GATE Normalization Process is meant for only those papers which are conducted in multiple test sessions owing to a large number of applicants. GATE results usually declared about one month after the examinations are over. The results show the total marks scored by a candidate, the GATE score, the all-India rank and the cut-off marks for various categories in the candidate’s paper. The score is valid for 3 years from the date of announcement of the results for admission in the post graduation degree. The GATE scorecards are issued only to qualified candidates.
GATE Normalization Process is the methodology prescribed by the GATE authorities to convert the raw marks of the candidates into scores after computing according to the specifications. GATE 2018, the online exam will be held for 23 papers on February 3, 4, 10 and 11, 2018 by IIT Guwahati, the conducting body. The online application form of GATE 2018 opened on August 31 and has to be filled through GOAPS. The result of GATE 2018 will be released on March 17, 2018 by GATE conducting institute.
The GATE score of a candidate reflects the relative performance level of a candidate. The score is used for admissions to various post-graduate education programs (e.g. Master of Engineering, Master of Technology, Doctor of Philosophy) in Indian higher education institutes, with financial assistance provided by MHRD and other government agencies.
Since 2012, GATE scores are also being used by several Indian public sector undertakings (i.e., government-owned companies) for recruiting graduate engineers in entry-level positions. It is one of the most competitive examinations in India. Based on the success story of IITs all over the world, GATE is also recognized by various international institutes such as Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Basis & Assumptions For GATE Normalization Process
From 2014 onward, GATE examination is conducted in 23 papers out of which 5 papers namely CE, CS, EC, EE and ME subjects are being held in multiple sessions as the number of applicants for these papers are very high to be held the exam in a single session. The actual marks for multiple sessions of GATE Exam will be normalized and these normalized marks will be used to compute the GATE scores.
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The raw scores of GATE papers which undergo normalization process before final evaluation include Civil Engineering (CE), Computer Science (CS), Electronics & Communication Engineering (EC), Electrical Engineering (EE) and Mechanical Engineering (ME).
Before final calculation of GATE Scores, the raw scores for these five papers are normalized to remove the discontinuity in difficulty level of different sessions.
The normalization of raw scores for multi-session papers is done based on the fundamental assumption that “in all multi-session GATE papers, the distribution of abilities of candidates is the same across all the sessions”. The normalization process equates the difficulty level of tests across multiple sessions with respect to the collective performance of candidates in each of the sessions.
Once scores for the multi-session papers are normalized, the same formula is applied for calculation of final scores for all the papers. Further, it is also ensured that for the same multiple session papers, the number of candidates allotted in each session is of the same order of magnitude. AfterGraduation explains here the normalization process of GATE in detail so that candidates understand how their final scores are actually calculated for different papers.
Difference in GATE Marks and GATE Score
The GATE paper, irrespective of the test subjects carries a total 100 marks. The actual marks scored by the candidates out of 100 will be the GATE marks. These are later normalized to arrive at the GATE scores. The highest GATE score is 1000. However, a candidate who has obtained 1000 need not have 100 marks in GATE. The marks after normalization can be 1000 as the calculation is done after consideration of a lot of factors. The methodology is explained below.
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Method to Normalized Raw GATE Marks
Based on the above assumptions, the following formula is used for calculating the normalized marks for the multiple session test papers (CE, CS, EC, EE and ME).
After evaluation of the actual responses in the GATE response sheet, the raw scores of the candidates are normalized based on the above formula. Further, GATE score is calculated based on the normalized marks.
The normalization of raw scores is not required for the GATE papers which are held in only one session. Actual marks obtained by candidates are used for calculating the GATE score in such cases.
Calculation of GATE Score
After the evaluation of the answers, normalized marks based on the above formula will be calculated corresponding to the raw marks obtained by a candidate for CE, CS, EC, EE and ME papers. The GATE Score will be calculated based on the normalized marks. For all other papers, actual marks obtained will be used for calculating the GATE Score.
For single as well as multiple-session papers, GATE score is calculated using the formula given below. Here, M is the raw scores obtained by a candidate for single session test papers. For test papers conducted in multiple sessions, M is the normalized scores.
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The final scorecard, based on the above evaluation process, is made available to the candidates. Final GATE scores are generally made available for download from March 20, 2018 for candidates whose marks are greater than or equal to the qualifying mark in their respective papers. Candidate must keep the GATE Scorecard safe as it will be required for the Higher degree admissions or PSU recruitment through GATE as the case may be. The GATE Committee has the authority to decide the qualifying mark/score for each GATE paper.
Percentile
A candidate’s percentile denotes the percentage of candidates scoring lower than that particular candidate. It is calculated as:
Percentile = ( 1 – All India rank/No. of candidates in that subject ) x 100%
GATE 2017 Cutoff and Qualifying Marks
| S.No | Branch | General | OBC | SC/ST/PH |
| 1 | Electronics and Communication (EC) | 25.00 | 22.50 | 16.60 |
| 2 | Civil Engineering (CE) | 28.70 | 25.8 | 19.10 |
| 3 | Electrical Engineering (EE) | 25.20 | 25.20 | 16.70 |
| 4 | Mechanical Engineering (ME) | 32.87 | 29 | 21 |
| 5 | Computer Science & Information Technology (CS) | 25 | 22.50 | 16.60 |
| 6 | Instrumentation Engineering (IN) | 34.60 | 31.10 | 23.00 |
| 7 | Chemical Engineering (CH) | 44.30 | 39.80 | 29.50 |
| 8 | Biotechnology (BT) | 38.90 | 35.00 | 25.90 |
Here you got the details about GATE Normalization process. Have any query regarding ‘GATE Normalization Process to Calculate Normalized Marks and GATE Score’, you can discuss with us via the AfterGraduation Forum. All the Best to GATE 2018 Aspirants. Connect with us for all latest updates on GATE 2018 through Facebook and Twitter.
