NICL AO Syllabus 2026, Exam Pattern, Selection Process & Cut Off

National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) has announced 321 Administrative Officer (AO) Scale I vacancies, including 200 Generalist and 121 Specialist posts.

The NICL AO Syllabus 2026 covers English Language, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude for the Preliminary Examination, while the Mains syllabus includes General Awareness, Computer Knowledge and Professional Knowledge for Specialist candidates.

The Prelims examination is scheduled for 17 November 2026, followed by the Mains examination on 22 December 2026. Candidates should also prepare for the 30-mark qualifying Descriptive English Test and interview as part of the selection process. The last date to submit the online application is 28 October 2026. Check the detailed syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, eligibility and previous-year cut-off details before starting preparation. For official updates, visit nationalinsurance.nic.co.in and follow firstjob24.com for the latest recruitment and syllabus news.

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NICL AO Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026 – Overview

321 Administrative Officer (Scale I) Posts | Prelims 17 Nov 2026 | Mains 22 Dec 2026 | Apply Till 28 Oct 2026
visit for latest job firstjob24.com 
Particulars Details
Organization Name National Insurance Company Limited (NICL)
Post Name Administrative Officer (AO) Scale I — Generalist and Specialist
Total Vacancies 321 (200 Generalist + 121 Specialist)
Selection Process Phase I Prelims, Phase II Mains (with Descriptive Test), Interview
Prelims 100 Questions | 100 Marks | 60 Minutes
Mains (Objective) 250 Marks | 180 Minutes
Descriptive Test 30 Marks | 30 Minutes | Qualifying
Negative Marking 0.25 mark for each wrong answer
Exam Mode Online
Age Limit 21 to 30 years as on 1 October 2026
Application Dates 8 October 2026 to 28 October 2026
Official Website nationalinsurance.nic.co.in

NICL AO Syllabus 2026 — Latest Update in Simple Words

National Insurance Company Limited has announced 321 Administrative Officer (Scale I) posts. The exam is held in three steps: Prelims (screening), Mains (main written exam with a short descriptive test) and then the Interview.

The Prelims has only three subjects: English (30), Reasoning (35) and Quantitative Aptitude (35). In Mains, two more subjects come in: General Awareness (with a lot of insurance topics) and Computer Knowledge. Specialist candidates also get a Professional Knowledge paper of their own discipline.

Today is 18 October 2026. You have only 10 days left to apply (last date 28 October), and the Prelims is 30 days away (17 November). So start your preparation now, and apply early.

Important Dates 2026

  • Detailed Advertisement: 7 October 2026 (some sites show 6 or 7 October)
  • Online Registration Start: 8 October 2026
  • Last Date to Apply and Pay Fee: 28 October 2026
  • Age and Qualification Calculation Date: 1 October 2026
  • Phase I (Prelims) Online Exam: 17 November 2026 (Tuesday)
  • Phase II (Mains) Online Exam: 22 December 2026 (Tuesday)
  • Interview: Will be announced later

Quick Eligibility Facts

Item Details
Age Limit 21 to 30 years as on 1 October 2026 (born between 2 October 1996 and 1 October 2005). Relaxation for reserved categories as per rules
Generalist Qualification Graduation or Post-Graduation degree in any stream from a recognised university (check the notice for percentage requirement)
Specialist Qualification Related degree as per discipline, such as Law, IT, Finance, Engineering and others, as given in the notice
Vacancies 200 Generalist + 121 Specialist (one backlog vacancy in IT included, as reported)
Note: Eligibility points come from job portals that read the notice. Please match them with the official advertisement before you apply.

Selection Process 2026

  1. Phase I — Preliminary Exam (online): Screening only, 100 marks
  2. Phase II — Main Exam (online): Objective test of 250 marks plus a Descriptive English Test of 30 marks (qualifying)
  3. Interview: For candidates shortlisted from Mains
  4. Final selection: Based on Mains objective marks and Interview marks. As reported by one coaching site, the weightage is 80% Mains and 20% Interview. Please confirm in the official notice

Remember: Prelims marks are used only for shortlisting. The Descriptive Test is qualifying and its marks do not count in final merit, but you must qualify it.

NICL AO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026 (Phase I)

Sl. No. Subject Questions Marks
1 English Language 30 30
2 Reasoning 35 35
3 Quantitative Aptitude 35 35
Total 100 100

Duration: 60 minutes in total, with a separate time of 20 minutes for each section. You cannot use the time of one section in another.

