The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO) exam is a prestigious opportunity for candidates aspiring to join one of India’s leading insurance organizations. With the LIC AAO 2025 recruitment notification released for 841 posts, including 350 Generalist and 410 Specialist positions, understanding the selection process is crucial for effective preparation. This blog post provides a detailed breakdown of the LIC AAO selection process, exam patterns, preparation tips, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to guide aspirants toward success.
Overview of LIC AAO Recruitment 2025
The LIC AAO 2025 recruitment drive aims to fill 841 vacancies, including Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO) Generalist, Specialist, and Assistant Engineer (AE) posts. The selection process is rigorous, designed to evaluate candidates’ aptitude, knowledge, and suitability for administrative roles in LIC. The process consists of three main stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview, followed by Document Verification and a Pre-Recruitment Medical Examination.
Below, we dive into each stage of the selection process, exam patterns, eligibility criteria, and preparation strategies to help aspirants excel.
LIC AAO Selection Process 2025: Step-by-Step Breakdown
The LIC AAO selection process is a multi-stage procedure to ensure only the most qualified candidates are selected. Here’s a detailed look at each phase:
1. Preliminary Examination (Phase I)
The Preliminary Exam is the first stage of the LIC AAO selection process. It is a computer-based test (CBT) designed to screen candidates for the Mains exam. Key features include:
- Mode: Online, objective-type test.
- Duration: 1 hour (60 minutes), with sectional time limits.
- Sections:
- Reasoning Ability: 35 questions, 35 marks, 20 minutes.
- Quantitative Aptitude: 35 questions, 35 marks, 20 minutes.
- English Language (with emphasis on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension): 30 questions, 30 marks, 20 minutes.
- Total: 100 questions, 70 marks (English is qualifying in nature; its marks are not counted for ranking).
- Negative Marking: None.
- Qualification: Candidates must pass each section separately. Approximately 20 times the number of vacancies in each category are shortlisted for the Mains exam.
Key Notes:
- The English Language section is qualifying, meaning candidates must achieve the minimum cutoff, but its marks do not contribute to the merit list.
- The Prelims exam tests basic aptitude and is designed to filter candidates for the more comprehensive Mains exam.
2. Main Examination (Phase II)
The Mains exam is a more in-depth assessment of candidates’ knowledge and skills. It consists of both objective and descriptive components, conducted online.
- Mode: Computer-based test (Objective + Descriptive).
- Objective Test:
- Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes) with sectional time limits.
- Sections:
- Reasoning Ability: 30 questions, 90 marks, 40 minutes.
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs: 30 questions, 60 marks, 20 minutes.
- Data Analysis & Interpretation: 30 questions, 90 marks, 40 minutes.
- Insurance & Financial Market Awareness: 30 questions, 60 marks, 20 minutes.
- Total: 120 questions, 300 marks.
- Descriptive Test:
- English Language (Emails, Reports, Precis Writing, etc.): 2 questions, 25 marks, 30 minutes.
- The descriptive test is qualifying in nature, and its marks are not counted for ranking.
- Negative Marking: None.
- Qualification: Candidates must pass each section separately. The descriptive test is evaluated only for those who qualify in the objective test.
Key Notes:
- The Mains exam is the primary determinant for shortlisting candidates for the Interview round.
- Marks obtained in the Mains (objective test) are considered for the final merit list, combined with Interview scores.
3. Interview (Phase III)
Candidates who qualify in the Mains exam are called for a personal interview. This stage assesses personality, communication skills, and suitability for the AAO role.
- Marks: 60 marks.
- Minimum Qualifying Marks:
- UR/OBC/EWS: 30 marks.
- SC/ST/PwBD: 27 marks.
- Purpose: Evaluates candidates’ confidence, knowledge of the insurance sector, and ability to handle administrative responsibilities.
Key Notes:
- The Interview is a critical stage, as it contributes significantly to the final merit list.
- Candidates should prepare to discuss their educational background, current affairs, and LIC’s role in the insurance sector.
