.
3)Find and “circle” the total marks secured
for all parts of each individual subject.
4)Convert all marks secured to percentages
and apply the grading scale.
 1) Determine the Following:
1) Minimum pass in each subject
2) Minimum aggregate pass for a
year/program
3) Minimum percentage of marks
for Second Class, if available.
4) Minimum percentage of marks
for First Class, if available.

*1) & 2) are usually indicated on

the marksheet
*3) & 4) usually are not indicated
Sometimes, rank information is
available on supporting college-
issued documents, as seen above.
 Example #2 University of Mumbai,
Bachelor of Engineering

Minimum Pass in Each Subject: ? Minimum for Second Class: ?

Minimum Aggregate Pass: ? Minimum for First Class: ?
 Example #2 University of Mumbai,
Bachelor of Engineering

Minimum Pass in Each Subject: 40% Minimum for Second Class: ?

Minimum Aggregate Pass: ? Minimum for First Class: ?
 Example #2 University of Mumbai,
Bachelor of Engineering

Minimum Pass in Each Subject: 40% Minimum for Second Class: ?

Minimum Aggregate Pass: none / same Minimum for First Class: ?
 Example #2 University of Mumbai,
Bachelor of Engineering

Minimum Pass in Each Subject: 40% Minimum for Second Class: not listed
Minimum Aggregate Pass: none / same Minimum for First Class: ?
 Example #2 University of Mumbai,
Bachelor of Engineering

Minimum Pass in Each Subject: 40% Minimum for Second Class: not listed
Minimum Aggregate Pass: none / same Minimum for First Class: not listed, but <68%
 2)Suggested Grading Scales
33 Lowest Pass 35 Lowest Pass 40 Lowest Pass 50 Lowest Pass

60-100 A 60-100 A 60-100 A 60-100 A

50-59 B 50-59 B 50-59 B 55-59 B

40-49 C 40-49 C 40-49 C 50-54 C

33-39 D 35-39 D 0-39 F 0-49 F

0-32 F 0-34F

Option 1: Choose a grading scale based on the minimum passing

percentage in the main theoretical parts

Option 2: Choose a grading scale based upon the minimum aggregate

passing percentage, and treat lower passing grades as “D”

Modify the suggested scales if other information is available,

eg: First Class minimum is 65%, not 60%
 3)Find and “Circle” the Total Marks
Secured for Each Individual Subject

Some marksheets have a “total marks secured” column, some do not

 4)Convert All Marks Secured to %'s
and Apply the Grading Scale

40 Lowest Pass
60-100 A
50-59 B
40-49 C
0-39 F

Always convert marks earned to percentages before converting to US grades.

Maximum marks often vary from subject to subject on a single exam.

MARKS OBTAINED
MAXIMUM MARKS = % OF MAXIMUM MARKS
 4)Convert All Marks Secured to %'s
and Apply the Grading Scale

40 Lowest Pass
60-100 A
50-59 B
40-49 C
0-39 F
 Is There a “D” in India?
The US Concept of the “D” Grade
-An individual subject grade, that although
below the minimum acceptable standard, is
condoned as passing
Evidence of a “D” Grade in India
-Often, the minimum passing marks in
individual subjects is lower that the aggregate
passing minimum.
-Although many exams having passing
minimums in the 30's range, 40% is the most
common passing aggregate for non-
professional programs.
-Grace Marks
 Is There a “D” in India?

Page from the AIU Handbook for Bangalore University

Individual Pass Marks are Lower than Aggregate Pass
Grace
Marks

In some instances, the university may award extra marks to a student

who has not achieved the passing minimum.
This idea of a “condoned failure” is similar to the US concept of a “D” grade.
The highlighted “& 0.224” refers to the specific university grace mark regulation.
 Marks Carried Forward
Notice this odd semester
exam was taken in April
(summer), not in the winter,
as would normally be
expected.

The “+”s indicate grades

that were earned on previous
exam attempts.

Any marks missing this “+”

can be assumed as
previously failed.

This slide is a good example of an affiliated college

authorized by the university to issue marksheets.
 Secondary
Scales
Most State Secondary Examinations
follow the generic India grading scale:

35 Lowest Pass
60-100 A
50-59 B
40-49 C
35-39 D
0-34 F

Using the example on the right,

remember to convert marks obtained
to percentages before applying the
equivalent grading scale.
 Secondary Class Ranking
Central Board of Secondary Education
A-1 Top 1/8th of the passed candidates
A-2 Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
B-1 Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
B-2 Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
C-1 Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
C-2 Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
D-1 Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
D-2 Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
E Failed candidates
Problem Areas & Exceptions
 1) Letter Grades
Some schools, including
most of the Agricultural
Univ's and Indian Institutes
of Technology use a letter
grading scale.
Letter grading scales vary
widely and often do not
match the US style
A-F scale.
Check accompanying
documents for additional
information.
Often, scales are found on
the backs of marksheets.
 1) Letter Grades, cont.

