LIC AAO Exam Syllabus and Pattern 2024

LIC AAO Exam Syllabus and Pattern 2024 

The LIC AAO (Assistant Administrative Officer) Exam is a prestigious opportunity for candidates aiming to secure a role in one of India's largest insurance companies. Understanding the exam syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. 

The LIC AAO Exam syllabus covers a broad range of subjects designed to assess a candidate's analytical and problem-solving skills. Key areas include Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, General Knowledge & Current Affairs, and English Language. 

Each section has a specific focus: from puzzles and data interpretation in Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude to comprehension and grammar in English Language. Additionally, General Knowledge & Current Affairs questions gauge your awareness of recent events and insurance sector updates. 

Familiarizing yourself with the syllabus will help streamline your study plan, improve time management, and increase your chances of success in the LIC AAO Exam.

LIC AAO Exam Pattern 2024

The LIC AAO (Assistant Administrative Officer) Exam Pattern is designed to evaluate candidates through a structured three-stage process: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Preliminary Exam is the first stage and serves as a screening test. The pattern is as follows:

Exam Structure

• Total Questions: 100
• Total Marks: 70
• Duration: 60 minutes (20 minutes per section)

Reasoning Ability

• Questions: 35
• Marks: 35

Quantitative Aptitude

• Questions: 35
• Marks: 35

English Language (Qualifying in nature; marks not counted in final ranking)

• Questions: 30
• Marks: 30

Note: The English section is only qualifying, so its marks are not included in the overall score for selection.

LIC AAO Mains Exam Pattern

The Mains Exam is more specialized and is divided into different patterns depending on the post (e.g., Generalist, IT, Chartered Accountant, etc.). The pattern for the Generalist post is as follows:

• Total Questions: 120 (Objective) + 2 (Descriptive)
• Total Marks: 300 (Objective) + 25 (Descriptive)
• Duration: Varies by section, with a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes

Sections:

• Reasoning Ability: 30 questions, 90 marks (40 minutes)
• General Knowledge & Current Affairs: 30 questions, 60 marks (20 minutes)
• Professional Knowledge: 30 questions, 90 marks (40 minutes)
• Insurance and Financial Market Awareness: 30 questions, 60 marks (20 minutes)
• Descriptive English (Essay & Letter Writing): 2 questions, 25 marks (30 minutes)

Note: The English Descriptive section is qualifying, and its marks are not counted for merit ranking.

LIC AAO Interview

The interview is the final stage of the selection process. Candidates who clear the Mains exam are shortlisted for the interview.

• Total Marks: 60

The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Mains Exam and Interview. The Prelims marks are not considered in the final ranking​.

Key Points to Remember:

• Negative Marking: There may be a penalty for wrong answers in the Prelims and Mains exams.
• Cut-off: Each section has its own cut-off, which candidates must clear to progress.

This pattern ensures that candidates are thoroughly tested across various competencies, making the selection process competitive and rigorous.

LIC AAO Prelims Exam Syllabus 2024

The Prelims exam is the first stage, designed to filter out candidates for the Mains. It consists of three sections:

• Reasoning Ability (35 Questions, 35 Marks): This section covers topics like Inequality, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, Puzzles, and more.
• Quantitative Aptitude (35 Questions, 35 Marks): Topics include Ratio and Proportion, Average, Time and Work, Speed, Distance and Time, and Data Interpretation, among others.
• English Language (30 Questions, 30 Marks): This section tests your grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and passage-making skills.

Note: The English section is of qualifying nature, meaning its marks are not counted towards the final score​.

The LIC AAO (Assistant Administrative Officer) Prelims Exam Syllabus for 2024 typically consists of three main sections: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Reasoning Ability Syllabus for LIC AAO Prelims 2024

The Reasoning Ability section of the LIC AAO Prelims Exam is designed to test a candidate's logical and analytical thinking skills. This section is crucial as it challenges the candidate's ability to interpret, analyze, and solve problems efficiently.

