When it comes to competitive exams like IBPS PO 2025, fairness in scoring is crucial—especially since the exam is conducted in multiple shifts with varying levels of difficulty. To address this challenge, IBPS uses a scientific method called Equipercentile Equating to normalize scores across different sessions.
In this post, we’ll break down what normalization means, how the Equipercentile Equating process works, and why it matters for IBPS PO aspirants.
What is IBPS PO Normalization?
The IBPS PO normalization process is used to adjust the scores of candidates appearing in different sessions (or shifts) of the exam. Since each shift may have a question paper of a slightly different difficulty level, normalization ensures that no candidate is unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged based on their session.
Simply put: Your score is adjusted to make it comparable to other shifts, ensuring a level playing field for everyone.
What is Equipercentile Equating in IBPS PO?
Equipercentile Equating is a statistical technique used by IBPS to normalize scores. It compares percentile ranks of raw scores across different test forms (i.e., question papers of different shifts).
Here’s how it works:
If your raw score places you in the 85th percentile in Shift A, IBPS will find the score in Shift B that corresponds to the 85th percentile—and that becomes your equated score.
Statistical Method Used by IBPS
The Equipercentile Equating method is based on Cumulative Distribution Functions (CDFs). The formula is:
Ye = FY⁻¹(Fx(X))
Where:
- X = raw score from Test Form A
- Ye = equated score in Test Form B
- Fx(X) = CDF of scores from Test A
- FY⁻¹ = inverse CDF of scores from Test B
This formula ensures that scores are compared based on percentile ranks, not raw marks, making the process more reliable.
Example of Score Normalization
Let’s say the following data exists for two shifts:
| Raw Score (A) | Percentile Rank | Equated Score (B) |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 70th percentile | 42 |
| 50 | 85th percentile | 51 |
| 60 | 95th percentile | 59 |
So, if you scored 50 in Shift A, and that corresponds to the 85th percentile, your normalized (equated) score will be 51, based on the corresponding percentile in Shift B.
For more details, you can check the PDF – IBPS PO Normalization
Why Does This Matter for You?
Understanding the normalization process helps you:
- Avoid confusion when you see unexpected scores
- Realize that session difficulty won’t affect your final result
- Trust that the IBPS PO result process is fair and data-backed
Important Links for IBPS PO 2025
IBPS PO Notification 2025 Click to Check
IBPS SO Notification 2025 Click to Check
The IBPS PO Normalization Process 2025, based on Equipercentile Equating, is designed to ensure fairness and accuracy. So whether your exam was easy or tough compared to others, your final score reflects your true performance among peers.
If you’re preparing for IBPS PO, now’s the time to focus on practice and leave the score balancing to the experts at IBPS.