Aggregate vs Average

Aggregate vs Average

The two terms seems to have similar meaning, but when used in context with Engineering there is a difference between the two. Before having any further discussion about the two terms, let’s find what exactly the meaning of the two terms is and how to calculate it.

Average: Average is simply the arithmetic mean of all the numbers (or marks) taken into consideration. For example, if you have 4 numbers (or marks), the average will be the sum of all the 4 numbers divided by 4.
Thus in calculating average all the numbers (or marks) are given equal weightage.

Aggregate: In Engineering, to calculate aggregate you have to take into consideration of the marks. The weightage of the marks of different years in engineering (B.E./BTech) are as follows:

First Year : 10%
Second Year : 20 %
Third Year : 30%
Fourth Year : 100%

Thus to calculate the aggregate percentage, perform following steps:
1. Calculate the weighted marks of different years.
2. Calculate the sum of above marks.
3. Divide the above sum by grand total.
4. Multiply the above calculate value by 100 to get aggregate percentage.

You can also use the RGTU Aggregate Calculator available in this blog to calculate your aggregate.

Note : Aggregate is only meaningful when you know the marks of all years (all semesters). Thus if you are a student who have not complete his/her degree yet, then it is better to calculate average.