1. Puzzles and Seating Arrangement

• Linear Arrangement: Arranging people or objects in a straight line, with each facing a specific direction.
• Circular Arrangement: Arranging people or objects in a circle, either facing towards the center or away from it.
• Square/Rectangular Arrangement: Arranging people in a square or rectangular formation, with some facing inward and others outward.
• Box-Based Puzzles: Placing items into a specified number of boxes based on given conditions.
• Floor-Based Puzzles: Arranging individuals on different floors of a building according to given information.

2. Syllogism

• Basic Syllogism: Deductive reasoning questions based on provided statements and conclusions.
• Reverse Syllogism: Identifying the statements that lead to a given conclusion.

3. Inequality

• Direct Inequality: Solving inequalities involving symbols like >, <, ≥, ≤.
• Coded Inequality: Inequality problems where symbols are substituted with other symbols or letters.

4. Data Sufficiency

• Information Evaluation: Determining whether the provided information in statements is adequate to answer the question.

5. Blood Relations

• Family Tree Problems: Questions based on relationships among family members.
• Coded Blood Relations: Relationships expressed in coded form, requiring decoding to solve the problem.

6. Direction Sense

• Direction Questions: Determining the final direction or distance of a person or object based on given directional information (North, South, East, West).

7. Order and Ranking

• Ordering/Ranking: Questions related to the ordering or ranking of individuals based on parameters such as height, age, or marks.

8. Coding-Decoding

• Old Pattern: Direct letter-to-letter coding.
• New Pattern: More complex coding involving a sequence of steps, including numerical and alphabetical transformations.

9. Alphanumeric Series

• Series Identification: Series involving a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, requiring the identification of the next item in the series or finding errors.

10. Input-Output

• Pattern Rearrangement: Questions involving the rearrangement of an input string of numbers or letters according to a specific pattern or rule.

Exam Pattern for Reasoning Ability

• Number of Questions: 35
• Marks: 35
• Time Allotted: 20 minutes

Preparation Tips

• Practice Regularly: Emphasize puzzles and seating arrangements as they hold significant weight.
• Accuracy and Speed: Work on enhancing both speed and accuracy, as this section is time-bound.
• Understand the Logic: Ensure a clear understanding of the logic behind each question type, particularly for syllogism and inequalities.
• Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation and improve time management.

This section requires consistent practice, logical reasoning, and the ability to approach problems methodically.

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Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for LIC AAO Prelims 2024

The Quantitative Aptitude section of the LIC AAO Prelims Exam is aimed at testing a candidate's numerical ability and problem-solving skills. This section is crucial as it assesses how well candidates can handle numbers, interpret data, and solve mathematical problems under time constraints.

1. Simplification/Approximation

• Basic arithmetic operations following the BODMAS rule.
• Simplifying complex expressions.
• Approximating values in calculations for quick answers.

2. Number Series

• Missing Number Series: Identifying the missing number in a sequence.
• Wrong Number Series: Detecting the incorrect number in a series and finding the pattern.

3. Data Interpretation (DI)

• Tabular DI: Data presented in a table format.
• Line Graph: Data represented through line graphs.
• Bar Graph: Data represented using bar graphs.
• Pie Chart: Circular chart divided into sectors to represent data.
• Caselet DI: Data presented in paragraph form.
• Skills Required: Ability to interpret and analyze data quickly; calculation of percentages, ratios, averages, etc.

4. Quadratic Equations

• Solving quadratic equations to find the roots.
• Comparing the roots of two quadratic equations.

