What Is the A Level Equivalent in India?

If you’re studying A Levels and are looking at higher education options in India, you may be wondering how your qualifications compare. Are A Levels accepted as equivalent to India’s Class 12? Will you be eligible to apply to Indian universities, and how are your grades understood?

Let’s break it down clearly, so you know exactly where you stand.

What Is Considered the A Level Equivalent in India?

In India, the qualifications considered equivalent to UK A Levels are Class 12 certificates awarded by the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education), ISC (Indian School Certificate by CISCE), and various state boards.

Like A Levels, Class 12 is taken around age 17–18 and marks the completion of secondary education. Both serve the same purpose: proving you’re ready for undergraduate university study.

A Level vs Class 12: Key Differences and Similarities

While both A Levels and India’s Class 12 qualifications serve the same purpose, marking the end of school and opening the door to university, they’re built in very different ways.

Understanding these differences will help you see how your A Level results compare with Indian boards, and why universities may ask for certain documentation or subject combinations.

Curriculum and Subject Choice

A Levels let you specialise in 3–4 subjects of your choice (opens in a new tab), giving flexibility and depth in areas you’re passionate about. Class 12 is more structured, with students choosing a stream (Science, Commerce or Arts) which sets most of their subjects, though some optional subjects exist.

Assessment and Grading

Assessment is another area where the two systems take different approaches. A Levels are known for their subject-specific, board-set exams that test depth of knowledge, while Indian Class 12 exams place more emphasis on a broad curriculum, with grading done at a national or state level. 

This difference in structure means universities often need to convert or interpret results so they can compare applicants fairly.

• A Levels: Assessed through written exams set and marked by UK exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR).

• Class 12: Assessed through nationwide board exams, with marking carried out under central or state board regulations.

In Class 12, CBSE evaluates students’ overall learning and performance through a nine-point grading system. Instead of just marks, students receive grades ranging from A1 to E (opens in a new tab), along with feedback on their progress and areas for improvement. This approach encourages holistic growth and prepares students for future opportunities.

Grades are awarded using letters A, B, C, D, and E,  which represent different performance levels. The system has been carefully designed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to ensure fair and standardised evaluation in board exams. The table below outlines the nine-point grading scale used to measure academic achievement in Class 12.

For comparison, an A*  at A Level is often seen as equivalent to an A1 or 91%+ Grade in CBSE or ISC.

Recognition and Academic Weight

Both A Levels and Class 12 are valid school-leaving qualifications that enable entry into university. In India, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) formally recognises A Levels as equivalent to Class 12.

Can A Level Students Apply to Indian Universities?

Yes. Most Indian universities accept A Level qualifications (opens in a new tab), especially private and international institutions. Public and central universities also accept them, though sometimes they set specific conditions.

In some cases, you may need to obtain an equivalence certificate from AIU confirming your A Levels match Class 12 standards.

Documentation Required:

• A Level certificates and transcripts (opens in a new tab)

• AIU equivalence certificate (if requested)  (opens in a new tab)

• Proof that your subjects meet course entry requirements

Using A Levels for Indian University Admissions

Getting into an Indian university with A Levels isn’t just about having the right grades. You'll also need to understand how the admissions process works. In most cases, your A Levels make you eligible, but universities may still set extra conditions such as entrance exams or subject requirements. Knowing these in advance will save you time and stress later on.

Entrance Exams

Many Indian universities still require applicants to sit entrance exams such as CUET (Central Universities Entrance Test), JEE (for Engineering), or NEET (for Medicine). Even with strong A Level results, these tests are often compulsory.

Minimum Subject Requirements

Alongside entrance exams, subject combinations are just as important.

To sit JEE, you’ll need A Levels in Physics, Chemistry and Maths. For NEET, the requirements are Biology, Chemistry and Physics. If you’re applying with A Levels, make sure your subject choices line up with the eligibility criteria, otherwise you may not be considered no matter how high your grades are.

If you’re applying with A Levels, you must ensure you’ve studied the relevant subjects.

Grade Conversion and Equivalency

When applying to Indian universities, it’s not enough to simply present your A Level grades. Admissions teams need to see how they compare to the Indian percentage system. Since A Levels use letter grades (A*–E) and Indian boards use percentages, universities and AIU often rely on conversion scales to match the two systems.

This process makes sure your achievements are understood fairly and consistently. By translating your A Level results into percentages, admissions offices can line them up directly against Indian Class 12 marks, giving you a clear pathway into the courses you’re aiming for.

How Are A Level Grades Interpreted in India?

Universities may use their own conversion scales to interpret your A Level grades, but broadly:

• A* ≈ A-1 (Grade Point 10) 

• A ≈ A-2 (Grade Point 9)

• B ≈ B-1 (Grade Point 8)

• C ≈ C-1 (Grade Point 6/7)

These ranges help university admissions offices compare your results with Class 12 grades.

How to Get an AIU Equivalence Certificate

The AIU issues certificates confirming A Level equivalence. To apply, you’ll need:

• Original A Level certificates and transcripts

• Passport copy and proof of date of birth

• Application form and processing fee

Timelines and costs vary, so check directly with the AIU (opens in a new tab).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indian universities accept A Levels?

Yes, Indian universities accept A Levels. A Levels are widely accepted as equivalent to Class 12, though some institutions may ask for an AIU certificate or require entrance exam results.

Do I need an equivalency certificate for A Levels in India?

You don’t always need an equivalency certificate for A Levels in India. Many universities accept A Levels directly, but public universities often request AIU documentation. It’s best to confirm with each university before applying.

Final Thoughts

A Levels are respected and recognised in India as the equivalent of Class 12. While you may need to sit entrance exams or secure an equivalency certificate, these are straightforward steps once you know what’s required.

By planning ahead, checking subject requirements, gathering documents, and contacting universities early, you’ll ensure a smooth transition. With your A Levels, you’re well-placed to apply confidently to universities across India.

Explore Save My Exams’ A Level revision resources where you’ll find revision notes, flashcards, past papers and more, designed by our team of teachers and examiners.

References:

• CBSE/Coord/Grading System/2024 (opens in a new tab)

• Destination India - using your Cambridge qualifications to study in India (opens in a new tab)

• https://aiu.ac.in/ (opens in a new tab)

• Understand what A-levels are & what you can do with them (opens in a new tab)

• Get a replacement exam certificate: Who to contact - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)

• Equivalence and Eligibility (opens in a new tab)

• evaluation division (opens in a new tab)

• CBSE Class 12 Grading System 2026, CGPA, Grade Point and Percentage (opens in a new tab)