How to Work Out the Marks You Need in the Final Exam
A simple method to turn your internal marks and a target grade into the score you need in the end-semester exam.
Start with how marks are split
Most courses combine internal assessment with an end-semester exam, for example 40 internal and 60 external, or 30 and 70. Check your scheme first, because the split decides everything that follows. Also check whether there is a separate minimum for the external exam.
The basic calculation
Needed external marks = target total − internal marks earned. Suppose the total is 100, you have 32 of 40 internal marks and want 75 overall. You need 75 − 32 = 43 out of 60 in the exam, which is about 72 percent of the exam paper.
Check the pass rules
Some universities require a minimum in the exam alone, a minimum in total, or both. A calculation that gives you a low number for the exam may still not be enough if there is a separate external minimum, so confirm it in your regulations.
Use it to plan revision
Do this for each subject. Subjects where the needed percentage is high deserve more time, and subjects where you are already comfortably above the pass mark need maintenance rather than heavy revision.
Be realistic
A target is only useful if it is achievable. If a subject needs 90 percent of the exam, consider whether that is realistic, and decide whether your time is better spent on subjects where smaller gains are possible.
This guide is general information. Rules differ between institutions, so confirm requirements with your college or the portal you are using.