A small mistake on one website: One page says in a sentence that Prelims has five subjects including Computer and General Awareness, but its own table and the official-style syllabus chart show only three subjects. We follow the table: English, Reasoning and Quant.

NICL AO Mains Exam Pattern 2026 (Phase II) — Generalist

Sl. No. Subject Questions Marks Time
1 English Language 50 50 40 Min
2 Reasoning 50 50 40 Min
3 Quantitative Aptitude 50 50 40 Min
4 General Awareness 50 50 30 Min
5 Computer Knowledge 50 50 30 Min
Total 250 250 180 Min

NICL AO Mains Exam Pattern 2026 — Specialist

Sl. No. Subject Questions Marks Time
1 English Language 40 40 30 Min
2 Reasoning 40 40 35 Min
3 Quantitative Aptitude 40 40 35 Min
4 General Awareness 40 40 20 Min
5 Computer Knowledge 40 40 25 Min
6 Professional Knowledge (your discipline) 50 50 35 Min
Total 250 250 180 Min

Descriptive English Test (30 Marks)

Part Marks
Essay 10
Precis 10
Comprehension 10
Total 30 (30 minutes)
  • The test is in English and in online mode. You must type your answers on the keyboard
  • It is qualifying only. Marks are not added to the final merit
  • As per the Mains rules, you need to get the minimum score in each section of the objective test to be shortlisted for checking of the descriptive test
  • The Mains medium of the exam is both English and Hindi (descriptive is in English)

Negative Marking and Sectional Cut Off Rules

  • Negative marking: 0.25 mark (one-fourth) is cut for each wrong answer
  • No penalty for questions you leave unanswered
  • Section-wise minimum: You must cross the minimum mark in each section (the exact numbers come with the result notice)
  • So, do not neglect any section, even if you are strong in another

Prelims Syllabus — Reasoning Ability (35 Marks)

No. Topic Types of Questions
1 Inequality Direct, indirect, coded and reverse inequality
2 Syllogism 2 or 3 statement and conclusion based, coded, reverse, option-wise conclusion
3 Blood Relation Generation based and coded blood relation
4 Direction and Distance Paragraph based and coded direction
5 Coding-Decoding Simple, Chinese coding, conditional/coded, resultant coding
6 Series Alphanumeric, alphabet, number based and step based series
7 Ranking, Order and Comparison Ranking order and comparison based questions
8 Puzzles Floor and flat, box and stack, day/month/year/date-month, designation, ranking, sequence, selection/grouping and miscellaneous
9 Seating Arrangement Linear, parallel/double row, uncertain linear, circular, square and polygon
10 Machine Input-Output Coded, multi-step alphabet and number based
11 Data Sufficiency 2 or 3 statement, logical sufficiency
12 Pair Formation Meaningful word, odd one out, digit operation, alphabet operation
13 Miscellaneous Reasoning Resultant based
14 Logical Reasoning Inference, assumption, conclusion, cause and effect, argument, course of action, statement analysis

Prelims Syllabus — General English (30 Marks)

No. Topic Types of Questions
1 Reading Comprehension Factual, vocabulary, inference, tone and conclusion based
2 Cloze Test Basic, contextual and new pattern
3 Error Detection Sentence based error
4 Multiple / Double Error Detection Spot more than one error
5 Fill in the Blanks / Fillers Single, multiple and contextual
6 Para Jumbles Sentence rearrangement
7 Paragraph Completion Sentence completion
8 Match the Following Matching sentences or parts
9 Phrase Replacement Sentence improvement
10 Word Swap Word rearrangement
11 Connectors Starters
12 Misspelt Words Spelling based
13 Word Usage and Contextual Meaning Meaning of a word in a sentence
14 Vocabulary Synonyms, antonyms, contextual vocabulary
15 Idioms and Phrases Meaning and usage
16 Phrasal Verbs Meaning and usage
17 Odd Sentence / Sentence Selection Find the sentence that does not fit
18 Conclusion and Inference Based Verbal Questions Verbal inference
19 Miscellaneous Grammar and vocabulary

Prelims Syllabus — Quantitative Aptitude (35 Marks)

