CET 2025: Complete Guide | The Govt Guide
Common Eligibility Test (CET) 2025: Your Ultimate Guide
The Common Eligibility Test (CET) 2025 is a nationwide preliminary exam conducted by the National Recruitment Agency (NRA) for Group B & C posts across multiple government bodies—including SSC, RRB, and IBPS. It’s held twice a year, scores remain valid for three years, and exam centers span over 1,000 districts. CET simplifies recruitment, reduces costs, and increases accessibility for over 2.5 crore aspirants.
Why CET Matters for Govt Job Aspirants
- Unified Exam: Replaces SSC CGL/CHSL prelims, RRB NTPC/Group D prelims, and IBPS PO/Clerk prelims—no more multiple registrations or overlapping schedules.
- Wider Reach: At least one center per district ensures rural candidates get fair access.
- Score Validity: CET score valid for three years—apply to various exams at your convenience.
- Language Flexibility: Available in 12 regional languages for inclusivity.
Key Features of CET 2025
Exam Levels & Frequency
CET is conducted at three levels:
- 10th Pass (Matriculate Level)
- 12th Pass (Higher Secondary Level)
- Graduate/Diploma Level
Held twice a year (likely July & December), with unlimited attempts up to the upper age limit and relaxations per government norms.
Exam Mode & Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 100 mins* |
| Numerical Aptitude | 50 | 50 | – |
| General English | 25 | 25 | – |
| General Awareness | 25 | 25 | – |
| Total | 150 | 150 | 2 hrs 30 mins |
*Exact time split to be announced by NRA.
Detailed Syllabus
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Topics include analogies, coding-decoding, puzzles, seating arrangements, blood relations, series, and non-verbal reasoning.
Numerical Aptitude
Covers number systems, simplification, percentages, ratio & proportion, time & work, profit & loss, averages, and data interpretation.
General English
Focuses on vocabulary, grammar, sentence correction, error spotting, fill-in-the-blanks, and reading comprehension.
General Awareness
Includes current affairs (last 6 months), history, geography, polity, economy, basic science, and static GK.
Eligibility Criteria
- 10th Pass Level: Class 10 pass
- 12th Pass Level: Class 12 pass
- Graduate Level: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Age Limit: 18–25 years (up to 30 for OBC, 35 for SC/ST)
- Nationality: Indian citizens, Nepalese/Bhutanese refugees, Tibetan refugees (pre-1962), PIO as per guidelines
Application Process & Important Dates
- Notification Release: May–June 2025
- Online Application Window: Likely early June 2025
- Fee: ₹100 (General), ₹50 (SC/ST/PwD)
- Admit Card: Available ~2 weeks before exam
- Exam Sessions: July & December 2025
- Results: Within 30 days post-exam
Apply via the official NRA CET website.
Top Preparation Tips
- Master the Syllabus: Break it into weekly targets focusing on high-weightage topics.
- Previous Year Papers: Solve SSC CGL, RRB, IBPS prelims to understand question trends.
- Mock Tests: Take full-length timed mocks every week to build speed & accuracy.
- Current Affairs: Read monthly compilations & daily news summaries.
- Shortcut Techniques: Learn Vedic maths tricks and reasoning shortcuts.
- Revision Notes: Create flashcards for formulas, vocab, and GK facts.
Resources & Recommended Books
| Book Title | Purchase Link |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal | Buy on Amazon.in |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal | Buy on Amazon.in |
| Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi | Buy on Amazon.in |
| Manorama Yearbook 2025 (English) by Malayala Manorama | Buy on Amazon.in |
Conclusion
The CET 2025 heralds a more efficient, inclusive, and candidate-friendly recruitment process. With a clear understanding of pattern, syllabus, dates, and strategic preparation, you’re well on your way to success. Bookmark this guide, join our mock test series, and stay updated with The Govt Guide for all CET news and resources.
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