NICL AO Exam Pattern: Prelims, Mains and Interview
The pattern below is from National Insurance Company Limited's notification of October 2026 for Administrative Officers (Generalists and Specialists) in Scale I.
· Last reviewed
Phase I: Preliminary Exam (All Disciplines)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Each section is timed separately and you must pass each one. About 15 times the number of vacancies are shortlisted for the mains, subject to availability.
Phase II: Main Exam for Generalists
| Test | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| English Language | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| Computer Knowledge | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 250 | 250 | 3 hours |
Phase II: Main Exam for Specialists
| Test | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 30 minutes |
| Computer Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 25 minutes |
| Technical and professional knowledge of the discipline | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| Total | 250 | 250 | 3 hours |
In both versions you need a minimum score in each section and in the total.
Descriptive Test
A 30-minute test in English, typed on the computer, with an essay, a précis and a comprehension of 10 marks each. It is qualifying only: its marks do not count for the interview shortlist or the final selection, and it is evaluated only for those who clear the objective test.
Negative Marking, Interview and Final Merit
- A quarter of the marks for a question is deducted for each wrong answer in the prelims and the mains.
- The final merit combines the mains objective test and the interview in the ratio 80:20. You must reach the minimum mark in the interview too.
- Ties go to the candidate with higher interview marks, then to the older candidate.
- You can apply for only one discipline. If you apply more than once, only the latest valid application is kept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NICL AO descriptive test counted in merit?
No. It is qualifying only. Merit uses the mains objective test and the interview, 80:20.
Is the NICL AO exam in Hindi?
All objective tests except English Language are in English and Hindi. The descriptive test is in English only.
Do specialists take a different mains?
Yes. Specialists have shorter general sections plus a 50-mark test on their own discipline, still 250 marks in 3 hours.
Posts, pay levels and eligibility here are those most notices have carried. The current notification is the final word on vacancies, dates, fees and exam details.