National Recruitment Agency [NRA] Common Eligibility Test Explained.

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What is National Recruitment Agency

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to set up a National Recruitment Agency (NRA). The proposed NRA will conduct a common preliminary examination for various recruitments in the central government.

What is NRA CET?

National Recruitment Agency Common Eligibility Test (NRA CET) is a screening test that will be conducted by the NRA to shortlist candidates for various Group-B and -C non-technical and non-gazetted posts in the central government. In the process, NRA is likely to overtake the tier-I online exam from three government recruitment bodies:

1. Staff Selection Commission – Exams included are SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC GD, SSC CPO, SSC Stenographer, SSC JHT, SSC MTS, SSC Selection Post Exam.
2. Railway Recruitment Board – Exams included are RRB Group-D and RRB NTPC.
3. Institute of Banking Personnel – IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk.

The NRA CET for SSC, RRB, and IBPS exams is likely to be held in September 2021. 

NRA CET Exam Highlights 2020-21

Exam Name	NRA CET (National Recruitment Agency Common Eligibility Test)
Conducting Body	NRA (National Recruitment Agency)
Exam Level	National
Exam Mode	Online only
Frequency of Exam Duration	Twice a year

NRA CET: Salient Features & Benefits

Check out some salient features of the National Recruitment Agency –

• NRA will conduct CET to screen candidates at the first level only for SSC, IBPS, and RRB recruitment.
• Based on the NRA CET score, the final selection will be made through separate specialized tier-II/tier-III exams to be conducted by respective recruitment agencies (SSC/IBPS/RRB).
• There will be separate online NRA CETs for graduates, Class 12 and Class 10 candidates for which mock tests will be available and a 24X7 helpline is also available. 
• Candidates will be able to schedule their tests and choose the exam center of their choice at their convenience.
• NRA CET score of a candidate will be valid for three years, so he or she can appear for the second level exams.
• NRA CET scores can be shared with the central government, state governments, Union Territories (UTs), Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and private sector.
• Through NRA CET, candidates will get the opportunity to compete for many posts by appearing for just one exam.

National Recruitment Agency Recruitment Process 2020-21

The NRA CET recruitment process will contain the following steps:

• Step 1: Fill NRA CET application form
• Step 2: Download NRA CET admit card
• Step 3: Appear for NRA CET paper
• Step 4: Check NRA CET result
• Step 5: Appear for the next stages of respective recruitment exams

Important National Recruitment Agency CET FAQS

Q: What is NRA?

A: The NRA or National Recruitment Agency is a multi-agency body that is set up for the recruitment of candidates for various central government jobs that were previously conducted by separate bodies. 

Q: Is NRA already established?

A: Currently, the Union Cabinet has only approved the creation of NRA. The agency is yet to be established.

Q: What is NRA CET?

A: NRA CET is a common eligibility test that will be conducted by the National Recruitment Agency to screen candidates at the first level of various SSC, RRB, and IBPS recruitment exams.

Q: What will be the tentative date for the NRA CET?

A: Since the National Recruitment Agency is yet to be established, it is expected that the first NRA CET will be held in September 2021.

Q: How many CETs will NRA conduct?

A: NRA will conduct three CETs for – Class 10, Class 12 and graduation.

Q: Will NRA also conduct UPSC exams?

A: No, NRA will not conduct any UPSC exam. It will conduct exams only for SSC, RRB, and IBPS.

Q: Will Teaching Eligibility Tests (TETs) be conducted by NRA?

A: No, NRA will have no role in the conduct of TETs.

Q: Would IBPS, RRB, and SSC stop working?

A: No, SSC, RRB, and IBPS will continue conducting recruitment exams as per the vacancies posted by the government. They will only stop conducting the first-level screening exam for the recruitment.

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