No. Topic Types of Questions
1 Data Interpretation Tabulation, pie chart, line graph, bar graph, caselet, arithmetic DI (ages, partnership, ratio, percentage), mixed DI, missing DI, advanced pattern DI, radar DI
2 Inequality Direct, coded, mathematical, quantity based
3 Quadratic Equation Basic equations, comparison of roots, parameter based
4 Quantity Comparison Quantity I and II, quantity based arithmetic and algebra
5 Number Series Missing number, wrong number, multiple/new pattern series
6 Simplification and Approximation Square/cube/roots, fraction based, percentage based, BODMAS, decimals
7 Percentage Basic, successive, income and expenditure, election, exam marks, population, Venn diagram
8 Average Basic, weighted, replacement based, age based
9 Age Age problems
10 Partnership Partnership problems
11 Profit and Loss Basic, dishonest dealings, discount and marked price, successive selling, sales tax
12 Simple and Compound Interest SI, CI, mixed, instalments
13 Ratio and Proportion Basic ratio, proportion, direct and inverse, partnership
14 Mixture and Allegation Basic mixture, allegation, replacement based
15 Time and Work Work efficiency, work and wages, man-days, alternate work, pipes and cisterns
16 Speed, Time and Distance Relative speed, average speed, trains, partial speed, race, boats and streams
17 Probability Ball, card, coin, dice based
18 Permutation and Combination Basic, arrangement, selection, circular arrangement
19 Mensuration Solid figures, plane figures
20 Number System Divisibility, factors and multiples, LCM and HCF, remainders, unit digit
21 Data Sufficiency Two-statement, three-statement, quantity based
Note: Topic names are taken from the syllabus chart (PDF) you shared, which is a coaching-institute compilation. It is a detailed guide, not a line-by-line copy of the official advertisement.

Mains Syllabus — Computer Knowledge (6 Chapters)

Chapter Topics
1. Computer Fundamentals and Hardware History and generations, architecture and CPU, types of computers, input and output devices, primary and secondary memory, memory units, ports and cables, number systems and logic gates
2. Software and Operating Systems Types of software, open source vs proprietary, functions and types of OS, Windows, Linux, Unix, mobile OS, booting process, basic OS concepts
3. MS Office and Database Word, Excel, PowerPoint, keyboard shortcuts and file extensions, DBMS basics
4. Networking and Internet LAN, WAN etc., topologies, OSI and TCP/IP, network devices, wired and wireless media, internet and browsers, MAC vs IP address, e-mail protocols
5. Cyber Security Types of malware, common attacks, social engineering, firewalls and antivirus, cryptography and encryption, wireless security and hacking terms
6. Technical Terms and Emerging Trends Computer acronyms, file extensions, cloud computing and IoT, AI and ML basics, e-commerce, FinTech (UPI, digital wallets), Web 3.0

Mains Syllabus — General Awareness (3 Modules)

Module 1 — Insurance and Financial Sector Awareness

  • Core principles of insurance: Utmost Good Faith (Uberrimae Fidei), Insurable Interest, Indemnity, Subrogation, Contribution, Proximate Cause and Loss Minimisation
  • Types of insurance: General insurance (motor, health, fire, marine, liability, travel) vs life insurance, reinsurance and micro-insurance
  • Key glossary: Premium, underwriting, deductible, annuity, Claim Settlement Ratio, Incurred Claim Ratio, surrender value, nominee, endorsement, actuary, grace period, moratorium period, free-look period
  • NICL and PSGICs: NICL history, nationalisation under GIBNA 1972, corporate structure, tagline, overseas operations, recent products. Also news about public sector general insurers such as GIC Re, NIACL, OICL, NICL and AIC
  • Regulation: IRDAI history, functions, recent guidelines, exposure drafts and initiatives (Bima Sugam, Bima Vistaar, Bima Vahak); Insurance Ombudsman Scheme and consumer protection provisions in insurance

Module 2 — Current Affairs (last 5 to 6 months)

  • National and international affairs: summits, agreements, MoUs, G20, BRICS, SCO, COP and ASEAN
  • Government schemes: PMJJBY, PMSBY, PMFBY, Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY), PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana
  • Appointments and resignations: leaders, banking and insurance heads, IRDAI board, RBI executives, brand ambassadors
  • Economic and corporate updates: Union Budget, Economic Survey, bank mergers and acquisitions
  • Awards, honours and sports: Nobel Prizes, National Film Awards, Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, Oscars, major tournaments
  • Reports, indices and rankings: Global Innovation Index, Human Development Index, World Happiness Report, Gender Gap Index and India’s rank

