The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts large-scale recruitment examinations across India, with lakhs of candidates appearing in multiple shifts. Since question papers in different shifts may not always be of the same difficulty level, the Commission applies a system known as normalisation to ensure fairness in evaluation. In 2025, SSC has revised this process and officially introduced a new method under SSC New Normalisation, based on the equipercentile system. The notification regarding this change was issued on 2nd June 2025.
Why SSC New Normalisation is Important
Whenever exams are conducted in multiple shifts, variations in difficulty are natural. Some shifts may have easier papers, while others could be tougher. Without normalization, candidates in the difficult shifts would be unfairly disadvantaged. SSC New Normalisation ensures that such variations are addressed and all candidates are evaluated on a level playing field, regardless of the shift in which they appeared.
Click Here to Download SSC New Normalisation Notice
Earlier Method of Normalisation
Previously, SSC applied normalization by considering averages, variations (spread), and top scores from each shift. Introduced in 2019, this method calculated adjusted marks to show how a candidate performed compared to all others across shifts. While it helped reduce unfair disadvantages, SSC has now moved towards a more refined and transparent system through SSC New Normalisation 2025.
The New SSC Normalisation 2025 System
After reviewing the earlier approach, SSC has adopted the equipercentile method under SSC New Normalisation. As per the notification dated 2nd June 2025, this will now apply to all SSC exams.
How the Equipercentile Method Works
Under the equipercentile system, percentile ranks, rather than averages, are used to normalize scores.
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For example, if a candidate scores better than 80% of the candidates in their shift, they will be compared with a candidate who also scored better than 80% of candidates in another shift.
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This means the evaluation is based on a candidate’s relative position in their own shift, ensuring that performance is measured fairly across different sessions.
This system makes SSC New Normalisation more reliable, as it accounts for variations in difficulty and ensures consistency across all shifts.
Key Benefits of SSC New Normalisation
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Fair Comparisons Across Shifts: Candidates are compared by percentile, ensuring equal evaluation despite difficulty differences.
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No Bias for Tougher Shifts: Aspirants facing harder papers are not disadvantaged.
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Transparency in Results: The percentile-based system is clearer and easier to understand.
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Improved Exam Integrity: By adopting a scientifically recognized method, SSC strengthens the credibility of its recruitment process.
SSC’s Commitment to Fairness
The Commission has stated that it will continue to improve its evaluation systems to maintain the sanctity of the exams. The adoption of SSC New Normalisation reflects SSC’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all aspirants.
Conclusion
The introduction of the equipercentile method under SSC New Normalisation 2025 marks a significant improvement in how scores are calculated and compared. Candidates appearing in upcoming SSC exams should understand this process thoroughly, as their results will now be based on percentile-based normalization instead of average-based adjustments. For detailed rules and guidelines, aspirants should refer to the official SSC notifications and updates.