The Union Cabinet on Wednesday, 19 August, approved the setting up of the National Recruitment Agency to conduct Common Eligibility Test (CET), with Union Minister Prakash Javadekar saying the decision will benefit the job-seeking youth of the country.
"It's one of the most landmark reforms in the history of independent India. It'll bring in 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," Union Minister Jitendra Singh was quoted by news agency ANI as saying.
What exactly is CET? What should government job seekers know about? Read on.
What is the Common Eligibility Test?
The Common Eligibility Test (CET) is an examination conducted for the selection of employees to non-gazetted posts in the central government and public sector banks. This will be the single entrance examination for all non-gazetted posts – Group B and C posts.
What exams come under the CET?
As of now, the exams conducted by three agencies – banking personnel selection agency IBPS, railway recruitment board RRB and the staff selection commission (SSC) will be unified.
Pointing out that there are almost 20 recruitment agencies under the central government, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) secretary C Chandramouli said they are making exams of only three agencies common for now.
"In course of time, we will be able to have Common Eligibility Test for all recruitment agencies," he was quoted as saying.
How long will the CET score be valid for?
- The score will be valid for three years during which candidate can apply for jobs in different sectors.
- The candidate can apply for jobs upon his/her aptitude and preferences.
How many times will the test be conducted?
The test will be conducted two times every year – in multiple Indian languages and English.
(With inputs from ANI and PTI.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)