Module 3 — Static General Knowledge

  • Geography trivia: capitals and currencies of countries in news, bordering nations, rivers, dams, ports
  • Environment: national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, Ramsar sites, power plants
  • Headquarters, establishment years and heads of international bodies (UN agencies, IMF, World Bank, ADB, WTO) and Indian financial institutions
  • Important national and international days with their yearly themes

Specialist Professional Knowledge — IT (11 Chapters)

Chapter Subject What to Focus On (Our Study Guide)
1 Database Management System (DBMS) Keys, normalisation, SQL queries, ER model, transactions
2 Data Communication and Computer Networks OSI/TCP-IP, IP addressing, routing, protocols
3 Operating Systems Process, scheduling, memory, deadlock, file systems
4 Data Structures and Algorithms Arrays, stacks, queues, trees, sorting, complexity
5 Data Warehousing and Data Mart OLAP, ETL, schemas
6 OOPS and Programming Languages Classes, inheritance, polymorphism, basic programming
7 Software Engineering SDLC models, testing, requirements
8 Web Technologies HTML, CSS, JavaScript, web servers
9 Cyber Security and Cryptography Attacks, encryption, hashing, digital signatures
10 Cloud Computing and Virtualization IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, virtual machines
11 AI and Machine Learning Basics Types of learning, common algorithms, use cases

Specialist Professional Knowledge — Law (Legal Specialist, Scale I)

The syllabus chart groups Law into seven parts. The first group is marked as the highest priority.

Group Acts and Topics
1. Core Insurance and Regulatory Laws (Highest Priority) Principles of insurance; Insurance Act, 1938; IRDA Act, 1999; General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 1972; Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (third-party liability, hit-and-run, MACT)
2. Civil and Procedural Laws Code of Civil Procedure, 1908; Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023; Limitation Act, 1963; Registration Act, 1908; Indian Stamp Act, 1899
3. Commercial and Business Laws Indian Contract Act, 1872; Specific Relief Act, 1963; Sale of Goods Act, 1930; Indian Partnership Act, 1932; Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881; Transfer of Property Act, 1882; Companies Act, 2013
4. Criminal and Public Laws Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
5. Financial Recovery and Dispute Resolution Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016; Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
6. Public, Administrative and Consumer Laws Constitution of India (Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, writs, state liability); Administrative law; Law of Torts; Consumer Protection Act, 2019; RTI Act, 2005; IT Act, 2000
7. Important Latin Terms and Legal Maxims Uberrimae fidei, causa proxima, volenti non fit injuria, damnum sine injuria, res ipsa loquitur, nemo judex in causa sua, audi alteram partem, caveat emptor, delegatus non potest delegare, actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea, res judicata and stare decisis
Other specialist posts: The syllabus chart you shared covers IT and Law only. For Finance, Engineering, Medical and other disciplines, please check the official notice for the discipline-wise syllabus.

NICL AO Cut Off — Previous Years (From the PDF You Shared)

A cut off is the lowest mark needed to move to the next stage. There is no 2026 cut off yet because the exams have not happened. The best help is the past data. Below are the cut offs of the 2024 and 2025 cycles as shown in the chart PDF.

Note: The numbers are copied from that chart. The 2025 Prelims table is described there as the official Phase I cut off, out of 100. For 2024, please cross-check with NICL’s website, because a few numbers look unusual (for example ST above UR in Generalist Prelims).

NICL AO Prelims Cut Off 2025 (Out of 100)

Category Generalist Information Technology Legal
SC 64.75 58.25 48.25
ST 58.25 48.75 40.75
OBC 70.50 58.75 43.00
EWS 69.50 58.00 46.75
UR (General) 70.75 58.75 52.00

NICL AO Prelims Cut Off 2024 (Out of 100)

Post SC ST OBC EWS UR
Generalist 74.50 86.75 79.50 79.50 79.50
Doctors (MBBS) 15.00 13.25 13.50 20.75 20.75
Legal 37.25 26.25 37.25 37.25 37.25
Finance 50.00 43.75 85.75 85.75 85.75
Information Technology 61.00 55.50 83.75 81.75 83.75
Automobile Engineers 21.00 19.25 21.00 19.50 21.00
PwBD Prelims cut off 2024 (as shown in the chart): Generalist — HI 69.75, VI 37.25, OC 81.25, ID and Multiple 30.50. Doctors (MBBS) — HI 21.75, VI 34.00, OC 29.00, ID and Multiple 30.25.

