National Recruitment Agency

The National Recruitment Agency or NRA is an independent body that will conduct examinations for government jobs. The decision to set up the NRA was approved by the Union Cabinet on August 19, 2020. The agency will conduct a Common Eligibility Test for various government jobs. The Centre plans to use the CET score for all recruitments in the future. But, to begin with, this will be implemented only in three sectors.

Salient features of National Recruitment Agency.

The Common Eligibility Test will be held twice a year.
There will be different CETs for graduate level, 12th Pass level and 10th pass level to facilitate recruitment to vacancies at various levels.
The CET will be conducted in 12 major Indian languages. This is a major change, as hitherto examinations for recruitment to Central Government jobs were held only in English and Hindi.
To begin with, CET will cover recruitments made by three agencies: viz. Staff Selection Commission, Railway Recruitment Board and the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. This will be expanded in a phased manner.
CET will be held in 1,000 centres across India in a to bid remove the currently prevalent urban bias. There will be an examination centre in every district of the country. There will be a special thrust on creating examination infrastructure in the 117 aspirational districts.
CET will be a first level test to shortlist candidates and the score will be valid for three years.
There shall be no restriction on the number of attempts to be taken by a candidate to appear in the CET subject to the upper age limit. Age relaxation for SC/ST and OBC candidates as per existing rules will apply.

India – China Relations GS 2 Notes

Advantages for students

Removes the hassle of appearing in multiple examinations.
Single examination fee would reduce the financial burden that multiple exams imposed.
Since exams will be held in every district, it would substantially save travel and lodging cost for the candidates. Examination in their own district would encourage more and more women candidates also to apply for government jobs.
Applicants are required to register on a single Registration portal.
No need to worry about clashing of examination dates.

Advantages for Institutions

Removes the hassle of conducting preliminary / screening test of candidates.
Drastically reduces the recruitment cycle.
Brings standardization in the examination pattern.
Reduces costs for different recruiting agencies. Rs 600 crore savings expected.

The Government also plans to provide outreach and awareness facility to assist candidates in rural and far flung areas to familiarize them with the online examination system. 24×7 helpline will be set up for answering queries, complaints and queries.