5. Arithmetic Problems

• Problems on Ages: Solving problems based on ages of individuals.
• Profit and Loss: Calculation of profit, loss, and discounts.
• Simple and Compound Interest: Calculating interest over time and the differences between simple and compound interest.
• Time and Work: Problems involving the amount of work done by individuals over time.
• Time, Speed, and Distance: Problems based on the relationship between time, speed, and distance.
• Boats and Streams: Problems involving the speed of boats in still water and in streams.
• Mixtures and Alligations: Problems involving the mixing of different substances.
• Partnerships: Calculating the share of partners in profit or loss.
• Mensuration: Calculations involving the area, perimeter, and volume of geometric shapes.
• Percentage: Problems based on calculating percentages.
• Ratio and Proportion: Solving problems using the concepts of ratio and proportion.
• Average: Finding the average of a set of numbers.
• Probability: Basic probability problems, including the calculation of likely outcomes.

6. Mensuration

• 2D Figures: Area and perimeter of squares, rectangles, circles, triangles, etc.
• 3D Figures: Volume and surface area of cubes, cuboids, cylinders, cones, spheres, etc.

Exam Pattern for Quantitative Aptitude

• Number of Questions: 35
• Marks: 35
• Time Allotted: 20 minutes

Preparation Tips

• Focus on Fundamentals: Strengthen your basic arithmetic skills to ensure a good foundation for more complex problems.
• Practice DI Regularly: Since data interpretation questions are a significant part of this section, practice different types of DI regularly.
• Time Management: Learn to quickly identify and solve easier questions first, leaving more time for difficult ones.
• Mock Tests: Regular mock tests will help in understanding the type of questions asked and improving speed and accuracy.
• Shortcut Techniques: Learn and practice shortcut techniques for quick calculations, especially for simplification, approximation, and arithmetic problems.

This section requires a balance of speed and accuracy, along with a clear understanding of mathematical concepts. Regular practice and time management are key to performing well in this section

English Language Syllabus for LIC AAO Prelims 2024

The English Language section of the LIC AAO Prelims Exam tests a candidate's proficiency in English, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and basic language usage. This section is qualifying in nature, meaning that while you need to pass it, the marks do not count toward the final merit list.

1. Reading Comprehension

• Types of Passages: Factual Passages (based on factual information such as current events or general knowledge), Narrative Passages (story-based or anecdotal passages), Descriptive Passages (describing scenarios, situations, or concepts in detail).
• Skills Tested: Understanding the main idea of the passage, inference-based questions, vocabulary (meaning of words/phrases in context), answering questions related to specific details mentioned in the passage.

2. Cloze Test

• Format: A passage with blanks where candidates must choose the most appropriate word from the given options to fill each blank.
• Skills Tested: Understanding of context and grammar, ability to choose words that fit both contextually and grammatically.

3. Para Jumbles

• Format: A set of sentences in a jumbled order that need to be rearranged to form a coherent paragraph.
• Skills Tested: Logical arrangement of ideas, understanding the flow of information, ability to identify the introductory and concluding sentences.

4. Spotting Errors

• Format: Sentences are provided, and candidates must identify the part of the sentence that contains an error in grammar, usage, or spelling.
• Common Errors: Subject-verb agreement, tenses, prepositions, articles, pronoun reference errors.

5. Fill in the Blanks

• Format: Sentences with one or more blanks, where candidates choose the best word or set of words from the options provided to complete the sentence.
• Types: Single Blank (a sentence with one blank), Double/Triple Blanks (sentences with two or more blanks, requiring understanding of sentence structure and vocabulary).
• Skills Tested: Vocabulary, understanding of grammar and sentence construction.

6. Sentence Improvement

• Format: A sentence is given with a part of it underlined, and candidates must choose the best option to improve the sentence.
• Skills Tested: Grammar, sentence structure, word usage.

7. Vocabulary

• Focus Areas: Synonyms and Antonyms (identifying words with similar or opposite meanings), Idioms and Phrases (understanding common idioms and phrases and their meanings), Word Usage (correct usage of words in different contexts).