4. Document Verification and Pre-Recruitment Medical Examination
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must provide valid documents, including educational certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), identity proof, and other required documents.
- Medical Examination: Candidates must pass a medical test to ensure they are physically fit for the role. Only medically fit candidates are considered for final appointment.
Final Merit List
The final merit list is prepared based on:
- Marks obtained in the Mains Examination (objective test, 300 marks).
- Marks obtained in the Interview (60 marks).
- The combined score determines the candidate’s rank in the category-wise merit list.
Key Notes:
- The Preliminary Exam marks are not considered for the final selection.
- Candidates must serve a minimum of four years in LIC, including a probation period, or pay ₹5,00,000 as liquidated damages if they leave early.
LIC AAO 2025 Exam Pattern
Prelims Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| English Language | 30 | 30* | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 70 | 60 minutes |
*English Language is qualifying in nature.
Mains Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 90 | 40 minutes |
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 30 | 60 | 20 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 90 | 40 minutes |
| Insurance & Financial Market Awareness | 30 | 60 | 20 minutes |
| Total (Objective) | 120 | 300 | 120 minutes |
| English Language (Descriptive) | 2 | 25* | 30 minutes |
*Descriptive test is qualifying in nature.
Eligibility Criteria for LIC AAO 2025
Educational Qualification
- AAO Generalist: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- AAO (Chartered Accountant): Bachelor’s degree + passed the final examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) + completion of Articles.
- AAO (Company Secretary): Bachelor’s degree + qualified member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).
- AAO (Actuarial): Bachelor’s degree + passed at least 6 papers of the examination conducted by the Institute of Actuaries of India/UK.
- AAO (Insurance Specialist): Bachelor’s degree + Fellowship of Insurance Institute of India with 5+ years of experience in IRDAI-regulated life insurance companies.
- AAO (Legal): Bachelor’s degree in Law with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) + 2 years of legal practice.
Age Limit (as on 01/08/2025)
- Generalist, Company Secretary, Actuarial, Insurance Specialist: 21–30 years (born between 02/08/1995 and 01/08/2004).
- Chartered Accountant, Legal: 21–32 years (born between 02/08/1993 and 01/08/2004).
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years.
- OBC: 3 years.
- PwBD (General): 10 years.
- PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years.
- PwBD (OBC): 13 years.
- ECO/SSCO (General): 5 years.
- ECO/SSCO (SC/ST): 10 years.
- ECO/SSCO (OBC): 8 years.
- Confirmed LIC Employees: Additional 5 years.
LIC AAO 2025 Vacancy Details
The LIC AAO 2025 recruitment includes 841 vacancies, distributed as follows:
AAO Generalist (350 Posts)
| Category | Current Year | Backlog | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC | 51 | 0 | 51 |
| ST | 22 | 6 | 28 |
| OBC | 88 | 3 | 91 |
| EWS | 38 | 0 | 38 |
| UR | 142 | 0 | 142 |
| Total | 341 | 9 | 350 |
AAO Specialist (410 Posts)
| Post | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | UR | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAO (Chartered Accountant) | 4 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 14 | 30 |
| AAO (Company Secretary) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 10 |
| AAO (Actuarial) | 4 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 14 | 30 |
| AAO (Insurance Specialist) | 45 | 22 | 77 | 34 | 132 | 310 |
| AAO (Legal) | 4 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 14 | 30 |
| Total | 58 | 29 | 100 | 44 | 179 | 410 |
Assistant Engineer (AE) (81 Posts)
| Post | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | UR | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE (Civil) | 8 | 3 | 13 | 5 | 21 | 50 |
| AE (Electrical) | 4 | 3 | 8 | 3 | 12 | 31 |
| Total | 12 | 6 | 21 | 8 | 33 | 81 |
LIC AAO Cut Off 2025: Previous Year Cut Off Marks from 2016, Factors Affecting Cut Off Marks and Preparation Tips
How to Apply for LIC AAO 2025
- Visit the Official Website: Go to licindia.in and navigate to the “Careers” section.
