OICL AO Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The Oriental Insurance Company Limited has issued its short notification announcing the recruitment of Administrative Officers in Scale I for the 2025 cycle. This opportunity opens a professional pathway for graduates planning to build long-term careers in the insurance sector.
A clear understanding of the OICL AO exam pattern and syllabus is essential, as it allows candidates to prepare systematically and focus on the subjects that carry the highest weight in the selection process.
The exam consists of two online phases followed by an interview, and each stage evaluates a different set of skills ranging from basic aptitude to in-depth reasoning and language proficiency.
The 2025 notification includes a total of 300 vacancies, with 285 posts for Generalists and 15 for Hindi Officers. Applications will be accepted online from December 01, 2025, and the window will close on December 15, 2025.
Phase I examination is expected on January 10, 2026, and Phase II on February 28, 2026. Applicants should apply only once and choose the stream for which they are qualified. With these dates in mind, candidates can begin their preparation early, focusing on a balanced plan that includes practice tests, concept revision, and subject-specific study.
OICL AO Exam Selection Process
The OICL AO recruitment process consists of three key stages:
-
Preliminary Examination (Objective)
-
Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive)
-
Interview
The preliminary stage acts as the screening phase. Candidates who clear this stage move on to the Main Examination, which has the highest relevance for selection. The interview is the final step and assesses a candidate’s personality, communication, and suitability for administrative duties.
The exam is conducted online, and the objective sections include negative marking. Understanding the pattern helps candidates prepare realistic time strategies and improve accuracy.
The syllabus for Prelims and Mains differs in depth and complexity. General Awareness and Computer Knowledge appear only in the Main exam, while Hindi Officers also face a professional knowledge component.
OICL AO Phase I Exam Pattern 2025
The Preliminary Examination evaluates the candidate’s fundamental aptitude through three sections. It is conducted online and consists entirely of multiple-choice questions. The total duration is 60 minutes, and sectional timings are predefined. The Prelims carry 100 marks and include the following subjects:
-
English Language
-
Reasoning Ability
-
Quantitative Aptitude
Each section aims to gauge a specific set of skills: comprehension and writing ability in English; analytical thinking in Reasoning; and numerical accuracy in Quantitative Aptitude. The paper is moderate in difficulty, but the time limit makes accuracy and speed equally important.
This stage is qualifying in nature. Candidates must clear both the sectional and overall cut-off, which is determined by OICL depending on category and vacancy availability.
Since the Prelims serve as the filtering step, a large number of candidates take this phase, making it highly competitive. Applicants should practice sectional tests regularly and become comfortable answering questions in shorter time frames.
OICL AO Prelims Syllabus 2025
A detailed understanding of the Prelims syllabus helps candidates plan their preparation in a structured manner. The sections include English Language, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude
Candidates must clear each section individually to qualify for the Main Examination. Time management, accuracy, and familiarity with question types are the key elements needed to score well in Prelims.
OICL Administrative Officer Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The Main Examination is more comprehensive and evaluates a candidate’s analytical depth. It is conducted online and consists of:
Objective Test (200 Marks)
This includes five sections for Generalists:
-
Reasoning Ability
-
English Language
-
Quantitative Aptitude
-
General Awareness
-
Computer Knowledge
On the other hand, Hindi Officers will have an additional component related to Hindi language or professional knowledge, depending on the final notification.
Each section carries equal weight but has its own fixed time limit. It is important to manage each subject carefully as time saved in one section cannot be used in another.
Descriptive Test (30 Marks)
The descriptive component appears immediately after the objective test. It is conducted online, and candidates must type their answers. The descriptive tasks generally include:
-
Essay writing
-
Letter writing
-
Comprehension or précis writing
Although the descriptive paper carries marks, these marks are qualifying in nature, meaning they do not contribute to the final merit list but must be cleared to move on to the interview.
The Mains score is a decisive factor in the final selection process because the interview carries a lower weight in comparison. Thorough preparation for the Main Examination is necessary.
OICL AO Mains Syllabus 2025
The Mains syllabus covers a broader range of topics than Prelims and requires deeper conceptual understanding. The subjects to focus on in the mains include Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness and Professional Knowledge (For Hindi Officers) or Computer Knowledge.
