Indore: A recruitment exam in Madhya Pradesh has sparked a major controversy after a candidate allegedly scored 101.66 marks out of 100, a result attributed to the “normalisation” process used during evaluations. The anomaly has led to protests by job aspirants, who are questioning the fairness of the system and demanding an impartial inquiry into the recruitment process.
Background: What Happened?
The issue surfaced when the Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board declared the results of the Van and Jail Recruitment Test 2023 on December 13, 2024. The examination was conducted for positions such as forest guard, field guard (executive), and jail guard (executive).
To everyone’s surprise, the result revealed that a candidate topped the merit list with 101.66 marks out of 100, an occurrence attributed to the normalisation process. This scoring system, though a standard practice in competitive exams conducted across multiple sessions, has become the focal point of outrage among job aspirants.
Understanding the Normalisation Process
Normalisation is a statistical method used to balance variations in difficulty when the same exam is conducted in different shifts with varying question papers. It ensures that candidates are neither unfairly advantaged nor disadvantaged due to these differences. As a result of normalisation, scores can sometimes exceed the maximum marks or, in rare cases, even fall below zero.
The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board defended the outcome, stating that the normalisation process was implemented as per established guidelines.
Protests and Allegations
Despite the board’s clarification, protests erupted in Indore as job aspirants alleged irregularities and possible fraud in the recruitment exam. On Monday, a group of unemployed youths gathered outside the district collector’s office, demanding action. They handed over a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, urging for an investigation into the matter.
Gopal Prajapat, one of the leaders of the protesting candidates, said:
“This is the first time in Madhya Pradesh’s history that a candidate has scored more than the maximum marks due to this so-called normalisation process. We believe the process is unfair, and we demand a fair inquiry into the recruitment results.”
Prajapat also warned of escalating the agitation if no action is taken, stating that job aspirants are prepared to launch a larger protest movement if their concerns remain unaddressed.
Growing Distrust in Recruitment Processes
This controversy has reignited concerns among aspirants regarding transparency in government recruitment exams. Candidates have alleged that the unusual scoring raises doubts about the integrity of the evaluation process. Many are calling for reforms to ensure fairness, accuracy, and accountability in recruitment tests conducted across the state.
The Way Forward
While normalisation is widely used in large-scale exams, the lack of understanding around it often leads to confusion and mistrust among candidates. Experts suggest that examination boards must adopt a more transparent approach when implementing normalisation. Clear communication regarding its methodology, along with public explanations of unexpected outcomes, can help build trust.
In the Madhya Pradesh case, the government’s response will be crucial in addressing the concerns of job aspirants and ensuring that the recruitment process is perceived as fair and credible.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the 101.66 out of 100 score in the Madhya Pradesh recruitment exam highlights the need for greater clarity and accountability in competitive examinations. While normalisation remains a valid statistical tool, the unusual outcome has triggered significant unrest among aspirants. With growing demands for an inquiry and potential for larger protests, the onus now lies on authorities to provide satisfactory answers and rebuild confidence in the system.
