A digitally controlled variable gain amplifier (VGA) for generating amplification output levels is disclosed. In one aspect, the digitally controlled VGA includes a positive amplification stage including at least two positive amplifiers, and a corresponding negative amplification stage coupled to the positive amplification stage. The negative amplification stage includes at least two negative amplifiers. The positive amplification stage and the corresponding negative amplification stage are digitally controlled by one or more digital codes. The corresponding negative amplification stage is coupled in parallel with the positive amplification stage and is equally weighted as the positive amplification stage, and both the positive amplification stage and the corresponding negative amplification stage selectively contribute to the generation of the amplification output levels for the digitally controlled VGA.