The National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) conducts recruitment exams for various posts, including Administrative Officer (AO) and Assistant. These roles come with excellent career growth and job security, making NICL exams highly competitive. To succeed, it’s essential to understand the NICL syllabus and prepare effectively for each section.
In this guide, we’ll go over the NICL syllabus, exam pattern, and provide tips to help you get started.
NICL Exam Pattern
The NICL recruitment process varies slightly for Administrative Officer (AO) and Assistant roles. The exams are generally divided into two phases for both roles:
- Preliminary Exam
- Mains Exam
Both phases assess skills in Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General Awareness.
NICL AO (Administrative Officer) Exam Pattern
The NICL AO Exam has two main stages: Prelims and Mains, followed by an interview round.
1. Preliminary Exam Pattern
- Sections:
- Reasoning Ability
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Language
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Total Marks: 100
- Sectional Distribution:
- Reasoning Ability: 35 questions, 35 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 35 questions, 35 marks
- English Language: 30 questions, 30 marks (qualifying only)
2. Mains Exam Pattern
- Sections:
- Reasoning Ability
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- General Awareness
- Computer Knowledge
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Total Marks: 200
- Descriptive Test: English Language (Essay and Letter Writing) – 30 minutes
NICL Assistant Exam Pattern
The NICL Assistant Exam follows a similar structure to the AO exam but without the descriptive test and interview.
- Preliminary Exam: Tests Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language.
- Mains Exam: Tests Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, English Language, and Computer Knowledge.
NICL Syllabus for Preliminary Exam
1. Reasoning Ability
This section tests logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Key topics include:
- Puzzles
- Seating Arrangement
- Blood Relations
- Coding and Decoding
- Syllogism
- Inequality
- Order and Ranking
- Direction Sense
- Alphanumeric Series
2. Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section assesses basic math and calculation abilities. Important topics include:
- Simplification
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)
- Profit and Loss
- Ratio and Proportion
- Time, Speed, and Distance
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Average
- Percentage
3. English Language
The English Language section tests reading and grammar skills. Key topics include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Fill in the Blanks
- Vocabulary
NICL Syllabus for Mains Exam
The Mains Exam for both AO and Assistant roles expands upon the preliminary syllabus, adding sections for General Awareness and Computer Knowledge.
1. Reasoning Ability
The Reasoning section in the Mains exam is more advanced and includes:
- Puzzles
- Seating Arrangement
- Syllogism
- Coding and Decoding
- Data Sufficiency
- Logical Reasoning
- Input-Output
- Blood Relations
- Order and Ranking
2. English Language
The English section for Mains is also more advanced, covering:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Sentence Correction
- Error Spotting
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms)
3. Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section in Mains includes a broader range of topics:
- Data Interpretation (Charts, Graphs, Tables)
- Number Series
- Simplification
- Time and Work
- Ratio and Proportion
- Mensuration
- Probability
- Mixture and Alligation
- Permutation and Combination
- Profit and Loss
4. General Awareness
This section includes both static and current general knowledge, with a focus on the financial and insurance sector:
- Current Affairs (especially banking and insurance news)
- Important Days and Events
- Books and Authors
- Awards and Honors
- Sports News
- Indian Economy
- Government Schemes related to Insurance
- Indian Financial System
5. Computer Knowledge
The Computer Knowledge section tests basic computer skills and IT knowledge:
- Fundamentals of Computers (Hardware and Software)
- Internet and Networking
- Operating Systems
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Computer Security and Viruses
- Shortcuts and Internet Basics
6. Descriptive Test (for AO only)
The Descriptive Test is part of the NICL AO Mains Exam, testing candidates’ English writing skills:
- Essay Writing (Topics related to finance, insurance, or current events)
- Letter Writing (Formal and Informal)
Preparation Tips for NICL AO & Assistant Exams
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus for both the Preliminary and Mains exams.
- Focus on Current Affairs: For the General Awareness section, stay updated with daily current events, especially in banking and insurance.
- Use Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to improve speed, accuracy, and familiarity with the question format.
- Brush Up on Computer Basics: Review fundamental computer skills as well as specific tools such as MS Office.
- Practice Descriptive Writing: If you’re preparing for the AO role, practice essay and letter writing regularly.
- Revise Regularly: Keep revisiting topics to ensure you remember important concepts and facts.
Conclusion
The NICL syllabus for both AO and Assistant roles covers a wide range of topics across Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. With focused preparation, consistent practice, and a thorough understanding of the syllabus, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the NICL exam.
Best of luck with your exam preparation!