PUP Grading System: Complete Guide for Philippines Students
At the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), the grading system ranges from 1.00 (Excellent) to 5.00 (Fail). For undergraduates, 3.00 is the lowest passing grade, while grades like 4.00 (Conditional) and INC (Incomplete) require remediation. Graduate programs are stricter: master’s students must maintain 2.00 or better, while doctoral students must earn 1.75 or better to pass.
Undergraduate Grading Scale (1.00–5.00)
PUP follows a numeric scale where 1.00 is the highest grade and 5.00 is failure. Unlike a simple percentage system, this is a weighted scale with specific equivalent ranges.
|
Grade |
Percent Equivalent |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 |
97-100 |
Excellent |
|
1.25 |
94-96 |
Very Superior |
|
1.50 |
91-93 |
Superior |
|
1.75 |
88-90 |
Very Good |
|
2.00 |
85-87 |
Good |
|
2.25 |
82-84 |
Satisfactory+ |
|
2.50 |
79–81 |
Satisfactory |
|
2.75 |
76–78 |
Fair |
|
3.00 |
75 |
Passing |
|
4.00 |
– |
Conditional |
|
5.00 |
– |
Failure |
A 3.00 is passing but indicates the minimum standard. Any mark below requires remedial action or results in failure.
Special Grade Markings
In addition to numeric grades, PUP uses non-numeric symbols for special cases:
- INC (Incomplete): Student did not complete requirements within the semester. Must be completed within the prescribed time; otherwise, converts to 5.00.
- W (Withdrawn): Student officially dropped/withdrew from the subject before the deadline.
- 4.00 (Conditional): Indicates borderline performance. Students may be allowed to retake an exam or do remedial work.
These designations are common causes of confusion among students, so always check deadlines for completion or appeal.
Graduate-Level Grading System
Graduate programs (Master’s and Doctorate) at PUP use stricter passing thresholds.
Doctorate Programs
- 1.00 → Excellent
- 1.25 → Very Superior
- 1.50 → Superior
- 1.75 → Passed (lowest passing grade)
- Below 1.75 = Fail
Master’s Programs
- 1.00 → Excellent
- 1.25 → Very Superior
- 1.50 → Superior
- 2.00 → Passed (lowest passing grade)
- Below 2.00 = Fail
Grade Interpretation & FAQs from Students
Many PUP students ask:
Does 1.00 mean I got 100%?
Not exactly. A 1.00 is equivalent to 97–100%, so while it signals excellence, it does not necessarily mean a perfect raw score.
Is 3.00 a passing grade?
Yes, for undergraduates, 3.00 is the lowest passing mark.
What happens if I get a 4.00?
It’s conditional. You may be given a chance to retake or complete requirements. If not completed, it becomes 5.00.
What if I have an INC?
You must complete requirements within the prescribed period; otherwise, it automatically converts to 5.00.
Appeals, Retakes, and Academic Standing
- INC → 5.00: If requirements are not completed.
- Conditional (4.00): Often requires an exam retake or special project.
- Academic probation: Consistently low GWA may result in warnings or dismissal, depending on program rules.
- Appeals: Students can appeal grading discrepancies following university policies.
PUP Grade Conversions (International Equivalents)
For students applying abroad, PUP grades are sometimes converted to letter grades or GPA.
|
PUP Grade |
US Letter Equivalent |
US GPA (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00–1.24 |
A+ |
4.0 |
|
1.25–1.49 |
A |
3.9 |
|
1.50–1.74 |
A- |
3.7 |
|
1.75–1.99 |
B+ |
3.3 |
|
2.00–2.24 |
B |
3.0 |
|
2.25–2.49 |
B- |
2.7 |
|
2.50–2.74 |
C+ |
2.3 |
|
2.75–2.99 |
C |
2.0 |
|
3.00 |
D (Passing) |
1.0 |
|
5.00 |
F (Fail) |
0.0 |
Note: These conversions are unofficial and vary by institution. Always consult the receiving school or organization.
Why Knowing the PUP Grading System Matters
- Academic Standing: Maintaining 2.0 or better (undergrad) ensures good standing.
- Scholarships: Cut-offs often require a GWA of 1.75–2.0 or higher.
- Dean’s List: Specific GWA thresholds qualify students for recognition.
- Graduate Programs: Require stricter grades to ensure academic rigor.
- International Equivalencies: Important for students planning to study abroad.
FAQs About the PUP Grading System
Is 3.00 passing at PUP?
Yes, 3.00 is the minimum passing grade for undergraduates.
What happens if I get a 4.00?
It’s conditional — must be completed or it becomes 5.00.
Can an INC still be resolved?
Yes, but only within the specified period. After that, it automatically turns into 5.00.
What is the passing grade for graduate students?
Doctorate: 1.75
Master’s: 2.00
Does 1.00 equal 100%?
No. 1.00 corresponds to a range (97–100%), not necessarily a perfect score.
The PUP grading system is designed to maintain academic rigor while providing flexibility through marks like INC and 4.00 (Conditional). For undergraduates, 3.00 is passing, while graduate programs demand higher standards.
Want to see how your grades affect your GWA? Use our free GWA Calculator to compute instantly.
Also check:
