Relative and Absolute grading: Techniques and Traits

Authors

  • Leena Sharma Department of Applied Sciences and Humanities, Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Pune-411044
  • Ashwini Vaze Department of Applied Sciences and Humanities, Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Pune-411044
  • Sheetal Bhandari Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Pune-411044

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2026/v39i3/26085

Keywords:

Relative Grading, normal curve, normal distribution, Standard Deviation, mean

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of absolute and relative grading techniques within Indian engineering education, focusing on Faculty-Driven Grading (Normal Distribution), Mean-Standard Deviation Method, and Fixed Distribution Grading through Max-Min. Data from 1,054 first-year B.Tech students across three core engineering courses were analysed using Analysis of Variation (ANOVA) to compare grading outcomes. Results show that Faculty-Driven and Mean-Standard Deviation relative grading methods produce grade distributions closely approximating a normal curve, with comparable results for average performers to absolute grading, but significant differences for high achievers. Fixed Distribution Grading displayed greater variability and less alignment with absolute methods. These insights suggest that selecting a grading approach requires balancing fairness, flexibility, and transparency, offering guidance to autonomous institutions and universities in choosing optimal evaluation methods.

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Published

2026-01-29

How to Cite

Sharma, L., Vaze, A., & Bhandari, S. (2026). Relative and Absolute grading: Techniques and Traits. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 39(3), 107–117. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2026/v39i3/26085

Issue

Volume 39, Issue 3, January 2026

Section

Articles
Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC

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