Let me start by introducing the concept of Cumulative Grade Point Average (or C.G.P.A. for short) for those who are unacquainted. At the most basic level, the CGPA of a student serves as his/her performance metric on a cumulative level. It is calculated by taking the weighted average of the “grade points” obtained by the student in each course where the “credits” assigned to each course serve as the weights used in the calculation. The “credits” of a course may be considered to be proportional to the relative importance of the course in question.**
The main vexation amongst students of engineering colleges is that they are branded with the mark of a C.G.P.A that has a tenacious effect on every sphere of their existence. This system serves no purpose other than to aggravate the already existing “rat-race” to such an extent that anything without credits is considered frivolous. While an ardent debate on this topic still rages on, the simple fact cannot be denied that the current system focuses on academics alone and we know that such a system simply cannot produce engineers of the “true” sense who are capable of standing up to the challenges that world has to offer.
Consider the following. A student is actively involved in research work, sports and a plethora of other extra-curricular activities in campus, but has a low/average C.G.P.A. Is the system justified to stigmatize him with a mark of “low G.P.A.”? Does he deserve to live with the tag of being “less capable” and face constant reprimand from his teachers and parents?
There is a tendency among students that they develop inferiority complex and feel inferior to students having higher C.G.P.A. This is a sign of low self confidence and self-belief and they take it for granted that they cannot achieve high C.G.P.A., and thus cannot get a good job. This is not the solution, do not rate your knowledge and capabilities on the scale of C.G.P.A. Have confidence and belief in yourself and put your best foot forward towards your goal with sincerity and hard work without thinking of a failure and surely you will succeed. For any task in Life, have the spirit of “YES I CAN”. Always remember “knowledge and hard work are the only keys that unlock the doors of SUCCESS”.
Everything said and done, maintaining a good C.G.P.A. is of paramount importance for every undergraduate student. If needed, take a pause and read the former line again and again until the inevitable sinks in. A student with a higher CGPA always gets placed before the one with a not-so-good CGPA and in most of the cases; the higher CGPA guy will land a better job. At the end of the day, a high C.G.P.A. is a direct indicator of one’s sincerity and dedication and that’s what potential employers are looking for.
You have seen both sides of the coin. It is altogether an individual’s choice as to how much important grades and C.G.P.A. are in his/her life. To some extent, it also depends on one’s ultimate life goals and aspirations. But one thing is for certain, there is no gain in completely ignoring academics. After all, that’s what an engineering college is all about.