Normalization of Marks in SSC CGL 2017: Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Fairness

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducted the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination in 43 shifts from August 5 to August 23, 2017. A significant number of candidates reported that the difficulty level of the papers seemed higher post-August 16.

According to the SSC, the result of the Tier-1 examination is expected to be released on October 31, 2017. However, a survey by candidates showed that the August 9, 2017, shift 2 had an average mark of 112.64, whereas the August 23, 2017, shift 2 had an average mark of 141.23. This indicates a notable disparity in the difficulty level between the shifts. The difference of 28.59 marks between these two shifts underscores the potential impact on candidates.

Many aspirants, like Raju Kumar, have raised concerns, demanding normalization of scores. The differences in difficulty levels across shifts naturally affect the performance of candidates, which can lead to unfairness in the evaluation of their abilities and knowledge.

Understanding the Normalization Process

The Importance of Normalization

Many entrance and recruitment exams, such as CAT (Common Admission Test), JEE (Joint Entrance Examination), IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection), SBI (State Bank of India), and Railway Recruitment Board, conduct their exams in various shifts and rely on normalization to ensure fairness. This process is designed to standardize the performance of candidates irrespective of the shift they appeared in.

Normalizing the Marks: A Simplified Guide

To explain the normalization process in the simplest way, let's use the following data from an example:

Shift-1Shift-2Shift-3 Candidate NameMarksCandidate NameMarksCandidate NameMarks Candidate 185Candidate 1110Candidate 190 Candidate 290Candidate 2115Candidate 295 Candidate 3100Candidate 3120Candidate 3100 Candidate 495Candidate 4125Candidate 4105 Candidate 580Candidate 5130Candidate 5110

In this scenario, the mean marks for Shift-1 is 90, and for Shift-2, it is 120. Therefore, the difference in means is 30. To normalize the scores for Shift-1, we add 30 marks to each candidate's score, resulting in 115, 120, 130, 125, and 110, respectively. This ensures that the performance of candidates in Shift-1 is comparable to those in Shift-2.

Similarly, the mean marks for Shift-3 is 100. The difference from Shift-2 is 20. Adding 20 marks to each candidate's score in Shift-3 results in 110, 115, 120, 125, and 130, respectively. Now, the marks of candidates in all three shifts are normalized, ensuring that no shift is favored over the others.

Impact on Candidates

The efforts of Raju Kumar and others have led to better outcomes. After pressure from the candidates, the CAT Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT CATAT) ordered the SSC to provide necessary instructions regarding normalization or equalizing the scores. This decision means that all aspirants who did not perform well in SSC CGL 2017 Tier I can now relax, knowing that their scores will be normalized, ensuring fairness.

Preparation for Tier II and III

With just 50 days left for the next tiers of the exam, candidates should start focusing on their preparation now. Ensuring that all candidate's scores are normalized is a significant step in ensuring fairness, and it's time to focus on the next phases of the exam.

Conclusion

Normalization of scores is a crucial step in ensuring fairness among candidates in competitive exams like SSC CGL. By understanding and embracing this process, we can make sure that all participants are treated equally, regardless of the shift they appeared in. Stay prepared and stay positive!