Your CGPA is lower than our usual cut-off. Why?

Do not make excuses. Acknowledge it, point to the trend or other evidence, and connect to the role.

Model answer.

What the interviewer wants. Whether you take responsibility, and whether there is other evidence that you can do the job well. Once you have been shortlisted, the CGPA question is about attitude more than the number.

Structure

1. Acknowledge it honestly. No excuses, no blaming professors or the system.
2. Give context if it is real: an upward trend, a difficult semester, or time spent on something else useful.
3. Show other evidence of ability: projects, internships, core subject knowledge, certifications.
4. Connect to the job.

Sample answer (adapt honestly to your situation)
"I agree my CGPA of [value] is lower than I would like. In my first two years, I didn't manage my time well and didn't take some subjects seriously enough. From the third year, I changed how I studied, and my SGPA improved to [values, if true] in the last [number] semesters.

I've also worked hard on the subjects most relevant to this role. I did [project/internship], where I [specific work], and I'm happy to be tested on [core subjects, e.g. electrical machines and power systems] today.

My CGPA reflects some mistakes I made early on, but I've learned from them, and I'd like to be judged on what I can do now."

If there was a genuine external reason (health, family responsibility), mention it briefly and factually, then move on to what you have done since.

Tips

• Know your semester-wise SGPA. If there is an upward trend, it is your strongest point.
• Be ready for a tough technical round. Saying "test me on core subjects" only works if you have prepared.
• Have your subject knowledge sharp for the topics on the job description.

What to avoid

• "Marks don't matter; skills matter." It sounds dismissive and defensive.
• Blaming teachers, the syllabus or the college.

Likely follow-up. "Which subjects did you score poorly in, and why?" Answer honestly, and if any of them is relevant to the job, say what you have done since to strengthen it.