Online exam from next year for select govt recruitment: Union Minister Jitendra Singh

A Common Eligibility Test (CET) will be conducted online across country from next year to screen and shortlist candidates for recruitment to select central government jobs, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Monday.

He said test will be a major boon for youths seeking government employment. " National Recruitment ncy (NRA) for conducting Common Eligibility Test has been constituted with approval of Union Cabinet," said Singh, Minister of State for Personnel.

NRA will be a multi-ncy body which will conduct common test to screen and shortlist candidates for Group-B and C (n-technical) posts, he said.

" most significant feature of this reform is that every district in country will have at least one examination centre which would greatly enhance access to candidates living in far-flung areas," Singh told PTI.

One of important objectives of this historic reform is to provide a level-playing field to every candidate so that ne of job aspirants is at disadvant and has an equal opportunity regardless of his or her background or socio-ecomic status, he said.

"This will also be a huge benefit to women and divyang candidates as well as those who find it financially unaffordable to appear for multiple tests by travelling to multiple centres," minister said. Singh said first Common Eligibility Test to be conducted by NRA is likely to be scheduled around second half of 2021.

He also pointed out that NRA will be an independent automous organisation responsible for shortlisting candidates for certain categories recruitment for which is carried through Staff Selection Commission (SSC), State Selection Boards (RRBs) and Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS).

"However, existing central recruiting ncies like SSC, RRBs and IBPS would continue to conduct specific recruitments as per ir requirements and Common Eligibility Test will only be test for preliminary screening of candidates for jobs," he added. 

(Photo Credit: Twitter/DrJitendraSingh)