(a) Eligible lists shall be established as a result of free competitive examinations open to persons who lawfully may be appointed to any position within the class for which these examinations are held and who meet the minimum qualifications requisite to the performance of the duties of that position as prescribed by the specifications for the class or by board rule.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the board may limit the size of candidate groups in entry-level and nonpromotional examinations when doing so would be in the best interest of the state and effective competition can occur among a smaller number of applicants.