What is the time-blocking method for SSC?

It means dividing your day into fixed slots for study, mocks, revision, and rest.

How is time-blocking better than a regular timetable?

It assigns fixed hours, buffer slots, and review windows, unlike a simple list of tasks.

How many hours should I block daily?

Six to eight focused hours divided across study, mocks, and revision.

Which subjects should be studied in morning blocks?

Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning, as these require high focus.

How often should I take mocks?

Three to four full-length tests per week, always at the same time, followed by analysis.

What if I miss a block?

Use the buffer slot or reschedule within 24 hours.

Is this method suitable for working aspirants?

Yes. Shorter sprints on weekdays and longer blocks on weekends work well.

What is a weekly reset?

A weekly review to adjust blocks, move tough topics earlier, and reset for the next week.

SSC's New Equipercentile Normalisation

Date : 26 Sep 2025

SSC's New Equipercentile Normalisation: What it is, How Scores are Calculated, and Simple Percentile→Marks Demo

In 2025, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) started using the Equipercentile Normalisation Method during the multi-shift exams, such as CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD, and JE.

This method has many inquiring and wondering, but it has been a source of concern for many students during the SSC exams, and it has greatly impacted their scores and attempted strategies.

In this blog, we will cover this topic in its entirety:

1. What is Equipercentile Normalisation?

2. Why did SSC introduce it in 2025?

3. What is the breakdown of the Equipercentile Normalisation process?

4. A brief Percentile→Marks demo you can complete.

5. The impact of cut-offs and prep strategy.

What is Equipercentile Normalisation?

In its broadest explanation, Equipercentile Normalisation is a technique that preserves equity and fairness in a multi-shift exam scenario.

1. In previous years, SSC used a basic normalisation formula.

2. Now, under Equipercentile, SSC first calculates for every candidate and for every exam shift what the raw score is and what the corresponding score is in a given percentile and an equivalent score in the corresponding shift.

This ensures:

1. Students in an “easy” shift don’t gain an unfair advantage.

2. Students on “tougher” shifts do not receive a penalty in their performance.

Why Did SSC Introduce This System in 2025?

Given that SSC exams span multiple days and shifts, each attracting lakhs of applicants, even slight variations in the difficulty of the exam paper can considerably influence the cut-offs.

1. The newly established equipercentile system provides enhanced accuracy in score equivalence across shifts.

2. This system is already utilized by NTA for JEE and NEET exams, as well as other testing organizations.

3. This system minimizes the perception of biases of advantages and disadvantages.

This culminates in the aspirants focusing on “how accurate your attempts are” as opposed to “which shift is easier”.

How SSC Equipercentile Normalisation Works

The process can be simplified to the following steps:

1. Raw Scores → Percentiles

- Each candidate’s raw score is translated into a percentile within their shift.

- For instance, if your score was higher than 85% of candidates in your shift, your percentile score will be 85.

2. Percentiles Mapped to a Common Scale

- Percentiles are then mapped to a common reference scale across all shifts.

3. Equipercentile Linking

- SSC applies equipercentile linking to the percentile score to determine equated scores.

4. Final Score

- The final score is your normalized score, which equals the score that corresponds to your percentile on the common scale.

Simple Percentile→Marks Demo

Assume there are 2 shifts:

1. Shift A (tougher) – Top raw score = 140/200

2. Shift B (easier) – Top raw score = 180/200

If you score 120 in Shift A, and that places you at the 90th percentile, SSC maps this percentile to the common scale.

1. Suppose the 90th percentile in Shift B corresponds to 162 marks.

2. Your normalised score will be 162, not 120.

This eliminates the shift advantage and ensures fair competition.

Impact on SSC CGL and CHSL Aspirants

Cut-off Predictions Will Change

1. Earlier, candidates compared raw marks. Now, percentiles will matter more.

Accuracy Is the Key

1. Instead of over-attempting, focus on maximizing correct attempts.

No More Shift Discussions

1. Don’t waste time on “which shift was tough/easy” gossip.

For strategies on accuracy, you may refer to our blog on Top SSC CGL Preparation Tips for First-Time Aspirants.

Quick FAQs

1. Will my marks increase or decrease after normalisation?

It depends on your shift’s difficulty and your percentile rank. Some will see marks go up, some down, but overall fairness is maintained.

2. Does this affect cut-offs?

Yes. SSC will now decide cut-offs based on normalised marks, not raw scores.

For details on expected cut-offs, see our SSC CGL 2025 Selection Process Guide.

3. Is this the same as NTA’s system?

Yes, NTA also uses equipercentile normalisation for exams like JEE and NEET.

Preparation Strategy Under Equipercentile Method

1. Strong Fundamentals: Build subject-wise mastery using resources like the Effective Study Plan for SSC Exams.

2. Accuracy > Guesswork: Negative marking hurts more now.

3. Timed Practice: Follow structured methods such as the Time Blocking Method for SSC Exam Prep.

4. Mock Tests: Simulate multiple shifts to understand how your percentile might vary.

If you’re struggling with anxiety during prep, check out our guide on How to Overcome Exam Anxiety for SSC CGL and CHSL.

Where to Get Expert Guidance

Understanding new exam policies is important, but structured coaching makes a huge difference. If you’re preparing seriously, explore our dedicated centers:

1. SSC Coaching Classes in Delhi

2. SSC Coaching in Uttam Nagar

3. SSC Coaching in Karol Bagh

4. SSC Coaching in Mukherjee Nagar

Final Thoughts

The SSC Equipercentile Normalisation (2025) is a major step toward transparency and fairness. Instead of worrying about which shift you got, focus on building accuracy and consistency.

Stay updated with authentic resources, avoid fake notices, and practice strategically. With the right plan, you can crack SSC exams even under this new scoring system.

If you want to dive deeper into SSC prep strategies, don’t miss our comprehensive guide: All You Need to Know About SSC.

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