NEW DELHI: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced a revised method of normalisation for examinations conducted in multiple shifts. The new method is aimed at ensuring fair evaluation for all candidates regardless of the difficulty level of their respective shifts.
Until now, the normalisation process was carried out by considering top scores, average scores, and variations across shifts to calculate adjusted scores. This ensured that candidates facing tougher shifts were not disadvantaged. However, after evaluating the system, the SSC has adopted the equipercentile method of normalisation.
Under the new system, instead of relying on averages and score variations, candidates’ ranks or percentiles within their own shifts will be the key determinant, as per a notification issued by the SSC.
For instance, a candidate scoring better than 80 per cent of examinees in one shift will be matched with another candidate who scored better than 80 per cent in a different shift. This ensures that candidates are assessed relative to their peers in the same shift, thereby allowing fair comparisons across shifts despite varying difficulty levels, the notice said.
To view the detailed notification, click here.
The SSC said that this method would prevent unfair ranking of candidates who may have faced content-related challenges in one shift compared to those in others, adding that the new system would improve its evaluation processes.
Recently, the SSC has warned against the discussion, analysis or circulation of question papers from its ongoing or past examinations, citing strict provisions under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (PEA Act, 2024). The law categorises all offences as cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.
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Warning against malpractice
Meanwhile, the SSC has warned against malpractice in the computer-based examinations.
The SSC said that any malpractice would invite strict action under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (PEA Act, 2024), in addition to administrative measures
Advisory to candidates
Do not write down answers on rough sheets with the intention of attempting all questions at once at the end. Such behaviour is detected as “fast answering” by the system and will be suspected as malpractice. Do not speak to or peek into other candidates’ computers during the examination. (iii) Do not lock Aadhaar biometrics; biometric verification is mandatory at different stages.
To view the detailed notification, click here.