NICL AO Mains Cut Off 2024

Post SC ST OBC EWS UR
Generalist 128.25 116.00 141.00 138.00 141.00
Doctors (MBBS) 59.75 58.00 56.75 — 65.00
Legal 109.00 91.00 123.00 109.75 123.00
Finance 103.75 100.00 120.50 118.00 120.50
Information Technology 100.50 91.00 122.00 120.00 124.00
Automobile Engineers 98.50 75.00 98.50 94.50 98.50
Note: The chart does not state the total marks for the Mains cut off. The 2026 Mains objective test is of 250 marks. Use these numbers only to see the trend between categories and posts.

What the Cut Off Trend Tells You

  • Generalist Prelims UR cut off fell from 79.50 in 2024 to 70.75 in 2025, a drop of about 9 marks. This means the paper was tougher in 2025
  • Prelims cut off changes every year with paper difficulty. So never depend on one year
  • IT and Legal cut offs are lower than Generalist, because fewer candidates compete for specialist posts
  • Category gaps: In 2025, UR (70.75) was about 6 marks above SC (64.75) and about 12 marks above ST (58.25) in Generalist
  • Mains cut offs of 2024: Generalist UR was 141.00, and IT UR was 124.00

Our planning guidance (not official): For a Generalist General-category candidate, aim for 75+ in Prelims to stay safe. For specialist posts, aim at least 10 marks above the 2025 cut off of your discipline. Because of negative marking of 0.25, accuracy matters as much as attempts.

Prelims Time Plan (20 Minutes per Section)

Section Questions Time About Time per Question
English 30 20 min 40 seconds
Reasoning 35 20 min about 34 seconds
Quantitative Aptitude 35 20 min about 34 seconds
  • Start each section with easy sets: inequality, syllogism, number series, simplification and error detection
  • Leave long puzzles and heavy DI sets for the end if time is short
  • Because of 0.25 negative marking, do not guess when you cannot remove at least two options
  • A good attempt level for Prelims is to try for high accuracy, as sectional cut offs also apply

Which Topics to Prioritise (Our General Guidance)

  • Reasoning (35): Puzzles and seating arrangement usually take the biggest share of marks. Practise them daily, then inequality, syllogism and coding-decoding
  • Quant (35): Simplification, number series, quadratic equations and data interpretation give quick marks. Then percentage, profit-loss, time-work and speed-distance
  • English (30): Reading comprehension, cloze test, error detection and para jumbles are the main areas
  • Mains only: Insurance awareness and computer knowledge are scoring if you revise the topics listed above

Note: This priority list is based on the usual pattern of bank and insurance exams. The exact number of questions topic-wise is not published.

30-Day Study Plan for Prelims (18 Oct to 17 Nov)

Days Focus
Day 1–3 Apply online before 28 October, upload documents. Learn the full syllabus and take one sectional test to know your level
Day 4–10 Reasoning: puzzles, seating, inequality, syllogism. Quant: simplification, number series, quadratic equations. English: error detection, fillers. One sectional test every 2 days
Day 11–17 Reasoning: coding-decoding, blood relation, direction, series. Quant: DI, percentage, average, ratio, profit-loss. English: reading comprehension and cloze test
Day 18–24 Quant: time-work, speed-distance, interest, mixture. Revise weak chapters. Start one full 60-minute mock every alternate day
Day 25–29 Daily full mock, then check mistakes. Revise formulas and shortcuts. Speed and accuracy drills
Day 30 Light revision, rest and sleep. Check admit card and exam centre

35-Day Study Plan for Mains (18 Nov to 22 Dec)

Days Focus
Week 1 Prelims review. Start General Awareness: insurance basics, principles and glossary. Computer Chapters 1 and 2
Week 2 Computer Chapters 3 to 6. Insurance regulation, IRDAI, NICL and PSGICs. Current affairs of last 6 months
Week 3 Specialists: Professional Knowledge deep study. Generalists: data interpretation sets and reasoning puzzles at Mains level
Week 4 Descriptive test: practise essay, precis and comprehension by typing. Full-length Mains mock every 2–3 days
Last 5 days Revision of notes, mock tests, typing practice and rest. Check admit card

