NRA CET 2020-2021 FAQ – All You Need to Know

Every year, tens of recruiting agencies conduct hundreds of recruitment process in our country. On average, 2.5-3 crore aspirants appear for about 1.25 lakh vacancies in the government sector every year. For appearing in each of these tests one has to pay anywhere between Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000, making a big hole in the pockets of the unemployed youths in our country. Not only the candidates, but these recruitment processes are also exhausting for the conducting agencies too. This recruitment process involves law and order, security-related issues and venue-related problems requiring crores for one single test. These multiple tests are always the blowout for controversies too. The paper leak and other cheating techniques tarnished the credibility of these recruitment tests. Through this NRA CET 2020 reform, the central government is aiming to solve all these problems.

National Recruitment Agency (NRA) will hold the common entrance test (CET) for recruitment at government jobs in India on behalf of 22 recruitment agencies. In its first stage the CET will be conducted in 12 Indian languages, and for 3 recruitment agencies (SSC, IBPS, and RRB) and will be extended to other languages, and agencies eventually. The NRA will an independent, professional, specialist autonomous organisation which will streamline the hundreds of recruitment tests in our country. So, from 2021 onwards the newly proposed National Recruitment Agency (NRA) by the central government will streamline the hiring processes of Group-B (non-gazetted), Group-C (non-technical) and clerical posts in the government along with various equivalent recruitment in public sector banks. Here we are trying to answer some of your doubts regarding the NRA CET 2020-21.

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NRA CET FAQ

The National Recruitment Agency’s Common Eligibility Test (NRA CET) is all set to conduct its very first series by 2021. So let’s have a quick look at the known facts about this much-hyped NRA CET 2020.

• What is NRA CET?

The central government will set up an autonomous exam conducting body called as National Recruitment Agency (NRA). This NRA will conduct the Common Eligibility Test (CET) as a single screening test, and this result will be used by different recruitment agencies in India to hire suitable candidates. In the beginning, SSC, RRB, and IBPS will use this NRA CET preliminary tests score.

• Why the National Recruitment Agency (NRA) is required?

Today if you wish to apply against the notice of either of RRB, SSC, or IBPS you have to fill the separate application form and have to pay fees to multiple recruiting agencies. There are times these exams schedules overlaps to each other, making you drop one of them for the other. This autonomous recruitment agency, National Recruitment Agency by the central government will streamline the hiring processes. The registration portal and syllabus will be common with single entrance fee. NRA reduces the burden of SSC and the IBPS, among others, from holding preliminary recruitment exams, which is an extensive exercise.

• When, and where did the idea of NRA, and CET was first announced?

National Recruitment Agency (NRA), and the Common Eligibility Test, CET was announced in the Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in February 2020.

• Who all were the members of the National Recruitment Agency (NRA)?

NRA will be headed by a Chairman of the rank of the Secretary to the Indian Government. It will have representatives of the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Finance/ Department of Financial Services, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) and Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS).

NRA CET SYLLABUS AND EXAM PATTERN

• What would be the selection pattern of the NRA CET?

NRA will conduct three-level (based on education qualification) Computer Based Objective Test. This tests score will be the preliminary test for the IBPS, RRB, and SSC recruitment. Candidates can now apply towards any of these agencies Stage-II selection process based on this scorecard.

• What would be the eligibility criteria for the NRA CET?

Similar to the SSC Selection posts tests, the CET will be conducted for three levels: Graduate (Degree level), Higher secondary (12th pass) and the matriculate (SSLC pass) candidates.

• What will be the language of this Common Eligibility Test (CET) by the NRA?

The test would be available in multiple languages including all those notified under Schedule 8 of the Constitution. Candidates can take the test in 12 languages.

• Is there any maximum attempt criteria for taking the NRA CET?

There are no maximum attempt criteria for the NRA CET. The number of attempts is bound to the upper age criteria for appearing in the government recruitments. The National Recruitment Agency is yet to comment on the upper age criteria, but considering the facts, at least candidates below 30 years would be eligible. The relaxation in the upper age limit shall be given to candidates of SC/ ST/ OBC and other categories according to the government norms.

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• What would be the validity of this NRA Common Eligibility Test (CET)?

The CET score shall be valid for a period of three years from the date of declaration of the result.

• How many times did NRA conduct this Common Eligibility Test (CET) in a year?

The NRA conducts the Common Eligibility Test (CET) twice a year.

• Where can I find the NRA CET exam centres?

NRA will set up exam centres in all districts across India, in order to provide access to all aspirants. The NRA is planning the possibilities for conducting mock tests for rural aspirants. Government is giving special focus on creating examination infrastructure in the 117 Aspirational Districts and sanctioned Rs. 1,517.57 crores for the NRA for three years.

• Do candidates need to pay examination fees separately for appearing for each of the recruitments?

Candidates need to pay only once, and through this, they can apply for more than one recruitments. Clarifications regarding whether separate exam fees requirement in three levels of CET is yet to get clarified by the NRA.

• Will the exams, NRA CET starts in 2020?

No, NRA CET will start from 2021 onwards only. NRA still exists in papers only.

If you have any more doubts regarding this topic, let us know through the comments.

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