What Is Changing?
Under the existing relative grading system, a
student’s grade depended not only on their individual marks but also on the
overall performance of the entire class. Even if a student scored 90 or above,
their grade could be affected if many others scored higher marks. This often
created complexity, competition, and confusion.
With the introduction of the Absolute
Grading System, students will now receive grades strictly based on the
marks they individually secure , independent of how others perform in the
class.
This means:
* No comparison with class averages
* No dependency on how many students scored higher
* Grades awarded purely on predefined mark ranges
Educational experts have widely welcomed this
reform, stating that it eliminates unfair disadvantages and ensures
transparency.
Implementation Timeline
The new Absolute Grading System will come into effect from the 2026–27 academic year.
It will apply to students who join First
Year Engineering in June 2026 and thereafter.
The reform will be applicable to:
All affiliated colleges under Anna University
Autonomous (independent) engineering colleges
However, students currently studying in:
Second Year, Third Year & Final Year will continue under the existing Relative Grading System.
The university has clarified that there will be no mid-course change for ongoing batches to avoid academic disruption.
Why This Is a Big Relief for Students
Under the previous relative system, even a 91 mark could fail to earn the highest grade if multiple students scored 100. This often impacted CGPA calculations and overall academic standing.
With the absolute system:
Students will receive the grade corresponding
directly to their marks.
Higher percentage scores are expected.
CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is likely to improve.
Greater academic clarity and fairness will be ensured.
Many academicians had consistently criticized the relative grading model, calling it unnecessarily complex and stressful. The newly approved model is being hailed as a student-friendly and transparent reform.
Eight-Category Absolute Grading Structure
The grading will now be awarded across eight categories, as per fixed mark ranges:
 Marks Range | Grade Description | Grade Points |
|---|---|---|
| 91 to 100 | Outstanding | 10 |
| 81 to 90 | Excellent | 9 |
| 71 to 80 | Very Good | 8 |
| 65 to 70 | Good | 7 |
| 61 to 65 | Above Average | 6.5 |
| 50 to 60 | Average / Satisfactory | 6 |
| Below 50 | Re-appearance Required (RA) | - |
50 marks is the minimum pass mark.
Students scoring below 50 will need to reappear.
This structured and transparent format is
expected to significantly benefit engineering students.
Applicability Under 2025 Regulations
The university has also clarified that under
the 2025 regulations, this grading method will apply to:
All undergraduate programmes
All postgraduate programmes
Affiliated non-autonomous colleges
Autonomous institutions (which have been instructed to follow the new system)
Educational Community Reacts
Academicians and stakeholders have described this move as a “major reform” in engineering education. The previous relative grading system was often termed as harsh and overly competitive.
The introduction of the absolute grading system is seen as:
A fairer evaluation method
A morale booster for students
A system aligned with transparency and merit
For incoming engineering aspirants from 2026 onwards, this reform is indeed being viewed as a significant academic advantage.
Conclusion
From the 2026–27 academic year, engineering education under Anna University will witness one of its most important reforms. The shift from relative to absolute grading marks a decisive step toward fairness, clarity, and student-centric evaluation.
For students entering First Year Engineering in June 2026, this change promises a more transparent and merit-based grading experience, a reform that could positively influence CGPA trends and academic outcomes in the years ahead.