This scale was found on the back of the Jadavpur

University marksheet from the previous slide.
 2) Credits
Some universities use a credit /
mark hybrid system.
Use the credits in place of
maximum marks, still using a
conversion factor to arrive at
the expected US credit range.
Carefully check to see whether
marks earned are listed raw or
as percentages.
Here, theory course marks are
out of 100, and lab course
marks are out of 50.
 3) No Passing
Minimum Listed
Check other resources, such
as the AIU Handbooks and
examination regulations listed
on a university's website
If no other information is
available, assume a 40%
minimum pass (50% for
professional programs)
Carefully check marks secured
for any passing marks lower
than 40% and modify the scale
accordingly
 4) Consolidated
Marksheets
Consolidated marksheets may
provide information which can be
used to deduce previous failed
attempts.
In this case, the document shows
the year and setting (Annual /
Supplemental) that each exam was
passed.
For each exam passed in the
supplemental attempt (eg:
Accountancy II, passed in S99),
include a previous failed attempt in
GPA calculations.
Be conscious of fraudulent
consolidated marksheets- it's
easier to forge a single document,
rather than each individual attempt.
 5) Missing Attempts

Sometimes marksheets are lost

or destroyed, and in very rare
cases schools may not issue
marksheets for failed attempts.
Check the exam dates and
subject pass dates carefully and
try to establish the date of the
initial attempt.
Assume failed attempts for each
possible sitting.
In this example, the examination
was most likely first attempted in
April 2000, and the top two
courses were failed in Apr '00 and
Sept '00.
It is possible that a student did not
sit for all attempts, but the onus
would be theirs to prove this.
 Practical Case Studies

Prepare Complete and Accurate Grade/Credit

Equivalences for the Following Programs:

1)Nagpur University, Bachelor of Engineering 1995

2)Osmania University Bachelor of Pharmacy 2005
PART IV:
Other Education
in India
 Institute of Charted Accountants
Although not a recognized degree granting
institution, Membership as an Associate
makes a student eligible for admission to
Ph.D. programs at many Indian
universities

Membership requires completing an

Articled Clerkship and passing three
examinations:
1)Foundation (BCom holders exempted)
2)Intermediate
3)Final

Membership can be verified through the

ICAI website: http://www.icai.org (click on
the “Members” button)
Institute of Charted Accountants
 Institute of Company Secretaries of India
and
Institute of Cost and Works
Accountants of India
Like the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Indian,
although not recognized degree granting institutions,
membership in either the ICSI and ICWAI makes a
student eligible for admission into PhD programs at
many Indian universities

List of universities recognizing ICSI Membership for

enrollment in a PhD program:
http://www.icsi.edu/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=103

Some other (but certainly not all) professional

association memberships may be recognized for
advanced academic standing by universities.
 AICTE Recognition
The All India Council for Technical Education was established by the Ministry of Human Resource
Development to promote quality standards in technical fields, including many non-university business
management programs

Graduates of AICTE recognized institutions are not given advanced standing in related academic programs
at Indian universities

***Notice the affiliation with New Hampshire College.***

Does this have any bearing?
Computer Training
PART V:
Forgeries and
Resources
Forgeries and Altered Documents

Notice the wrong font used for the

University name!

Inset is an image of how “Osmania

University” font normally appears

Both document alterations and

complete forgeries are somewhat
common from India
Forgeries and Altered Documents

Notice the mismatched and

misaligned font used for the course
titles

Document Red Flags

-mismatched fonts
-very high grades
-blurry seals
-“unable” to produce original docs
-forced signatures
-wrong document style for the time
period

Unfortunately, a talented forger can

produce very convincing documents
Forgeries and Altered Documents
The UGC Website

Use this pull down menu to

access the databases of
recognized universities and
colleges.

http://www.ugc.ac.in
 The AIU
Handbook
Published biannually since 1927

The BEST source of information for

programs at Indian Universities

Ordering information available at:

http://www.aiuweb.org/publication.htm
Sample Page from the AIU Handbook
 Commonwealth
Universities
Yearbook
Published most years by the Association of
Commonwealth Universities

Contains information on programs offered,

lengths, admission standards, and a staff
directory

Ordering information available at:

http://www.acu.ac.uk/yearbook/yearbook.html
Commonwealth
Universities
Yearbook

Sample Page