LIC AAO (Specialist) And AE 2025 Exam Pattern, Detailed Syllabus and Preparation Tips!
The LIC Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO) Specialist and Assistant Engineer (AE) exams are about to be conducted. This article provides a detailed explanation of the exam, covering the exam pattern, detailed syllabus, and preparation strategies.
Introduction
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) conducts the AAO (Specialist) and AE exams to recruit qualified candidates for various specialist roles and engineering positions. These exams attract numerous applicants seeking stable and rewarding government jobs. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in the relevant field are generally eligible to apply.
Exam Pattern
The LIC AAO exam includes Preliminary (Phase I), Main Examination (Phase II), and Interview (Phase III). Exam pattern varies by post (Specialist/Legal).
Important Note
Exam pattern varies by post. Check official notification for details.
A) Phase I: Preliminary Exam (Specialist)+AE
Objective test, online, with sectional timings. Negative marking: 1/4 mark deduction for wrong answers. Candidates must qualify in each section.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Medium | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | English & Hindi | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | English & Hindi | 20 minutes |
| English Language* | 30 | 30 | English | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 70 | 60 Minutes |
Note: English Language is qualifying; marks not counted for ranking. 20x vacancies shortlisted for Main Exam.
B) Phase II: Main Examination (Specialist)+AE
Objective and descriptive tests, online. No negative marking. Separate timings for each objective section. Descriptive test follows objective. Candidates must qualify in each section.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Medium | Min. Qualifying (SC/ST/PWBD) | Min. Qualifying (Others) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | English & Hindi | 13 | 15 | 20 minutes |
| General Awareness | 20 | 20 | English & Hindi | 9 | 10 | 10 minutes |
| Professional Knowledge | 50 | 100 | English & Hindi | 45 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| **Total (Objective)** | 100 | 150 | 60 Minutes | |||
| Professional Knowledge (Descriptive) | 50 | # | English & Hindi | # 45% of Total | # 50% of Total | 60 Minutes |
| English Language (Descriptive) | 2 | 25* | English | 9 | 10 | 30 Minutes |
Note: # 50 marks converted to 150. English Language is qualifying. Descriptive paper evaluated only for those who qualify in objective part.
C) Phase I: Preliminary Exam (Legal)
Objective test, online, with sectional timings. Negative marking: 1/4 mark deduction for wrong answers. Candidates must qualify in each section.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Medium | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | English & Hindi | 20 Minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 35 | English | 20 minutes |
| General Awareness | 30 | 30 | English & Hindi | 20 minutes |
| **Total** | 100 | 70 | 60 Minutes |
Note: General Awareness is qualifying; marks not counted for ranking. 20x vacancies shortlisted for Main Exam.
D) Phase II: Main Examination (Legal)
Objective and descriptive tests, online. No negative marking. Separate timings for each objective section. Descriptive test follows objective. Candidates must qualify in each section.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Medium | Min. Qualifying (SC/ST/PWBD) | Min. Qualifying (Others) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | English & Hindi | 13 | 15 | 20 minutes |
| General Awareness | 20 | 20 | English & Hindi | 9 | 10 | 10 minutes |
| Professional Knowledge | 50 | 100 | English & Hindi | 45 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| **Total (Objective)** | 100 | 150 | 60 Minutes | |||
| Professional Knowledge (Descriptive) | 50 | # | English & Hindi | # 45% of Total | # 50% of Total | 60 Minutes |
| English Language (Descriptive) | 2 | 25* | English | 9 | 10 | 30 Minutes |
Note: # 50 marks converted to 150. English Language is qualifying. Descriptive paper evaluated only for those who qualify in objective part.
Phase-III: Interview
Main Exam marks are used for interview shortlisting. Maximum interview marks: 60. Qualifying marks: EWS/Unreserved/OBC - 30, SC/ST/PwBD - 27. Interview call: approximately 3x vacancies. Merit order based on Main Exam + Interview marks.
Subject-wise Topics
The syllabus for the LIC AAO (Specialist) and AE exams is extensive, covering a range of topics relevant to the specific post. Here's a breakdown of the key subjects and topics:
Reasoning Ability
Covers logical reasoning, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities.
| Topic | Subtopics | Expected Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Syllogism, Data Sufficiency | High |
| Analytical Reasoning | Statement and Assumptions, Course of Action, Inferences | Medium |
| Verbal Reasoning | Critical Reasoning, Passage Inference, Conclusion | Medium |
English Language
Focuses on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills.
| Topic | Subtopics | Expected Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar | Sentence Correction, Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks | High |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases | Medium |
| Reading Comprehension | Passage-based Questions | High |
Quantitative Aptitude
Tests mathematical skills, including arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation.
| Topic | Subtopics | Expected Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Simple and Compound Interest | High |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs | High |
| Algebra | Simplification, Quadratic Equations | Medium |
Professional Knowledge
Covers topics specific to the candidate's chosen specialization (e.g., IT, Finance, Actuarial).
The specific topics for Professional Knowledge will vary based on the specialization.
Preparation Strategy
A well-structured preparation strategy is essential for success.
Preparation Tips
- Time Allocation: Dedicate sufficient time to each subject based on its weightage and your strengths and weaknesses.
- Important Topics: Focus on high-weightage topics like Reasoning Puzzles, Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation.
- Study Sequence: Start with fundamental concepts and gradually move to more complex topics.
Important Resources
Short Q&A
Q: What is the eligibility criteria for the LIC AAO exam? A: A Bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline is generally required. Refer to the official notification for detailed eligibility criteria.
Q: Is there negative marking in the LIC AAO exam? A: Yes, there is typically a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in the Preliminary exam for Specialists and Legal.
Q: How can I prepare for the Professional Knowledge section? A: Focus on the core concepts of your specialization and stay updated with the latest developments in your field.
Q: Where can I find the official syllabus for the LIC AAO exam? A: The official syllabus is available on the LIC website.