Railway Marks Normalization Method for Upcoming RRB Exams

Railway Marks Normalization: The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) conduct various exams like RRB ALP, RPF SI, Technician, RRB NTPC, Group D, etc. to fill multiple posts under different levels of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) matrix. Given the large number of applicants and multiple shifts for these exams, RRBs use a normalization methodology to ensure fairness in the assessment process. This article explains the Railway Marks Normalization methodology in simple terms for candidates' reference.

Railway Marks Normalization

Why Railway Marks Normalization is Needed?

Railway Marks Normalization Overview

1. Percentile Scores: Percentile scores represent the relative performance of a candidate compared to others in the same shift. It converts the marks obtained into a scale ranging from 0 to 100.

Percentile Score Calculation :

• The percentile score indicates the percentage of candidates who scored equal to or below a particular score.
• The highest scorer in each shift gets a percentile score of 100.
• The formula for Percentile Score is=

2. Use of Percentile Scores: The percentile scores are used to prepare the merit list instead of raw scores. This ensures that candidates from different shifts are assessed on a level playing field. The marks obtained in between the highest and lowest scores are also converted to appropriate Percentiles.

3. Merging Percentile Scores: The raw scores of all candidates from different exam shifts are converted into Percentile Scores. These scores are then combined and referred to as the RRB Scores (or RRC Scores for Level-1 exams). These combined scores are used to compile results and determine the merit list.

4. Precision in Calculation : Percentile Scores are calculated up to five decimal places. This level of precision helps avoid ties and ensures a fair ranking.

Tie Breaking Case in RRB Normalization Method

• UR (Unreserved) - 40%
• EWS (Economically Weaker Section) - 40%
• OBC (Other Backward Class, non-creamy layer) - 30%
• SC (Scheduled Caste) - 30%
• ST (Scheduled Tribe) - 25% (30% for Level-1 Exam)

Calculation of Normalized Marks : The Normalized Marks for each candidate are calculated to determine if they meet the minimum qualifying criteria and to give weightage to CCAA candidates for Level-1 exams. This ensures that the selection process is fair and based on merit.

Railway Marks Normalization Calculation Method

For Percentile Scores within Base Shift Range : If a candidate's percentile score doesn't fall within the base shift range, the corresponding normalized marks are found using interpolation.

Interpolation Formula :