A thorough understanding of these areas enables candidates to perform well in the Main Examination and secure a strong score for final merit consideration.
OICL AO Phase III Interview
The interview is the final evaluation stage for both Generalists and Hindi Officers. Candidates are shortlisted based on their Main Examination performance. The interview assesses the candidate’s communication skills, clarity of thought, subject knowledge, awareness of current issues, and suitability for administrative responsibilities.
The panel may ask questions related to education, prior work experience, insurance industry functioning, and events affecting the financial sector. For Hindi Officers, questions may also focus on language usage, official language policy, and translation-related tasks.
Candidates should remain calm, answer thoughtfully, and maintain professional conduct throughout the interaction.
OICL AO Marking Scheme
All objective questions follow a multiple-choice format. Except for English Language questions, all other sections are bilingual (Hindi and English). A penalty applies for incorrect responses.
Candidates lose one-fourth of the mark assigned to a question for each wrong answer. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions. This system rewards accuracy, and candidates must therefore avoid guesswork unless reasonably confident about the options.
OICL AO Exam Language
The examination is offered in English and Hindi, except for the English Language section and the descriptive paper. Candidates can switch between languages during the exam. Since administrative work often involves communication with diverse stakeholders, candidates benefit from maintaining proficiency in both languages.
Preparation Tips and Strategies for OICL AO 2025
Candidates should begin by studying the complete syllabus and exam pattern. A study schedule helps allocate time to all subjects while maintaining regular revision.
Working with reliable books and question banks will help create strong foundations. Solving mock tests is essential for improving time management, accuracy, and confidence.
Strengthen numerical skills and reasoning through constant practice. Stay updated on current affairs, especially economic and insurance-related news. Practice descriptive writing at least once a week and revise grammar rules.
Preparing for the interview should include reading newspapers, practicing communication skills, and learning about OICL and its functions.
Consistency, discipline, and a structured approach are central to successful preparation.
Subject-Specific Study Techniques for OICL AO 2025
English Language
Read widely to improve comprehension. Practice grammar exercises and review vocabulary regularly. Try summarizing editorials to improve writing.
Quantitative Aptitude
Focus on arithmetic fundamentals, data interpretation sets, and speed techniques. Daily practice builds confidence and accuracy.
Reasoning Ability
Work through varied puzzle types, coding-decoding, and logical reasoning. Build familiarity with common formats.
General Awareness
Read newspapers, monthly current affairs compilations, and insurance industry updates. Maintain personal notes.
Hindi
Practice grammar rules, translation exercises, and comprehension. Review official language guidelines often.
OICL AO Online Mock Tests
OICL AO online mock tests play an important role in helping candidates measure their preparation level before the actual exam. These tests recreate the real exam environment, allowing candidates to practice time management and decision-making under pressure.
By reviewing detailed performance analyses after each attempt, aspirants can identify weak areas and work on improving accuracy and speed.
ixamBee offers well-structured OICL AO mock tests designed according to the latest exam pattern, giving candidates a reliable tool to track progress and strengthen core concepts through regular practice.
OICL AO Online Courses
OICL AO online courses provide a complete learning framework for candidates who want structured and consistent preparation. These courses include video lessons, concept notes, practice quizzes, mock tests, and personalized doubt-clearing sessions.
With flexible access, learners can study at their own pace while ensuring full syllabus coverage. ixamBee’s OICL AO online course is developed by experienced faculty and subject experts, aiming to build conceptual clarity and exam-oriented skills.
This approach helps candidates follow a disciplined preparation plan and improve performance across all stages of the OICL AO examination.
Blog
- The RBI Grade B Officer Journey: Mindset, Preparation, and Patience
- RBI Assistant Mains 2025: Exam Preparation Strategy for You
- A Deep Dive into the RBI Manager Exam: Surprising Results and Key Takeaways
- RBI Grade A or RBI Grade B: Which Exam to Prepare for in 2025
- Everything to know about RBI Grade B Previous Year Cutoffs