Exam Pattern for English Language

• Number of Questions: 30
• Marks: 30
• Time Allotted: 20 minutes

Preparation Tips

• Read Regularly: Develop a habit of reading newspapers, magazines, and books to improve comprehension skills and vocabulary.
• Practice Grammar: Regularly practice grammar exercises, focusing on common errors like subject-verb agreement, tenses, and prepositions.
• Mock Tests: Take mock tests and solve previous years' question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and improve time management.
• Improve Vocabulary: Learn new words daily, and use them in sentences to reinforce your understanding. Practice synonyms, antonyms, and idioms.
• Time Management: During the exam, manage time efficiently by attempting easier questions like fill in the blanks and error spotting before moving on to comprehension and para jumbles.

While this section is qualifying, a strong performance can boost your confidence and ensure you clear the cut-off comfortably. Regular practice and a solid grasp of English grammar and vocabulary are key to success in this section.

Key Points to Remember:

• Total Questions: 100
• Total Marks: 70 (English section marks are only for qualifying purposes and are not considered in the merit list).
• Time Duration: 60 minutes (20 minutes for each section).
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.

This syllabus provides a foundation for candidates preparing for the LIC AAO Prelims Exam 2024. The focus should be on practicing each topic thoroughly and managing time effectively during the exam.

LIC AAO Mains Exam Pattern 2024

The LIC AAO Mains Exam 2024 is the next step after the Prelims and is designed to assess a candidate's deeper understanding of subjects relevant to the job role. The exam pattern varies slightly depending on the specific AAO specialization you are applying for, but there are some common sections across all streams.

The Mains exam is more specialized, with different syllabuses depending on the post (Generalist, IT, Chartered Accountant, Actuarial, Rajbhasha, Legal). Below is the syllabus for the Generalist post:

• Reasoning Ability (30 Questions, 90 Marks): Similar to the Prelims, but with added complexity.
• General Knowledge & Current Affairs (30 Questions, 60 Marks): Covers Indian History, Geography, Economy, Current Affairs, and more.
• Insurance and Financial Market Awareness (30 Questions, 60 Marks): Includes topics on the Indian Financial System, History of LIC, Stock Market, Insurance, and Banking terms.
• Professional Knowledge (30 Questions, 90 Marks): This section is specific to the specialization of the post, e.g., IT, Chartered Accountant, etc.
• English Language (Descriptive) (2 Questions, 25 Marks): Essay and Letter Writing​.

Common Sections in LIC AAO Mains Exam

The LIC AAO Mains Exam includes several common sections that test a candidate’s overall aptitude, knowledge, and language skills. These sections are designed to evaluate different competencies required for the Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO) position across various specializations. Here’s a detailed look at the common sections in the LIC AAO Mains Exam 2024:

1. Reasoning Ability

This section assesses candidates' logical and analytical skills, including their ability to solve complex problems and puzzles.

• Puzzles and Seating Arrangement: Complex arrangements in linear and circular formats.
• Syllogism: Advanced syllogism problems and logical deductions.
• Input-Output: Complex pattern-based questions.
• Data Sufficiency: Determining the sufficiency of data to answer questions.
• Logical Reasoning: Statement-assumption, statement-conclusion, cause-effect, etc.
• Coding-Decoding: Advanced coding and decoding patterns.
• Inequality: Complex inequality problems.

Number of Questions: 30

Marks: 90

Time Allotted: 40 minutes

2. General Knowledge & Current Affairs

This section tests candidates' awareness of current events, general knowledge, and understanding of the financial and insurance sectors.

• Current Affairs: National and international events, politics, sports, and awards.
• Banking Awareness: Basic banking knowledge, financial institutions, and services.
• Insurance Awareness: Knowledge about insurance products, policies, and industry updates.
• Static GK: Geography, history, culture, and important dates.
• Economic Affairs: Major economic developments, budget highlights, and economic surveys.

Number of Questions: 30

Marks: 60

Time Allotted: 20 minutes

3. Data Analysis & Interpretation (DI)

This section evaluates candidates' ability to interpret data and perform calculations based on various data representations.

