Cabinet gives nod to set up National Recruitment Agency for common eligibility test

There will be single entrance examination for all non-gazetted posts — Group B and C posts. Candidates who qualify this Common Entrance Test (CET) can apply to any recruitment agencies for higher level of examination. The score will be valid for three years during which candidate can apply for jobs in different sectors depending upon his/her aptitude and preferences.

There are more than 20 recruitment agencies currently under the Central government. “Although we are taking exams of only three common agencies as of now, in course of time we will be able to have one Common Eligiblity Test for all recruitment agencies in the country,” Secretary C Chandramouli said.

The agencies that will be brought under the National Recruitment Agency initially are related to railways, banks and the Staff Selection Commission. “The National Recruitment Agency will conduct the tier-1 examination for these three agencies online,” Chandramouli said.

Addressing a press conference here, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said it is one of the most landmark reforms in independent India. "It will bring ease of recruitment, selection, job placement and ease of living particularly for certain sections of society which are at a disadvantage on one account or the other," he said.

He said merit list through the test will remain valid for three years during which the candidate can apply for jobs in different sectors depending upon his aptitude and preferences.