One Paper, Many Futures: How a Single Competitive Exam Score Is Now Used Across Multiple Recruitments

The year 2026 marks a paradigm shift in Indian competitive examinations with the full-scale implementation of the National Recruitment Agency (NRA). Under the "One Nation, One Exam" vision, the Common Eligibility Test (CET) has effectively replaced the preliminary (Tier-I) exams for major recruitment bodies, including the SSC, IBPS, and RRB. This reform aims to eliminate the redundant cycle of multiple applications, fees, and travel for millions of aspirants.

The Unified Exam Architecture

Instead of appearing for separate prelims for every job notification, candidates now take a single CET. The scores from this test serve as the primary screening mechanism for Group B and Group C (non-technical) posts.

Key Features of the 2026 Model:

1. Three Levels of Testing: Separate exams are conducted for Graduates, 12th Pass, and 10th Pass candidates to ensure level-appropriate competition.
2. Score Validity: Your CET score is now valid for 3 years. You can re-appear twice a year to improve your score, and only your best performance will be considered.
3. Multilingual Access: To support rural and regional candidates, the exam is conducted in 12 major Indian languages in addition to English and Hindi.

Recruitment Agencies Using the CET Score

Once a candidate secures a competitive CET score, they are eligible to apply directly for the Tier-II (Mains) or Skill Tests of the following organizations:

Important Note: While the NRA CET handles the screening, the final selection, physical tests, and specialized Tier-II exams remain under the jurisdiction of the respective agencies (SSC, IBPS, or RRB).

Preparation Strategy for the Unified Syllabus

The 2026 CET has standardized the curriculum, meaning you no longer need to study different patterns for Banking and Railways. The core focus areas include:

1. Quantitative Aptitude: Focus on Arithmetic and Data Interpretation (crucial for both Banking and SSC).
2. Reasoning Ability: Covers both logical puzzles (Bank-style) and verbal reasoning (SSC-style).
3. General Awareness: Heavy emphasis on Current Affairs, Static GK, and the Indian Economy.
4. Language Proficiency: Testing basic grammar and comprehension in your chosen medium.

Benefits for the 2026 Aspirant

1. Financial Relief: A single registration fee replaces the thousands of rupees previously spent on individual exam forms.
2. Logistical Ease: The government has established at least one exam center in every district, significantly reducing travel and lodging costs for rural candidates.
3. Transparency: A centralized "Standard Question Bank" and AI-driven normalisation formulas ensure that no shift or language medium is disadvantaged.

References & Official Links

1. NRA CET Notification Update - Prepp
2. Press Information Bureau - NRA Factsheet
3. Common Eligibility Test Benefits - Oliveboar