Is IBPS Losing Trust? Aspirants Share Their Concerns

In recent times, a growing number of aspirants have raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) recruitment process. From unpredictable normalization practices to unexplained raw score conversions and the widening gap between advertised vacancies and final appointments, the concerns are becoming louder and more serious.

Is IBPS Losing Trust?

Trust in IBPS is slowly eroding as candidates are faced with unclear assessment practices and unfulfilled promises. The controversial normalization process often leaves candidates confused about their final scores, especially when the “What’s My Raw Score?“ question remains unanswered. What adds to the frustration is that the gap between the number of vacancies advertised and the actual number of candidates appointed is widening. These recurring issues have led many to question whether merit really defines success in IBPS exams anymore.

The Core Issues Aspirants Are Facing

1. Lack of Raw Score Transparency: After each exam, IBPS provides normalized scores and cut-offs but withholds raw marks. The result is growing frustration over Normalization Without Clarity?, as aspirants are left guessing how their efforts translated into final results.

• Evaluate their true performance.
• Understand their strengths and weaknesses.
• Prepare accurately for future attempts.

2. The Mysterious Normalization Process: While normalization is essential for multi-shift exams, the formula used by IBPS is never disclosed. This leaves room for suspicion. Candidates often share that despite attempting more questions with higher accuracy, they receive lower normalized marks than peers who had seemingly weaker attempts.

3. High Vacancies, But Fewer Appointments: Each year, notifications boast large vacancy numbers. But when final selections are announced, many seats remain unfilled, without any proper explanation. Candidates are frustrated when:

• 1,000 vacancies are notified, but only 700 candidates are appointed.
• Banks later report staff shortages despite eligible candidates waiting in reserve lists.

4. No Official Answer Keys or Question Papers: Unlike other prestigious bodies like SSC or UPSC, IBPS does not release official answer keys or question papers. This lack of openness fuels anxiety and speculation about whether marking and evaluations are done correctly.

Why Aspirants Are Raising Their Voice

Understanding Performance: Aspirants need raw marks to assess their preparation level.

Ensuring Accountability: With raw marks and answer keys, aspirants can verify and contest discrepancies if any.

Rebuilding Trust: With increasing competition, every mark counts. Without transparency, deserving candidates feel left out.

Comparison with Other Exams: Most major government exams (SSC, UPSC, Railways) now publish raw scores and answer keys. Why can’t IBPS?

What Aspirants Are Demanding

With growing concerns over transparency in the IBPS recruitment process, aspirants are now united in their demand for greater clarity and accountability. From raw scores to final appointments, candidates are seeking key reforms that can restore their trust in the system. Here’s a look at what they are demanding and why it truly matters:

The Way Forward for IBPS

In an age of open data, transparency, and digital governance, IBPS must align with modern best practices by:

• Releasing raw scores alongside normalized marks.
• Sharing the normalization methodology in detail.
• Publishing answer keys post-exam.
• Providing a grievance redressal mechanism where candidates can seek clarification.