The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) conducts the Assistant Manager Exam to recruit candidates in different specialized streams. The selection process consists of three phases:
- Phase I – Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Phase II – Descriptive Examination
- Phase III – Interview
Each phase has a distinct format and assessment criteria. Below is a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern, including the marking scheme, section-wise distribution, and key points to remember.
IRDAI Assistant Manager Exam Pattern – Overviewmost asked
| Phase | Type | Mode | Marks | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase I | Objective (MCQs) | Online | 160 Marks | 90 Minutes | Screening (Qualifying) |
| Phase II | Descriptive | Offline (Written Test) | 300 Marks | 180 Minutes | Merit-Based Selection |
| Phase III | Interview | Face-to-Face | 50 Marks | – | Final Selection |
Let’s go through each phase in detail.
Phase I – Online Preliminary Examinationmost asked
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The Phase I exam is a qualifying stage and is conducted in an online mode. It consists of four sections with multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Exam Structure:
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Duration: 90 minutes (Composite time for all sections)
- Total Marks: 160
- Total Questions: 160
- Negative Marking: 1/4th mark deducted for each incorrect answer
Section-wise Distribution:
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 40 | 40 |
| English Language | 40 | 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 |
| General Awareness (with special focus on Insurance & Financial Sector) | 40 | 40 |
| Total | 160 | 160 |
Key Points to Remember for Phase I:
- Only qualifying in nature – Marks will not be counted for the final selection.
- Candidates need to clear the cut-off in each section to qualify for Phase II.
- There is negative marking (1/4th deduction for incorrect answers).
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Get it on WhatsApp — one tap or just leave your numberPhase II – Descriptive Examinationmost asked
Candidates who qualify Phase I will be eligible to appear for Phase II, which is a descriptive written test conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper-based).
Exam Structure:
- Mode: Offline (Written Exam)
- Total Marks: 300
- Duration: 180 minutes (60 minutes per paper)
- Number of Papers: 3
Paper-wise Distribution:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | English (Descriptive Writing) | 100 | 60 minutes |
| Paper II | Economic and Social Issues impacting Insurance | 100 | 60 minutes |
| Paper III | Insurance & Management | 100 | 60 minutes |
| Total | – | 300 Marks | 180 minutes |
Details of Each Paper:
Paper I – English (100 Marks)
- Essay Writing
- Precis Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Business/Office Correspondence
Paper II – Economic and Social Issues impacting Insurance (100 Marks)
- Economic Growth & Insurance Penetration
- Financial Inclusion & Insurance
- Insurance Regulations in India
- Social Security Laws & Government Schemes (PMJJBY, PMSBY, RSBY, etc.)
Paper III – Insurance & Management (100 Marks)
- Insurance Topics:
- History, Principles, Reinsurance, IRDAI Regulations
- Management Topics:
- Leadership, HR, Financial & Risk Management
Key Points to Remember for Phase II:
- Marks obtained in Phase II will be considered for final selection.
- Answers must be clear, structured, and well-written.
- Time management is crucial as each paper is descriptive.
Phase III – Interview
Candidates who clear Phase II will be shortlisted for the Interview round.
Interview Details:
- Mode: Face-to-Face Interview
- Total Marks: 50
- Purpose: Assessment of Personality, Communication Skills, and Industry Knowledge
- Key Areas of Focus in the Interview:
- Understanding of Insurance & Financial Sector
- Current Economic & Financial Issues
- IRDAI Policies & Regulations
- Personal & Professional Background
Final Selection Process
Final Merit List Calculation:
- Phase I – Qualifying in nature (not counted in final selection).
- Phase II – Marks obtained in descriptive papers will be considered.
- Phase III – Interview marks (50 marks) will be added to Phase II scores.
Final merit list = Phase II Marks (300) + Interview Marks (50)
Candidates securing higher ranks in the merit list will be appointed as Assistant Managers in IRDAI.
IRDAI Assistant Manager Exam – Key Takeawaysmost asked
- Phase I:
- Online, Objective, Qualifying Only
- Phase II:
- Offline, Descriptive, Marks Count for Merit List
- Phase III:
- Interview, Personality & Knowledge Assessment
- Success Tip:
- Focus on Phase II (Descriptive Writing & Subject Knowledge) as it carries 300 marks – the most significant part of the final merit list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Phase I of IRDAI Assistant Manager Exam difficult?
- The difficulty is moderate, but competition is high. Clearing the cut-off is essential.
- How is Phase II different from other banking/insurance exams?
- It is descriptive and requires strong writing skills & subject knowledge.
- What is the best way to prepare for the Interview?
- Stay updated with financial & insurance sector news, practice mock interviews, and improve communication skills.
- Does Phase I marks count in the final selection?
- No, it is only a qualifying exam. Phase II + Interview marks determine selection.
Conclusion
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The IRDAI Assistant Manager Exam Pattern is structured to test analytical ability, writing skills, and domain knowledge. Candidates should focus on descriptive writing in Phase II, as it plays a crucial role in final selection.
Start early, practice consistently, and stay updated with insurance industry trends!
