UACE Grading System 2024 Explained: How to Calculate & Interpret UACE Results

The Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) grading system is one of the surest determinants of a student’s next step in life—whether it’s university, diploma programs, or other career paths. Or even other life stuff, for that matter, as far as we know, that grading is the official ‘you are done with high school’ decree.

But let’s be honest, the UACE grading system can confusing. How many students look at their results and wonder how to exactly translate them to points? How many parents stare at the results message, left with no choice but to trust whatever the student claims it means? (We can be sneaky that way sometimes!).

If you’re in that boat, don’t worry—I’m here to break it down for you in the simplest way possible! And if this article happens to land at your parent/guardian’s feet—I do hope the results are satisfactory.

The UACE Grading System
UNEB’s UACE results are based on a point system where subjects are graded from A to F, with each grade carrying a specific number of points.

A = 6 points

B = 5 points

C = 4 points

D = 3 points

E = 2 points

O = 1 point (Subsidiary pass for subjects taken at the principal level)

F = 0 points (Fail)

At UACE, commonly known as A-level, students take a combination of principal and subsidiary subjects. The total score is determined by the sum of points from the principal subjects, plus any relevant subsidiary passes.

Subsidiary Subject Grading
In addition to principal subjects, students may take subsidiary subjects like General Paper, ICT, or Sub-Math, which are graded differently as below.

Distinction (D1, D2) = 1 point

Credit (C3 – C6) = 1 point

Pass (P7 – P8) = 0 points

Fail (F9) = 0 points

How to Calculate Your UACE Points
To calculate your total UACE score, sum up the points from your three best principal subjects, plus any subsidiary subjects that count.

Identify your best three principal subjects (the ones with the highest points).

Sum up their points

Add relevant subsidiary points (General Paper, Sub-Math, or ICT, if applicable).

For Example,
General Paper (GEP): 5 or C5 (1 Point)

Mathematics: A – 6 points

Physics: B – 5 points

Chemistry: C – 4 points

ICT (CST) – 9 or F9 (0 Points)

Total = 6 + 5 + 4 + 1 = 16 points

Or
General Paper (GEP): 7 or P8 (0 Point)

History: D – 3 points

Economics: D – 3 points

Geography: E – 2 points

SMA – 5 or C5 (1 Point)

Total = 3 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 9 points

Result 5 indicates that the candidate qualifies for an award of a UACE certificate.

What Do Your Points Mean for University Admission?
Different universities and courses have minimum UACE point requirements, much like the secondary school selection process where each school will have a specific range of aggregates they will consider for admission. A general overview is usually as follows, do keep in mind that these change rather dynamically, so the sure way to be in the know is to check up on your desired university for the required cut-off points

Competitive degree programs (Medicine, Law, Engineering): 15+ points

Standard degree programs: 8-14 points

Diploma courses: 4-7 points

Certificate courses or other alternatives: Less than 4 points

Common Mistakes in Calculating UACE Points
Counting a fourth principal subject instead of the best three. Only the top three principal subjects contribute to your total points.

Overlooking subsidiary subjects. A single subsidiary pass (1 point) can make a difference in meeting admission requirements, don’t overlook it.

Thinking that an ‘O’ in a principal subject counts as a principal pass. It does not—it’s only a subsidiary pass if it goes beyond the grade of ‘E‘. Only principal passes (grades A to E) contribute to the total UACE points required for university admission.

That said, while your UACE score is a great factor for future planning, and indeed you will find many relatives over-emphasizing it, remember that it’s not the end, even when that one talkative relative keeps belittling you for points below a certain score. Whether you scored big or are considering alternative paths, there’s always a way forward. If you’re unsure of your options, check out university cutoffs, diploma courses, or vocational programs to make an informed decision on the next step.