• Data Interpretation:Advanced interpretation of bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, and mixed charts.
• Caselet DI:Analyzing complex data presented in caselets.
• Data Sufficiency:Evaluating the sufficiency of provided data.
• Probability:Basic to moderate-level probability problems.
• Permutation and Combination:Understanding and solving permutation and combination problems.
• Quadratic Equations:Solving and interpreting quadratic equations.
• Miscellaneous Arithmetic Problems:Profit and loss, time and work, averages, ratio and proportion.

Number of Questions: 30

Marks: 90

Time Allotted: 40 minutes

4. Insurance & Financial Market Awareness

This section assesses candidates’ knowledge of the insurance sector and financial markets, which is crucial for an AAO role.

• Insurance Sector Knowledge: Types of insurance, principles, policies, and major players in the industry.
• Financial Markets: Basics of stock markets, mutual funds, bonds, and financial instruments.
• Current Developments: Recent changes and trends in insurance and financial markets.
• Regulatory Bodies: Knowledge about IRDAI, SEBI, RBI, etc.

Number of Questions: 30

Marks: 60

Time Allotted: 20 minutes

5. Descriptive Test

The descriptive test evaluates candidates’ English language skills through writing tasks.

Sections:

• Letter Writing: Formal or informal letter writing on given topics.
• Essay Writing: Essay on topics related to insurance, finance, or current affairs.

Marks: 25

Time Allotted: 30 minutes

Note: The descriptive test is qualifying, and the marks are not counted toward the final merit.

Preparation Tips for LIC AAO Exam

Reasoning Ability

• Practice different types of puzzles and reasoning questions regularly.
• Work on improving speed and accuracy.

General Knowledge & Current Affairs

• Read newspapers, watch news channels, and follow current affairs apps.
• Review important events and updates in banking and insurance.

Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Practice various types of data interpretation questions.
• Focus on improving calculation speed and accuracy.

Insurance & Financial Market Awareness

• Study the basics of insurance and financial markets.
• Keep up-to-date with industry news and trends.

Descriptive Test

• Practice writing essays and letters on a variety of topics.
• Focus on clarity, coherence, and proper structure in your writing.

By focusing on these sections and preparing thoroughly, candidates can enhance their chances of success in the LIC AAO Mains Exam.

Specialization-wise Additional Sections

The Specialization-wise Additional Sections in the LIC AAO Mains Exam are tailored to assess a candidate's expertise in their chosen field. Each specialization has its own set of topics and subject areas that are critical for the role. Below is a breakdown of the additional sections based on the different LIC AAO specializations:

1. LIC AAO (IT)

This section is designed for candidates applying for the Information Technology (IT) specialization. It assesses their knowledge and skills in various IT domains.

Topics Covered:

Technical Knowledge Areas

Programming Languages

• Basics of programming in languages like C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts.
• Writing and understanding algorithms and flowcharts.

Database Management

• SQL queries, relational databases, normalization, and database design.
• Understanding of DBMS concepts, including RDBMS, NoSQL, and data warehousing.

Networking

• Basic networking concepts, including OSI and TCP/IP models, IP addressing, and subnetting.
• Network devices (routers, switches, etc.), LAN, WAN, and network security fundamentals.

Software Engineering

• Software development life cycle (SDLC), models like Waterfall, Agile, etc.
• Software testing, debugging, and version control systems.

Web Technologies

• HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and basics of web development.
• Understanding of web servers, web hosting, and security protocols.

Information Security

• Basics of cybersecurity, encryption, firewalls, and ethical hacking.
• Awareness of threats like malware, phishing, etc.

Exam Pattern:

• Number of Questions: 30
• Marks: 60
• Time Allotted: 20 minutes

2. LIC AAO (Chartered Accountant)

This section is aimed at candidates applying for the Chartered Accountant (CA) specialization, focusing on accounting, auditing, and financial management.

Topics Covered:

Financial and Accounting Knowledge Areas

Financial Statements

• Preparation and analysis of balance sheets, profit & loss accounts, and cash flow statements.
• Understanding of accounting standards and IFRS.

