CAT Normalization Process 2025, Raw to Scaled Score Process

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:

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.

• Raw Score = Score you earned in your slot

• Scaled Score = Score adjusted to match all slots equally

Scaled scores are used for percentile calculation and for IIM shortlisting.

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):

• Mean raw score of each slot

• Standard deviation (SD) of each slot

• Overall mean & SD across all slots

• 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

• Difficult slot → Scores increase

• Moderate slot → Minimal adjustment

• 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

(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

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.