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.
9 thoughts on “UACE Grading System 2024 Explained: How to Calculate & Interpret UACE Results”
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When I score one E in one subject and one O in also one subject ,I pass ICT and P7 in general paper , what is done
E in one subject = 2 points, which is a principal pass.
O in one subject = 1 point, which counts as a subsidiary pass.
A pass in ICT = 1 point, it is a subsidiary pass
A P7 in general paper = 0 points.
Based on that, you have 1 principal pass and 2 subsidiary passes, this limits your degree options since those usually need at least 2 principal passes.
Your best bet is to try out the diploma courses which usually require 1 principal and 2 subsidiaries(which you have), Certificate courses or technical Institutions
Received 5points in GEP can I qualify for university admission like nursing? inquiry please
To know about that you have to calculate your total points and then check with the different universities what their cut-off points are (the minimum number of points you need)
For ‘O’ level grades, Distinctions 1 & 2 carry 0.3 points, Credits 3 to 6 carry 0.2, Passes 7 & 8 carry 0.1 and Fail (9) carry 0.0 points respectively.
For A’ Level grades, the conversion scale is A=6, B=5, C=4, D=3, E=2, O=1, F=0 points.
get the total of all your points, then: Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST):
B. Sc. Nursing: 47.0
Makerere University:
Bachelor of Nursing Science: 46.6
…each university lists its cut-off points, you will have to check with the one you wish to go for.
The alternative is to check for a diploma
Can i get pdf docs
This is good
No, but you can always refer to the post link using the “share this” button.
am aimed to score higher than that
good grading