Auditing

• Principles and practices of auditing, types of audits, and audit procedures.
• Internal control systems, vouching, verification, and auditing standards.

Taxation

• Income tax laws, GST, and indirect taxes.
• Tax planning, compliance, and return filing.

Corporate Accounting

• Accounting for mergers, acquisitions, consolidations, and investments.
• Share capital, debentures, and corporate financial reporting.

Cost Accounting

• Budgeting, standard costing, variance analysis, and cost control techniques.
• Marginal costing, break-even analysis, and cost-volume-profit analysis.

Exam Pattern:

• Number of Questions: 30
• Marks: 60
• Time Allotted: 20 minutes

3. LIC AAO (Actuarial)

This section is tailored for candidates pursuing the Actuarial specialization, with a focus on mathematical and statistical principles used in insurance and risk management.

Topics Covered:

Actuarial Principles

• Basic actuarial concepts, mortality tables, and life insurance mathematics.
• Understanding of actuarial assumptions and their application in pricing and reserving.

Probability and Statistics

• Probability theory, distributions, random variables, and expected value.
• Hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and time series analysis.

Financial Mathematics

• Interest theory, present and future value, annuities, and bond valuation.
• Derivatives pricing, risk management, and investment analysis.

Risk Assessment

• Techniques for assessing and managing risk in insurance.
• Understanding of solvency, capital adequacy, and reinsurance.

Exam Pattern:

• Number of Questions: 30
• Marks: 60
• Time Allotted: 20 minutes

4. LIC AAO (Legal)

This section is designed for candidates applying for the Legal specialization, focusing on legal principles and laws relevant to the insurance industry.

Topics Covered:

Legal Principles

• Basic principles of law, including contract law, torts, and property law.
• Legal terminology and interpretation of statutes.

Corporate Law

• Company law, corporate governance, mergers, and acquisitions.
• SEBI regulations, insider trading laws, and corporate compliance.

Insurance Law

• Principles of insurance law, IRDA regulations, and insurance contracts.
• Understanding of various types of insurance (life, health, general) and their legal aspects.

Contract Law

• Essentials of a valid contract, breach of contract, and remedies.
• Specific contracts like indemnity, guarantee, bailment, and agency.

Civil and Criminal Law

• Basic concepts of civil and criminal law, including the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
• Procedures for filing cases, court hierarchy, and judicial decisions.

Exam Pattern:

• Number of Questions: 30
• Marks: 60
• Time Allotted: 20 minutes

5. LIC AAO (Rajbhasha)

This section is aimed at candidates applying for the Rajbhasha (Official Language) specialization, focusing on proficiency in Hindi and translation skills.

Topics Covered:

Hindi Language Proficiency

• Grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension in Hindi.
• Sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, and idioms in Hindi.

Translation Skills

• Translation of passages from English to Hindi and vice versa.
• Understanding of official terminology and phrases used in government and legal documents.

Official Language Policies

• Knowledge of India's official language policy, constitutional provisions, and usage of Hindi in government work.
• Implementation of Rajbhasha policies in public sector organizations.

Exam Pattern:

• Number of Questions: 30
• Marks: 60
• Time Allotted: 20 minutes

Preparation Tips for Specialized Sections

• Focus on Core Subjects: Strengthen your understanding of core subjects related to your specialization.
• Practice Problem-Solving: Regularly solve problems and case studies relevant to your field.
• Stay Updated: Keep yourself informed about the latest developments and trends in your specialization, especially for IT and Legal candidates.
• Mock Tests: Take specialized mock tests to get a feel of the exam pattern and time management.

These specialization-wise sections are designed to ensure that candidates possess the requisite knowledge and skills needed for their specific roles within LIC. Regular practice and a thorough understanding of the subjects will be key to performing well in these sections.

Conclusion

The LIC AAO exam is comprehensive and requires a solid preparation strategy. By understanding the syllabus and exam pattern, candidates can focus on the right areas and increase their chances of success. Best of luck with your preparation!