1. Background — Why Two Regulations Exist
SRM University periodically revises its academic regulations to align with UGC guidelines, NEP 2020, and evolving industry demands. The 2021 Regulation was a significant overhaul — not just a minor update — introduced to incorporate mandatory internships, outcome-based education (OBE) reforms, and a higher credit load for practical training.
2018 Regulation Introduced
Replaced the 2013 regulation. Standardised the 10-point grading scale across all SRM campuses. Focused on theory-heavy curriculum with optional internship credits.
2021 Regulation Introduced
Aligned with NEP 2020. Mandatory 2-credit internship added. Mini-projects expanded to two semesters. Total program credits increased. Greater weight given to practical skills.
Both Still Active
Students admitted in 2020 and earlier continue under 2018 Regulation. All 2021 and later admissions follow the 2021 Regulation.
How to check your regulation: Log into SRM's student portal (ERP). Go to Academic Profile → Programme Details. Your regulation year is listed next to your programme name.
2. Grading Scale — Is It the Same?
Good news: the letter grade to grade-point mapping is identical in both regulations. There is no advantage or disadvantage in terms of raw grade points earned per mark range.
| Letter Grade | Marks Range | Grade Points | 2018 Reg | 2021 Reg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O | 91 – 100 | 10 | ✓ Same | ✓ Same |
| A+ | 81 – 90 | 9 | ✓ Same | ✓ Same |
| A | 71 – 80 | 8 | ✓ Same | ✓ Same |
| B+ | 61 – 70 | 7 | ✓ Same | ✓ Same |
| B | 51 – 60 | 6 | ✓ Same | ✓ Same |
| C | 45 – 50 | 5 | ✓ Same | ✓ Same |
| F | Below 45 | 0 | ✓ Same | ✓ Same |
Because the grading scale is identical, a student scoring 85 marks earns an A+ (9 grade points) regardless of which regulation they follow. The differences lie entirely in credit structure, not grade boundaries.
3. Credit Structure — Total Program Credits
This is where the two regulations diverge most significantly. The 2021 Regulation introduces a heavier credit load, primarily through expanded practical training, mandatory internships, and additional mini-projects.
~160 Total Credits
Theory subjects dominate. Lab credits are lower. Internship is optional and not credit-bearing by default. Mini-project limited to one semester. Lighter overall load but fewer practical skill credits.
~175 Total Credits
Higher practical credit weightage. Mandatory 2-credit internship. Two-semester mini-project. Additional activity/skill credits. Heavier load but aligns better with industry expectations and NAAC standards.
The 15-credit difference matters for your CGPA denominator. In the 2021 Regulation, even an "O" grade in the additional credits can meaningfully boost or protect your CGPA — but an "F" in them will also drag it down harder.
4. Semester-wise Credit Breakdown
| Semester | 2018 Reg (Approx. Credits) | 2021 Reg (Approx. Credits) | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 19–20 | 19–21 | Similar |
| Semester 2 | 19–21 | 20–22 | Similar |
| Semester 3 | 21–22 | 21–23 | Similar |
| Semester 4 | 21–22 | 22–24 | Mini-project added in 2021 |
| Semester 5 | 22–23 | 22–23 | Similar |
| Semester 6 | 20–22 | 21–23 | Internship credits in 2021 |
| Semester 7 | 18–20 | 18–20 | Similar |
| Semester 8 | 14–16 | 14–16 | Similar |
Note: Credit counts vary by branch (CSE, ECE, Mechanical, Civil, etc.). Always verify with your department's official scheme of studies document.
5. Internal vs External Marks Split
The marks distribution between internal assessments and the end-semester examination is another area where the two regulations differ — and this directly affects how achievable high grades are.
40% Internal / 60% External
Internal marks include CAT-1, CAT-2, assignments, and attendance. The end-semester exam carries more weight, making final performance more critical.
40% Internal / 60% External
Same split — but the 2021 regulation includes more diversified internal components such as skill-based assessments and mini-project evaluations within the internal component.
📌 Internal Marks Breakdown (Both Regulations)
Scoring well in internals is crucial under both regulations. A student scoring 38/40 in internals needs only 53/60 in the end-sem to achieve an "O" grade (91+ total), compared to needing 57/60 if internals were only 34.
6. Internship & Industry Credits
This is one of the biggest practical differences between the two regulations — and it significantly affects both your schedule and your CGPA calculation.
2018 Regulation — Internship is Optional
Students can complete an internship during summer vacation, but it is not credit-bearing by default unless specifically registered as an elective. It does not affect your GPA.
2021 Regulation — Mandatory 2-Credit Internship
A minimum of 4 weeks of industry internship is mandatory and carries 2 credits. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis. Failing or not completing it delays graduation and adds 0 grade points to your CGPA calculation for those 2 credits.
