SEE Grading System in Nepal: Grade Points, GPA, Pass Marks and NG

Since Nepal moved to letter grades, the SEE grading system confuses many students and parents used to percentages. Understanding the grades, grade points, GPA and the pass requirement is essential to reading your SEE result correctly and choosing your +2 path. This guide explains the SEE grading system clearly, including the grade scale, pass marks, and the NG grade.

The SEE grade scale

SEE grades each subject with a letter grade on a 4.0 grade-point scale. Broadly, A+ (4.0 grade points) corresponds to 90–100%, stepping down through A, B+, B, C+, C and D+ to D (1.6 grade points) for 35–39%. Scoring below 35% in a subject gives NG (Not Graded). Each grade is tied to a percentage band and grade point shown in your marksheet legend.

Grade points and GPA

Each subject earns a grade point, and your GPA (Grade Point Average) is the average across your subjects, reflecting your overall performance in one number on the 4.0 scale. A higher GPA means a stronger result. Colleges and +2 faculties use your GPA — for example 3.20 or 3.60 — to assess eligibility, so it is the headline figure of your SEE result.

The SEE pass requirement

To pass SEE, you need at least GPA 1.6 in every subject (equivalent to grade D) and an overall GPA of 2.0. This means you must both avoid falling below the per-subject minimum and reach the overall threshold. Understanding both conditions helps you know exactly where you stand, especially if a weak subject is dragging your average.

The NG (Not Graded) result

NG means 'Not Graded' and appears when you score below 35% in a subject. It is not a normal grade — that subject is not passed and must be cleared. NG subjects are cleared through the grade increment / supplementary exam, so an NG is a hurdle you can overcome, not a final result.

How to calculate your SEE GPA

To estimate your GPA, average your subjects' grade points. For example, grade points of 3.6, 3.2, 4.0, 2.8 and 3.2 average to (3.6+3.2+4.0+2.8+3.2) ÷ 5 = 3.36. Many students use an SEE GPA calculator, but knowing the method lets you check your result and understand how a single weak subject affects your overall GPA.

Why your SEE GPA matters

Your SEE GPA influences which +2 faculties and colleges you can join — competitive Science programmes and reputed colleges often set higher GPA cut-offs, while other faculties are more accessible. Use your GPA realistically to choose a path that fits, as our after-SEE guide explains. Remember a strong SEE result is a great start, but your effort in +2 matters just as much.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the SEE grading system work?

SEE grades each subject with a letter grade on a 4.0 scale, from A+ (4.0, 90–100%) down to D (1.6, 35–39%), with NG below 35%. Your GPA is the average of subject grade points.

What GPA is needed to pass SEE?

You need at least GPA 1.6 in every subject and an overall GPA of 2.0 to pass SEE.

What is A+ in SEE?

A+ is the top grade, worth 4.0 grade points, corresponding to 90–100% in a subject.

What does NG mean in SEE?

NG means 'Not Graded' — you scored below 35% in that subject, so it is not passed. You must clear it through the grade increment exam.

How do I calculate my SEE GPA?

Average your subjects' grade points. For example, grade points of 3.6, 3.2, 4.0, 2.8 and 3.2 average to 3.36. SEE GPA calculators do this automatically.

Is SEE graded in percentage or GPA?

SEE uses letter grades and GPA on a 4.0 scale rather than a single percentage, though each grade relates to a percentage band shown in the marksheet legend.

What is the lowest passing grade in SEE?

D, worth 1.6 grade points (35–39%), is the lowest passing grade per subject. You also need an overall GPA of 2.0 to pass.

Does my SEE GPA affect +2 admission?

Yes. Competitive Science programmes and reputed colleges often set higher GPA cut-offs, while other faculties are more accessible. Choose a +2 path that fits your GPA.