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 – Overview
| 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 Examination
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).
Phase II – Descriptive Examination
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 Takeaways
- 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
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!
Best of luck for your IRDAI Assistant Manager Exam preparation!