- Register: Complete the one-time registration with a valid email ID and mobile number to generate login credentials.
- Fill Application Form: Log in and provide personal, educational, and other required details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photo, signature, thumb impression, and handwritten declaration.
- Pay Application Fee:
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹700 + transaction charges.
- SC/ST/PwBD: ₹85 + transaction charges.
- Payment mode: Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking).
- Submit and Print: Review the form, submit it, and take a printout of the confirmation page for records.
Application Window: 16 August 2025 to 8 September 2025 (11:59 PM).
Preparation Tips for LIC AAO 2025
- Understand the Syllabus:
- Reasoning Ability: Puzzles, seating arrangement, syllogism, coding-decoding, blood relations.
- Quantitative Aptitude/Data Analysis: Number series, simplification, data interpretation, time and work, profit and loss.
- English Language: Reading comprehension, cloze test, error spotting, sentence improvement.
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs: National/international events, government schemes, awards, sports.
- Insurance & Financial Market Awareness: Insurance policies, IRDAI regulations, financial markets, banking terms.
- Create a Study Plan:
- Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Dedicate 2–3 hours daily to current affairs and financial awareness.
- Practice Mock Tests:
- Take regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions and improve time management.
- Analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement.
- Focus on Descriptive English:
- Practice writing emails, reports, and precis to improve clarity and structure.
- Use formal language and adhere to word limits.
- Stay Updated:
- Read newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express) and follow reliable sources for insurance and financial updates.
- Use apps like Oliveboard or Adda247 for daily current affairs.
- Interview Preparation:
- Prepare answers for common questions like “Why LIC?” and “Tell us about yourself.”
- Stay informed about LIC’s history, products, and recent developments in the insurance sector.
Salary and Benefits
- Basic Pay: ₹88,635 per month (scale: ₹88,635–1,69,025).
- Gross Salary: Approximately ₹1,26,000 per month in A-Class cities (including HRA, CCA, etc.).
- Perks: Pension, gratuity, LTC, group mediclaim, accident insurance, vehicle loans, meal coupons, mobile expenses, and more.
FAQs: LIC AAO Selection Process 2025
Q1. How many stages are there in the LIC AAO Selection Process?
The LIC AAO Selection Process has three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview, followed by Document Verification and a Pre-Recruitment Medical Examination.
Q2. Is there negative marking in the LIC AAO 2025 exams?
No, there is no negative marking in either the Prelims or Mains exams for LIC AAO Generalist. However, for Specialist and AE posts, a ¼ mark penalty applies for wrong answers in the Prelims.
Q3. Are the English section marks counted in the LIC AAO Prelims and Mains?
No, the English Language section in both Prelims and Mains (descriptive test) is qualifying in nature, and its marks are not counted for ranking.
Q4. What is the weightage of the Interview in the LIC AAO selection process?
The Interview carries 60 marks, with minimum qualifying marks of 30 for UR/OBC/EWS and 27 for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.
Q5. How is the final merit list prepared for LIC AAO 2025?
The final merit list is based on the combined marks of the Mains objective test (300 marks) and the Interview (60 marks).
Q6. Is a medical test mandatory for LIC AAO recruitment?
Yes, candidates must pass a Pre-Recruitment Medical Examination to be eligible for final appointment.
Q7. How many attempts are allowed for the LIC AAO exam?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for the LIC AAO exam, provided candidates meet the age and eligibility criteria.
Q8. What is the application fee for LIC AAO 2025?
The application fee is ₹700 for General/OBC/EWS and ₹85 for SC/ST/PwBD candidates, plus transaction charges.
The LIC AAO 2025 selection process is a structured and competitive journey that tests candidates’ aptitude, knowledge, and personality. By understanding the exam pattern, preparing strategically, and staying updated with current affairs, aspirants can enhance their chances of success. Start early, practice consistently, and approach each stage with confidence to secure a rewarding career with LIC.
Source / Reference – licindia.in