NEB Grading System - Class 11 & Class 12
Under the NEB Letter Grading Directive (2078 BS), +2 results use a 4.0 GPA scale from A+ to D. You must pass both theory and practical/internal components separately - failing either gives NG (Not Graded).
Reviewed by: Padandas Editorial Team - education content specialists
Quick answer
- Scale A+ (4.0) → D (1.6); NG = not cleared
- Theory Minimum 35% (e.g. 27/75)
- Practical Minimum 40% (e.g. 10/25)
- GPA Credit-hour weighted average
NEB grading scheme
| Percentage | Grade | GP | Descriptor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90-100 | A+ | 4.0 | Outstanding |
| 80-89 | A | 3.6 | Excellent |
| 70-79 | B+ | 3.2 | Very Good |
| 60-69 | B | 2.8 | Good |
| 50-59 | C+ | 2.4 | Satisfactory |
| 40-49 | C | 2.0 | Acceptable |
| 35-39 | D | 1.6 | Basic (minimum pass) |
| Below 35% (theory) or 40% (practical) | NG | - | Non-Graded |
Why students get unexpected NG
Theory and practical are evaluated separately. Combined percentage can look like a pass while one component failed.
| Example | Theory (75) | Practical (25) | Combined | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pass | 30 (40%) | 12 (48%) | 42/100 (42%) | Grade assigned (e.g. C) |
| Surprise NG | 28 (37%) | 15 (60%) | 43/100 (43%) | NG - theory below 35% |
| Practical fail | 40 (53%) | 9 (36%) | 49/100 (49%) | NG - practical below 40% |
Credit hours & GPA formula
Official formula (credit-hour weighted average):
GPA = Σ(Grade Point × Credit Hours) ÷ Σ(Credit Hours)
| Subject type | TH credits | PR credits | Mark split |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 3.00 | 1.00 | 75 / 25 |
| Nepali | 2.25 | 0.75 | 75 / 25 |
| Most other subjects | 3.75 | 1.25 | 75 / 25 |
| Lab subjects (e.g. Computer Science) | 2.50 | 2.50 | 50 / 50 |
Class 11 vs Class 12
- Same grade scale (A+ to D, NG) since 2078 BS
- Class 11: school internal final exam - grades on school/NEB portal sheet; needed for promotion
- Class 12: NEB board exam (Baishakh) - official transcript for bachelor admission
- Final transcript shows CGPA combining both years
GPA to percentage (estimate only)
Rough rule used by some colleges: Percentage ≈ GPA × 25 (e.g. GPA 3.6 ≈ 90%).
This is not an official NEB formula. Online percentage-to-GPA converters often ignore credit hours and the 35%/40% component rules - use your official grade sheet for admissions.
Common misunderstandings
- GPA from raw percentages: NEB GPA uses grade points and credit hours, not an average of subject percentages.
- Combined total saves a failed component: It does not. Each of theory and practical must meet its own minimum.
- NG means "fail" on the marksheet: NEB uses NG officially; practically it means the subject is not cleared.
- Overall 2.0 GPA to pass Class 12: That rule applies to SEE. For +2, you need grade D or above in every subject with no NG.
- Supplementary improves C or B grades: The standard post-result chance exam is for NG/absent only (max two subjects).
Got NG? Next steps
If you have NG in one or two subjects after Class 12 board results, you may be eligible for the grade increment (Mauka/Purak) supplementary exam through your school - not for improving existing pass grades.
Official sources
- neb.gov.np - notices and results
- exam.neb.gov.np - registration and retotaling
- neb.ntc.net.np - online result check
Frequently asked questions
What is the NEB grading system for Class 11 and Class 12?
Since the Letter Grading Directive of 2078 BS, NEB uses a 4.0 scale for +2: A+ (4.0) down to D (1.6). Marks are converted to letter grades per subject. Class 11 uses the same scale in school internal exams; Class 12 board results use the same rules on your official NEB transcript.
What is the minimum pass grade in NEB Class 11 and 12?
Grade D with GP 1.6 is the minimum pass (roughly 35% combined after both theory and practical components qualify). You need at least D in every subject with no NG. NEB does not print the word "fail" - uncleared subjects show NG.
What does NG mean in NEB result?
NG means Not Graded. NEB assigns NG when you score below 35% in the theory component or below 40% in the practical/internal component of a subject. NG carries 0.0 grade points and means that subject is not cleared until you pass through the grade increment (supplementary) exam or a later attempt.
Why did I get NG when my total marks are above 35%?
Theory and practical/internal are checked separately. Example: 28/75 in theory (37%) plus 15/25 in practical (60%) gives 43/100 combined - but theory is below 35%, so the subject is NG. A high combined total never overrides a failed component.
What are the separate pass marks for theory and practical?
Minimum 35% of theory marks (e.g. 27 out of 75) and minimum 40% of practical or internal marks (e.g. 10 out of 25). Both thresholds must be met. Some lab-based subjects use a 50/50 theory-practical split with the same percentage rules on each half.
How is NEB GPA calculated for Class 11 and 12?
GPA = Σ(Grade Point x Credit Hours) ÷ Σ(Credit Hours). English carries 4 credits (3.0 theory + 1.0 practical), Nepali 3 credits (2.25 + 0.75), and most other subjects 5 credits (3.75 + 1.25). Use the final letter grade on your marksheet, which already reflects theory and practical performance.
How do I convert NEB GPA to percentage?
Many colleges use the rough estimate Percentage ≈ GPA x 25 (e.g. GPA 3.2 ≈ 80%). This is not an official NEB formula. For admissions and transcripts, use the grades on your official NEB grade sheet - do not rely on online percentage converters.
Is there a minimum overall GPA to pass Class 12?
NEB requires grade D (GP 1.6) or above in every subject with no NG. Unlike SEE, there is no separate official rule that your overall GPA must be 2.0 or above to pass Class 12 - but a low GPA from several D grades can still limit bachelor admission options.
Does Class 11 result affect Class 12 board result?
Class 11 and Class 12 are separate evaluations. Class 11 internal grades affect promotion to Class 12 and appear on your combined transcript (CGPA), but the Class 12 board exam in Baishakh is a separate NEB examination with its own subject grades.
Can I improve my C or B grade in the supplementary exam?
No. The post-result grade increment (Mauka/Purak) exam is only for NG and absent cases in up to two subjects for current regular batch students. Improving an existing pass grade (C, B, etc.) requires a different partial exam cycle - not the standard two-day chance exam.
Is NG the same as fail?
NEB officially uses NG, not "fail", on marksheets. Practically, NG means the subject is not cleared and you are not fully eligible for bachelor admission until you clear it. NG in one or two subjects may be cleared through the supplementary exam if you meet eligibility rules.
What is the difference between NEB grading and TU division system?
NEB +2 uses letter grades on a 4.0 GPA scale (A+ to D, NG). Tribhuvan University bachelor programs traditionally use percentage divisions (Distinction, First, Second, Third). They are different systems - report NEB grades as shown on your NEB transcript when applying.
What GPA is good for IOE or bachelor admission in Nepal?
IOE and competitive programs use entrance exam rank plus Class 12 performance - there is no single NEB GPA cutoff on every marksheet. As a guide, GPA 3.2+ is strong for many science programs; 3.6+ is excellent. Always check the current notice for IOE, CEE/MECEE, CMAT, or your target college.