NICL AO 2025 Selection Process, Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme

NICL AO 2025: The National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) has released 266 vacancies for the recruitment of Generalists and Specialists. The online application for NICL AO commences on 12th June 2025. Check crucial details of the recruitment, like the NICL AO selection process, eligibility, vacancy, and other important information in this article.

NICL AO Selection Process 2025

The NICL AO Selection Process is a multi-stage evaluation designed to identify qualified candidates for the Administrative Officer role. Beginning with a preliminary written exam, successful candidates progress to the main written exam. Following this, a personal interview evaluates communication and problem-solving abilities.

Document verification ensures the validity of educational and work credentials, and a medical examination concludes the process, verifying candidates’ compliance with health standards essential for the role.

NICL AO 2025 Highlights

National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) has released NICL AO Recruitment 2025 for hiring 266 Administrative Officers (Scale-I). The selection process involves Prelims and Mains, with 100 questions in Prelims and 250 in Mains (objective test). Negative marking is applicable (1/4th mark) and a final Interview stage. Check the highlights of the NICL AO 2025 below.

ParticularsDetails
OrganisationNational Insurance Company Limited (NICL)
Post NameAdministrative Officer (Scale-I)
DisciplinesGeneralists and Specialists
Total Vacancies266
Mode of ApplicationOnline
Application Dates12th June to 3rd July 2025
EligibilityGraduation/Post-Graduation (as per the post)
Age Limit21 to 30 years
Selection ProcessPreliminary Exam → Main Exam → Interview
Salary₹90,000/- per month
Job LocationAcross India
Official Websitehttps://nationalinsurance.nic.co.in/

NICL AO Selection Stages 2025

The National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) conducts the Administrative Officer (AO) recruitment through a structured, multi-phase process. This document outlines each phase of the selection procedure in detail, including exam patterns, evaluation methods, and final selection criteria.

NICL AO Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Phase I)

The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the NICL AO selection process. It is a screening-level online test meant to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. This phase is qualifying in nature, and its marks are not considered in the final selection.

NICL AO Preliminary Exam Pattern

The exam consists of three sections: English Language, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude. Each section is timed separately, and candidates must meet the minimum qualifying marks in each section.

S. NoSection NameTypeNo. of QuestionsMaximum MarksDurationMedium of Exam
1English LanguageObjective303020 minutesEnglish
2Reasoning AbilityObjective353520 minutesEnglish / Hindi
3Quantitative AptitudeObjective353520 minutesEnglish / Hindi
Total10010060 minutes
  • Cut-off Criteria: Candidates must qualify in each section by securing the minimum cut-off marks as determined by NICL.
  • Approximately 15 times the number of total vacancies (subject to availability) will be shortlisted for the Main Examination.

NICL AO Stage 2: Main Examination (Phase II)

The second stage is the Main Examination, which evaluates candidates more rigorously. This phase includes both objective and descriptive tests conducted on the same day. This phase is crucial as the marks obtained in the Objective Test are considered for the final merit list, while the Descriptive Test is qualifying in nature.

NICL AO Objective Test Pattern

The objective test varies slightly between Generalist and Specialist candidates. Both variants assess reasoning, language proficiency, awareness, computer skills, and aptitude, with specialists also tested on domain knowledge.

For Generalists

This pattern is applicable to candidates applying under the Generalist discipline.

S. NoSection NameTypeNo. of QuestionsMaximum MarksDurationMedium of Exam
1ReasoningObjective505040 minutesEnglish / Hindi
2English LanguageObjective505040 minutesEnglish
3General AwarenessObjective505030 minutesEnglish / Hindi
4Computer KnowledgeObjective505030 minutesEnglish / Hindi
5Quantitative AptitudeObjective505040 minutesEnglish / Hindi
Total2502503 hours

For Specialists

This pattern is applicable to candidates applying under specialist disciplines, such as Engineers, Doctors, Legal, Accounts, etc.

S. NoSection NameTypeNo. of QuestionsMaximum MarksDurationMedium of Exam
1ReasoningObjective404035 minutesEnglish / Hindi
2English LanguageObjective404030 minutesEnglish
3General AwarenessObjective404020 minutesEnglish / Hindi
4Computer KnowledgeObjective404025 minutesEnglish / Hindi
5Quantitative AptitudeObjective404035 minutesEnglish / Hindi
6Technical/Professional Knowledge (Specialists Only)Objective505035 minutesEnglish / Hindi
Total2502503 hours

NICL AO Descriptive Test Pattern

The Descriptive Test assesses candidates’ writing ability and comprehension skills in English. It is conducted immediately after the objective test and is of a qualifying nature.

Note: Only those who qualify the objective test (based on cut-offs) will have their descriptive paper evaluated.

Penalty for Wrong Answers in NICL AO

To discourage guessing, NICL employs a negative marking scheme in both the Preliminary and Main Examinations.

  • Penalty: 1/4th of the marks assigned to each question will be deducted for wrong answers.
  • No penalty: For questions that are not attempted.

NICL AO Stage 3: Interview

The interview is the final stage of the selection process, conducted only for candidates who clear the main examination (objective test). This stage evaluates a candidate’s personality, communication skills, subject knowledge, and overall suitability for the role of administrative officer.

  • Interview call letters will be made available on NICL’s official website.
  • Requests for change in venue, date, or time of the interview will not be entertained.
  • Marks obtained in the interview will be factored into the final selection.

NICL AO Final Selection Criteria

Final selection is based on consolidated marks from the objective test of the main exam and the interview.

  • Weightage of Marks:
    • Main Exam (Objective Test): 80%
    • Interview: 20%
  • Final Merit List: Candidates are ranked in descending order based on their weighted scores.

Tie-Breaking Criteria:

If multiple candidates score the same in the final merit list, preference is given to

  1. Candidate with higher interview marks
  2. Senior candidate by age

NICL AO Biometric Data Verification

NICL employs biometric verification as part of its identity validation mechanism to ensure the integrity of the recruitment process.

  • When Captured: During Phase II (Main Examination)
  • Data Captured: Thumb impression and photograph

Candidate Instructions:

  • Ensure fingers are clean and dry
  • Avoid ink/mehndi or any substance on fingers
  • Notify exam staff if any thumb injury is present

Documents Required at NICL AO Exam & Interview

Proper documentation is essential for verification at every stage of the recruitment process. Below is a list of documents required at different stages.

At Online Examination (Phases I & II):

  1. Valid Call Letter (print-out)
  2. Original & photocopy of a valid Photo Identity Proof
  3. E-Aadhaar (only if signed by UIDAI official)

At Interview:

  • Interview Call Letter (downloaded from website)
  • Online Application Printout
  • Proof of Date of Birth (Birth Certificate/10th Certificate)
  • Mark Sheets/Certificates (X, XII, Graduation/Post-Graduation)
  • Caste/Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL)
  • Disability Certificate (if applicable)
  • No Objection Certificate (if currently employed in the government/public sector)
  • Technical Degree/Professional Certificates (for Specialists)
  • Any other documents as listed in the official notification

Important Notes for Candidates

Before applying or appearing for any stage of the exam, candidates must keep the following guidelines in mind:

  • Ensure eligibility criteria are fully met before applying.
  • Name on Photo ID must exactly match the name on Call Letter.
  • Final result of qualifying exams must be declared on or before 01.05.2025.
  • Participation in exams/interviews does not guarantee selection.
  • All final selections are subject to medical fitness and document verification.


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