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CAT Normalization Process 2025
Normalization in CAT is used to ensure that every candidate is evaluated fairly, regardless of the exam slot they appeared in or the difficulty of the question paper. Since each slot can have a different difficulty level, the CAT Normalization Process adjusts the raw scores using a scientific method so that all students are compared on the same scale.
This process helps maintain fairness across all three CAT exam slots. Even though the exam pattern is the same for everyone, the difficulty can still vary, and the normalized scores make sure no candidate is at an advantage or disadvantage because of the slot they took.
Explore the CAT 2025 slot-wise analysis:
CAT Exam Analysis 2025 | ||
Check Complete, CAT Exam Analysis
Main Reasons for Normalisation
Normalization protects candidates from slot difficulty
Candidates in a difficult slot are rewarded with upward-adjusted scores, while easier slots may get mild downward adjustments.
It removes slot-level performance bias
A high-performing or low-performing slot should not impact an individual candidate’s score unfairly.
Ensures equal evaluation standards
Normalization allows all candidates to be compared on one common scale, regardless of which session they appeared in.
CAT Raw Score vs Scaled Score
CAT Raw Score
Raw score is the direct score based on your performance in the exam.
Formula:
Raw Score = (3 × Correct Answers) – (1 × Incorrect MCQs)
(Non-MCQs/TITA questions have no negative marking)
CAT Scaled Score
Scaled score is calculated after normalization and adjusts for slot difficulty difference.
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Raw Score = Score you earned in your slot
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Scaled Score = Score adjusted to match all slots equally
Scaled scores are used for percentile calculation and for IIM shortlisting.
Also Read, CAT 2025 Result Date, Expected Release Date, Time & Link
CAT Normalization Formula
CAT is held across three slots morning, afternoon, and evening. Since difficulty varies, normalization adjusts raw scores to generate scaled scores.
This is a simplified version of the official equating process used by IIMs.
CAT Scaled Score Calculation
CAT calculates the following for each section (VARC, DILR, QA):
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Mean raw score of each slot
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Standard deviation (SD) of each slot
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Overall mean & SD across all slots
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Average raw score of the top 0.1% candidates in each slot and overall
Using these values, CAT applies a slot-specific statistical formula to derive scaled scores.If scaled scores exceed 100, they are capped at 100.
Why This Formula Works
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Difficult slot → Scores increase
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Moderate slot → Minimal adjustment
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Easy slot → Scores decrease slightly
Also Read, CAT Response Sheet 2025, Release Date, Download Link
Step-by-Step CAT 2025 Normalization Process
Step 1: Calculate Raw Score
Based on correct, incorrect, and non-MCQ answers.
Step 2: Analyze Slot Performance
CAT computes mean & SD for each slot-wise section.
Step 3: Compare Slot vs Overall Performance
Each slot’s performance is compared with overall averages.
Step 4: Convert Raw Scores into Scaled Scores
Slot-specific normalization formulas are applied.
Step 5: Section-wise Normalization
VARC, DILR, and QA are normalized independently.
Step 6: Total Scaled Score Calculation
Section-wise scaled scores are summed.
Step 7: Percentile Calculation
Percentiles are calculated only using scaled scores, not raw marks.
Also Read, CAT Cutoff 2025, IIM Colleges Category & Sectional Cut offs
CAT Raw Score vs Scaled Score: Concept Example
| Slot Difficulty | Raw Score | Scaled Score | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tough Slot | 70 | 76–78 | Upward adjustment due to difficulty |
| Moderate Slot | 70 | 69–71 | Normal slot, no major change |
| Easy Slot | 70 | 64–65 | Slight downward adjustment |
(This is a conceptual example, not actual CAT values.)
Factors Influencing the CAT Normalization Process
1. Slot Difficulty Level
Harder slot = higher scaled score
Easier slot = lower scaled score
2. Number of Candidates per Slot
More candidates = more accurate scaling curve
3. Score Distribution
How scores spread across students influences normalization
4. Performance of Top Candidates
Top 0.1% performance ensures fairness for high scorers
5. Section-Level Variation
Each section (VARC, DILR, QA) undergoes independent scaling
Difference Between Raw Score and Scaled Score
| Raw Score | Scaled Score |
|---|---|
| Based on your answers | Adjusted score after statistical scaling |
| Varies by slot | Common for all slots |
| Not used for percentiles | Used for percentiles & IIM shortlisting |
| May appear high or low | Reflects true position among all candidates |
CAT Normalization Process 2025: Conclusion
The CAT 2025 Normalization Process ensures fair evaluation across multiple exam slots. By converting raw scores into scaled scores using a mathematically sound method, CAT eliminates slot-level variation and provides a consistent comparison for all candidates. Each section is normalised separately, and percentiles are calculated based on scaled scores only, ensuring transparency and fairness in the final results.
