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Glossary

First Division

First Division is the academic classification awarded to students who achieve 60% or above in their final aggregate.

"First Division" (also called "First Class") is the conventional Indian and Pakistani classification for students whose aggregate percentage falls between 60% and 75% (sometimes 80%, depending on institution).

The standard division bands are: • First Division with Distinction — 75% and above (some institutions: 80%). • First Division — 60% to 74.99%. • Second Division — 45% to 59.99%. • Third Division — 33% (or 35%, depending on board) to 44.99%. • Fail — below the pass threshold.

These bands originated in the British colonial-era university system and persist across Indian and Pakistani universities. They are not standardised by any single national body — different universities apply slightly different cut-offs — but the 60%/75% break-points are the most common.

For Pakistani matric and intermediate boards, the bands are usually titled by letter grade (A+, A, B, C, D, E, F) instead of "Division". For Indian universities at undergrad and postgrad level, "First Division" remains common transcript language.

Many Indian government jobs and PSU recruitments explicitly require a "First Division" qualification. If your transcript uses grades or CGPA rather than percentage, you may need an official equivalence certificate from your university confirming that your CGPA corresponds to ≥ 60% aggregate.

Worked example

A B.Tech student finishing with 68% aggregate is classified as First Division. With 78% they would be First Division with Distinction.

Used by

  • Indian universities
  • Pakistani universities
  • Government job criteria

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