How to Prepare for the Descriptive Test

  • Essay (10 marks): Write 250 to 300 words. Use a simple structure: introduction, 3 main points, conclusion. Topics can come from banking, insurance, technology, economy and society
  • Precis (10 marks): Reduce a passage to about one-third of its length, in your own words, keeping the main idea
  • Comprehension (10 marks): Read the passage carefully and answer each question in full, clear sentences
  • Typing: Practise typing English for 30 minutes daily. Speed and correct spelling save time
  • Writing style: Use short, correct sentences. Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes
  • Timing: The three tasks must be completed in 30 minutes. Practise with a timer

Interview Preparation Tips

  • Know why you want to join insurance and NICL in particular
  • Revise NICL basics: history, products, overseas operations and recent news
  • Learn the basic principles of insurance and the role of IRDAI
  • Specialists should revise their professional subject, as questions will come from it
  • Prepare about your education, hobbies, current affairs and answers to common HR questions
  • Be honest, calm and clear, and dress neatly

Quick Insurance Fact Sheet (From the Syllabus Chart)

  • NICL was founded in 1906 in Kolkata, and the chart calls it India’s oldest general insurance company. Its tagline is ‘Trusted Since 1906’
  • General insurance companies were nationalised under the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act (GIBNA), 1972
  • NICL also has an overseas branch in Nepal
  • IRDAI is the regulator of the insurance sector. Recent initiatives named in the chart: Bima Sugam, Bima Vistaar and Bima Vahak
  • The six core principles to remember: Utmost Good Faith, Insurable Interest, Indemnity, Subrogation, Contribution and Proximate Cause (plus Loss Minimisation)

Tip: Cross-check these facts with NICL’s website and recent news while preparing.

Documents Needed for Application

  • Scanned photograph, signature, left thumb impression and handwritten declaration (as per the portal’s format)
  • Graduation or required degree marksheet and certificate
  • Date of birth proof
  • Category certificate, if any
  • Active mobile number and e-mail ID
  • Debit card, credit card or net banking for the fee

Note: The exact list, sizes and fee are in the official advertisement. In the 2024 cycle, SC, ST and PwBD candidates paid a lower fee, but please check the 2026 notice for the current amount.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying on the last day, 28 October, when the website can be slow
  • Ignoring sectional cut offs and focusing only on a strong section
  • Guessing too many answers despite 0.25 negative marking
  • Not practising with a timer for each 20-minute section
  • Skipping insurance awareness and computer chapters for Mains
  • Not practising typing for the descriptive test
  • Relying only on one coaching chart. Always check the official notice

Beware of Fraud and Fake Agents

NICL selects candidates only through the online exams and interview. Nobody can give you a job for money. Apply only on the official NICL website and do not share OTP or password with anyone.

Quick Summary

NICL AO 2026 has 321 posts (200 Generalist, 121 Specialist). Apply by 28 October. Prelims on 17 November has English 30, Reasoning 35 and Quant 35 in 60 minutes. Mains on 22 December has 250 objective marks in 180 minutes plus a 30-mark qualifying Descriptive Test. Wrong answers lose 0.25 mark. Last year’s Generalist Prelims UR cut off was 70.75, and in 2024 it was 79.50, so aim high and stay accurate.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the NICL AO Prelims exam pattern?
100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes: English 30, Reasoning 35, Quant 35, with 20 minutes per section.

Q2. What is the NICL AO Mains pattern?
Generalist: 5 subjects of 50 marks each (250). Specialist: five subjects of 40 marks plus a 50-mark professional knowledge paper (250). Time is 180 minutes.

Q3. Is there a descriptive test?
Yes. It is 30 marks (Essay 10, Precis 10, Comprehension 10), 30 minutes, typed online, and qualifying in nature.

Q4. Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.25 mark for each wrong answer. No penalty for unanswered questions.

Q5. When is the exam?
Phase I on 17 November 2026 and Phase II on 22 December 2026.

Q6. What is the last date to apply?
28 October 2026.

Q7. How many vacancies are there?
321: 200 Generalist and 121 Specialist.

Q8. What is the age limit?
21 to 30 years as on 1 October 2026, with relaxation as per rules.

Q9. What was the NICL AO Prelims cut off for Generalist UR in 2025?
70.75 out of 100, as per the chart you shared. In 2024 it was 79.50.

Q10. Does the Prelims have Computer and General Awareness?
No. Prelims has English, Reasoning and Quant only. Computer Knowledge and General Awareness come in Mains.

Q11. What is the weightage of Mains and Interview?
One coaching site reports 80% Mains and 20% Interview. Please confirm in the official notice.

Q12. Where can I download the syllabus PDF?
The link is given in the Important Links section below, along with the official website.

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