2021 Regulation students: Start securing internships from Semester 4 onwards. Many companies now require pre-screening. A "Pass" in internship credits adds minimal grade points but ensures those 2 credits do not pull your CGPA down.
7. Project & Mini-Project Requirements
| Project Type | 2018 Regulation | 2021 Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Mini-Project 1 | Semester 5 only | Semester 4 |
| Mini-Project 2 | Not mandatory | Semester 5 (mandatory) |
| Final Year Project | Semester 7–8 | Semester 7–8 |
| Credits (Mini-Projects) | ~2 credits (one project) | ~4 credits total (two projects) |
| Credits (Final Project) | ~8–10 credits | ~8–10 credits |
| Industry Collaboration | Optional | Encouraged / Partially Mandatory |
The extra mini-project in the 2021 Regulation means students get two more graded credits that contribute to their CGPA. This is an opportunity — an "O" in a mini-project can meaningfully boost your GPA for that semester.
💡 GPA Boost Opportunity (2021 Students)
8. Arrear & Re-exam Policy
How the university handles failed subjects (arrears) is a critical — and often misunderstood — part of the regulation differences.
Re-exam Policy
Students with arrears can appear for supplementary exams. The grade earned in re-exams is capped at a maximum of B+ (7 grade points) in most cases. Original internal marks are retained.
Re-exam Policy
Similar cap applies in re-exams. However, the additional mandatory credits (internship, mini-projects) have stricter completion requirements. Not completing mandatory components can delay graduation by a full semester.
F Grade in Either Regulation
An "F" gives 0 grade points but the credit hours still count in your denominator. This is why arrears in high-credit subjects (4-credit theory papers) are particularly damaging to CGPA.
Re-exam Grade Replacement
Once you clear the arrear, the new grade (capped at B+/7) replaces the F in CGPA calculation. The 0 for that credit no longer counts — the new grade points × credits take effect instead.
Under the 2021 Regulation, failing the mandatory internship component is treated differently from a standard subject arrear. You must complete the internship requirement to be eligible for your degree, regardless of your overall CGPA.
9. How the Regulation Affects Your GPA Calculation
The GPA formula is identical in both regulations:
But here's the key insight: a larger credit denominator means individual subjects have less impact on your GPA. Under the 2021 Regulation, with ~15 more total credits, a single bad grade hurts you marginally less — and a single great grade also boosts you marginally less.
📊 Impact of One F Grade on Final CGPA
This also means: to raise your CGPA from 7.5 to 8.0 under the 2021 Regulation, you need to score higher in more subjects because the denominator is larger. The standard required for a given CGPA target is slightly higher.
10. Side-by-Side Worked GPA Example
Same student, same marks — but different regulation. Let's see how the GPA differs purely due to credit structure in Semester 4.
No Mini-Project
Data Structures: 4C × 8 = 32
Operating Systems: 3C × 7 = 21
Computer Networks: 3C × 8 = 24
DS Lab: 1.5C × 10 = 15
Networks Lab: 1.5C × 9 = 13.5
Total: 141.5 pts ÷ 17 credits
GPA = 8.32
Mini-Project Added
Data Structures: 4C × 8 = 32
Operating Systems: 3C × 7 = 21
Computer Networks: 3C × 8 = 24
DS Lab: 1.5C × 10 = 15
Networks Lab: 1.5C × 9 = 13.5
Mini-Project: 2C × 10 = 20
Total: 161.5 pts ÷ 19 credits
GPA = 8.50
In this example, the 2021 student scores a higher GPA (8.50 vs 8.32) purely because the mini-project — where performance tends to be high — adds high-weighted points. This is a genuine advantage for diligent students under the 2021 Regulation.
11. Elective Flexibility & Open Electives
| Elective Type | 2018 Regulation | 2021 Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Electives | 3 electives (Sem 5–7) | 4 electives (Sem 5–8) |
| Open Electives | 1–2 open electives | 2–3 open electives |
| MOOC / Online Courses | Not credit-bearing by default | Up to 4 credits via SWAYAM/NPTEL |
| Value-Added Courses | Non-credit | 1–2 credits |
| Foreign Language Option | Available as open elective | Available as open elective |
The ability to earn credits through SWAYAM and NPTEL online courses is exclusive to the 2021 Regulation. This is significant — students can earn up to 4 credits by completing verified online courses from top IIT professors, and these credits count towards CGPA.
🌐 2021 Regulation Exclusive — NPTEL Credit Strategy
12. Overall Verdict — Which Regulation is Better?
⚖️ Category-by-Category Verdict
You cannot switch between regulations once admitted. Focus on making the most of whichever regulation you are under rather than worrying about what the other offers. Use the SRM GPA Calculator to plan your target scores across your remaining semesters.