Virtual University Passing Criteria & Grading Scheme
When preparing for exams at Virtual University (VU), understanding the grading policy and passing rules is essential for academic success. This guide breaks down the VU passing marks criteria for midterm and final term exams, the grading system, and offers practical tips to help you achieve excellent results.
🎓 VU Grading Policy (2025 Updated)
Virtual University uses a letter grade system to evaluate students’ performance. Each grade corresponds to a grade point and an equivalent percentage range. This policy helps calculate your CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average).
| Letter Grade | Grade Points | Percentage Range |
| A+ | 4.00 | 90-100 |
| A | 4.00 | 85-89 |
| A- | 3.66 – 3.99 | 80-84 |
| B+ | 3.33 – 3.65 | 75-79 |
| B | 3.00 – 3.32 | 71-74 |
| B- | 2.66 – 2.99 | 68-70 |
| C | 2.00 – 2.65 | 61-67 |
| D | 1.00 – 1.99 | 50-60 |
| F (Fail) | 0.00 | 00-49 |
📝 Note: While 50% is technically the minimum pass percentage (grade D), you must meet other requirements to pass a course, not just the final result.
✅ VU Course Passing Criteria (Simple Breakdown)
To pass any course at Virtual University, students must meet two key requirements:
📌 1. Minimum 20% in Formative Assessments (First Half)
Formative assessments include:
- Assignments
- Quizzes
- Graded Discussion Boards (GDBs)
- Midterm Exam
You must score at least 20% marks out of the combined total of all these activities.
📌 2. Minimum 20% in Final Term Exam (Second Half)
You need to score at least 20% of the total marks in your final term exam.
📌 3. Minimum 40% Aggregate Marks (Overall)
The combined total from both parts must be at least 40% of the total marks (out of 100).
🧠 Understanding the Marks Distribution
Each course at VU has a predefined grading scheme, available under the “Course Website” section in VULMS. A common breakdown might look like:
| Assessment Type | Weight |
| Assignments | 10% |
| Quizzes | 3% |
| GDBs | 2% |
| Midterm | 35% |
| Final Term | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
- First Half = Assignments + Quizzes + GDBs + Midterm = 50%
- Second Half = Final Term = 50%
📊 Case Studies – Passing or Failing?
Let’s explore realistic examples to clearly understand the pass/fail situations.
✅ Case 1: Fail – Total Marks < 40%
| Assignments | Quizzes | GDBs | Midterm | Final Term | First Half (50%) | Final (50%) | Total (100%) | Result |
| 6/10 | 1/3 | 1/2 | 10/35 | 17/50 | 18 | 17 | 35 | ❌ Fail |
Reason: Although each half has >20%, total marks are only 35% (less than 40%).
❌ Case 2: Fail – First Half < 20%
| Assignments | Quizzes | GDBs | Midterm | Final Term | First Half | Final | Total | Result |
| 3/10 | 1/3 | 1/2 | 4/35 | 33/50 | 9 | 33 | 42 | ❌ Fail |
Reason: First half marks = 9 (<20%), even though overall score is 42%.
❌ Case 3: Fail – Final Term < 20%
| Assignments | Quizzes | GDBs | Midterm | Final Term | First Half | Final | Total | Result |
| 9/10 | 2/3 | 2/2 | 24/35 | 8/50 | 37 | 8 | 45 | ❌ Fail |
Reason: Final term marks = 8 (<20%).
✅ Case 4: Pass – All Criteria Met
| Assignments | Quizzes | GDBs | Midterm | Final Term | First Half | Final | Total | Result |
| 9/10 | 2/3 | 2/2 | 24/35 | 23/50 | 37 | 23 | 60 | ✅ Pass |
All conditions met: >20% in each half, overall score = 60% ✔
📘 Midterm & Final Term – Passing Marks Clarified
🔸 VU Midterm Passing Criteria
You must score at least 20% of the total midterm marks to qualify for course completion.
🔸 VU Final Term Passing Criteria
Same applies here: minimum 20% of final term marks is essential to pass.
Even if your total score is good, failing in either half leads to an overall failure in the course.
🌟 Tips to Achieve Excellent Grades – Not Just Passing
While knowing the passing criteria is important, your goal should be academic excellence. Here’s how:
- Watch lectures regularly (daily or weekly).
- Attempt all assignments, quizzes, and GDBs on time.
- Create short notes and summaries of key topics.
- Use highlighted handouts and past papers (Refer by Harbanspura Campus).
- For limited time, focus on short lectures + key concepts.
- Revise before exams and solve current & previous final/midterm papers.
🎯 Remember: Higher grades improve your CGPA, help in scholarships, and open career opportunities.
🏁 Final Words
Virtual University’s grading and passing rules are very clear, and if you understand them properly, you can plan your study strategy accordingly. Always aim for consistency throughout the semester rather than relying on the final term alone.
Focus on smart study, consistent effort, and self-discipline — and not just passing the exam but excelling in it!