The Indian government plans to establish a National Recruitment Agency (NRA) to streamline the recruitment process for subordinate-rank positions. Expected to revamp the selection of Group-B (non-gazetted), Group-C (non-technical), and clerical roles, this initiative also covers equivalent recruitment in Public Sector Banks (PSBs). The NRA’s inception will bring relief to the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), as it will take over conducting preliminary recruitment examinations.
NRA’s Role in the Recruitment Process
Once operational, the NRA will serve as the primary agency to shortlist qualified candidates from a pool of applicants. It will then pass this curated list to the SSC, IBPS, and other similar organizations, which will execute the main exams. Current recruitment activities performed by the SSC that will transition to the new agency include the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, a gateway to government departments such as Assistant Section Officers. Other exams slated for transfer are those for Customs and Central Excise, the Income Tax Department, the Ministry of Railways and more.
Similarly, clerical-level recruitment tests for public sector banks will move under the NRA’s purview. However, the proposed agency will not handle the recruitment of Probationary Officers (POs) in banks.
Profile of Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
The SSC is an attached office of the Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions. Established on November 4, 1975, as the Subordinate Services Commission, it was re-designated as the Staff Selection Commission on September 26, 1977. The SSC recruits for various Group “B” and Group “C” posts in multiple Ministries/Departments of the Government of India and in Subordinate Offices. Its headquarters is in New Delhi.
About Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
IBPS, registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950, is an autonomous body formed in 1984. It aids organizations in personnel-related areas such as recruitment, selection, placement, etc., and its headquarters is in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Quick Facts
| Organization | Established | Purpose | Headquarters Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Recruitment Agency (Proposed) | TBD | To streamline recruitment process for subordinate-rank positions in the government | TBD |
| Staff Selection Commission | 1975 | To recruit for various Group “B” and Group “C” posts in multiple Ministries/Departments and Subordinate Offices | New Delhi |
| Institute of Banking Personnel Selection | 1984 | To assist organisations in personnel-related areas such as recruitment, selection, placement, etc. | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
Moving Forward
The proposed NRA is set to bring changes in the current government recruitment methods. By reducing the burden on the SSC and the IBPS, the new agency is expected to make the recruitment process efficient and streamlined, benefitting both authorities and applicants alike.