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National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) will conduct the NICL Administrative Officer (AO) Examination to recruit eligible candidates for Generalist and Specialist vacancies. This exam is one of the most prestigious recruitment drives in the insurance sector, attracting thousands of aspirants every year. With limited vacancies and high competition, a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus becomes the first step toward success.
The NICL AO exam is held in three phases – Prelims, Mains, and Interview – and tests candidates on reasoning, aptitude, English, general awareness, computer knowledge, and professional subjects for specialists. Knowing the detailed structure of each stage helps candidates design a targeted study plan, avoid confusion, and prioritize important topics.
In this blog, we have covered the complete NICL AO Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025, along with key preparation tips to help aspirants approach the exam strategically. Whether you are a first-time candidate or repeating for a better attempt, this article will give you the right roadmap for cracking the exam.
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NICL AO 2025 Exam Date
According to the official notification, the NICL AO recruitment exam will be held in two phases before the Interview round.
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Preliminary Exam Date – September 14, 2025
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Mains Exam Date – October 29, 2025
Candidates must qualify in each stage (Prelims, Mains, Interview) to secure their position as Administrative Officers.
NICL AO Exam Overview 2025
1: What does the acronym "ATM" stand for in banking?
Particular | Details |
---|---|
Exam Conducting Authority | National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) |
Exam Name | NICL AO 2025 |
Post | Administrative Officer (Generalist & Specialist) |
Mode of Exam | Online CBT |
Exam Dates | Prelims – 20 July 2025 Mains – 31 August 2025 |
Duration | Prelims – 60 minutes Mains – 3 hours (Objective) + 30 mins (Descriptive) |
Negative Marking | ¼ mark deduction |
Selection Process | Prelims – Mains – Interview |
Official Website | nationalinsurance.nic.co.in |
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The NICL AO Exam is conducted in three phases – Preliminary, Mains, and Interview.
Key Points:
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Prelims is qualifying in nature; marks are not counted in the final merit.
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Separate sectional timings are applied in both Prelims and Mains.
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Negative marking of 0.25 marks applies to each wrong answer.
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Mains + Interview scores decide the final selection (weightage 80:20).
Phase I – Preliminary Examination (Generalists & Specialists)
Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time | Medium |
---|---|---|---|---|
English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins | English |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins | English/Hindi |
Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 mins | English/Hindi |
Total | 100 | 100 | 60 mins | — |
👉 Candidates must clear both sectional and overall cut-offs to qualify for Mains.
Phase II – Main Examination
(A) For Generalists
Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Medium |
---|---|---|---|---|
Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 40 mins | English/Hindi |
English Language | 50 | 50 | 40 mins | English |
General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 30 mins | English/Hindi |
Computer Knowledge | 50 | 50 | 30 mins | English/Hindi |
Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 40 mins | English/Hindi |
Total | 250 | 250 | 200 mins | — |
(B) For Specialists
Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Medium |
---|---|---|---|---|
Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 35 mins | English/Hindi |
English Language | 40 | 40 | 30 mins | English |
General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 20 mins | English/Hindi |
Computer Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 25 mins | English/Hindi |
Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 | 35 mins | English/Hindi |
Professional Knowledge (Relevant Discipline) | 50 | 50 | 35 mins | English/Hindi |
Total | 250 | 250 | 180 mins | — |
(C) Descriptive Test (For All)
Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Medium |
---|---|---|---|---|
Essay Writing | 1 | 10 | 30 mins | English |
Précis Writing | 1 | 10 | — | English |
Comprehension | 1 | 10 | — | English |
Total | 3 | 30 | 30 mins | — |
👉 Descriptive test is qualifying; marks are not added to final merit.
Phase III – Interview
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Shortlisted candidates after Mains are called for Interview.
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Final Merit = Mains (80%) + Interview (20%)
NICL AO Syllabus 2025
The syllabus covers Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and Professional Knowledge (for Specialists).
Prelims Syllabus
Reasoning Ability
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Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Inequalities
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Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Input-Output
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Alphanumeric Series, Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude
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Number Series, Simplification, Data Interpretation
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Time & Work, Speed, Distance, Ratio & Proportion
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Probability, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Mixtures, Mensuration
English Language
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Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Error Spotting
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Cloze Test, Sentence Rearrangement, Vocabulary, Fill in the Blanks
Mains Syllabus
General Awareness
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Current Affairs (last 6 months)
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Financial Awareness, Insurance & Banking GK
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Static GK
Computer Knowledge
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Hardware & Software, Internet, Networking Basics
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MS Office, Computer Abbreviations, Memory, Operating Systems
Descriptive English
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Essay Writing, Precis Writing, Comprehension
Professional Knowledge (Specialists Only)
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Finance: Accounting, Financial Management, Costing
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Legal: Contracts, Company Law, Insurance Laws
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IT: DBMS, Networking, Programming, Cybersecurity
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Automobile: Vehicle Design, Engineering Basics
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Medical: MBBS-level applied medical knowledge
NICL AO Preparation Tip
Preparing for NICL AO requires a mix of smart planning, consistent practice, and exam-oriented strategy. Below are some essential tips:
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Understand the Exam Pattern: Study the Prelims and Mains structure carefully. Focus on sectional timing and negative marking.
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Follow a Daily Study Plan: Dedicate at least 6–7 hours daily. Split time between Reasoning, Quant, English, and GK.
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Prioritize Mock Tests: Take 2–3 mock tests every week. Analyze mistakes and track improvement.
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Build General Awareness: Read newspapers and follow insurance-related updates regularly. Revise monthly current affairs compilations.
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Strengthen Computer Knowledge: Cover MS Office, networking, and abbreviations thoroughly, as this section is high scoring.
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Focus on Professional Knowledge (for Specialists): Revise core subject theories and practice application-based questions.
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Practice Descriptive Writing: Write essays and précis weekly to improve typing speed and clarity.
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Join Now!Conclusion
The NICL AO Exam 2025 demands clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus. With structured preparation, consistent practice, and proper revision, aspirants can crack this exam. Prelims ensures screening, while Mains and Interview decide the final merit. Download the Entri App to access expert-led video courses, daily quizzes, and mock tests for assured success.
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Are you ready to take your banking career aspirations to new heights? Join Entri App's Bank Exam Coaching program to kickstart your preparations!
Join Now!Frequently Asked Questions
How many stages are there in the NICL AO 2025 selection process?
The NICL AO exam has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Prelims is only qualifying in nature. Mains marks and Interview performance decide the final merit list. Candidates must clear each stage separately to proceed.
What is the exam pattern for NICL AO Mains 2025?
The Mains has both objective and descriptive sections. For Generalists, it includes Reasoning, Quant, English, GK, and Computer Knowledge. For Specialists, Professional Knowledge is also tested. A descriptive test of essay, précis, and comprehension follows.
What subjects are covered in the NICL AO syllabus?
The syllabus includes Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. Specialists must prepare for subject-specific knowledge like Finance, IT, Law, Automobile, or Medical. Descriptive English covers essay, précis, and comprehension writing.