The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) conducts the Assistant Manager exam to recruit candidates for various specialized roles. The selection process consists of three phases:
- Phase I – Online Preliminary Examination (Objective Test)
- Phase II – Descriptive Examination
- Phase III – Interview
Understanding the syllabus and exam pattern is crucial for candidates preparing for this exam. Below is a detailed breakdown of each phase, along with important topics and preparation tips.
IRDAI Assistant Manager Exam Pattern
Phase I – Online Preliminary Examination
This phase is an objective-type test with four sections: Reasoning, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness.
Exam Structure:
- Mode: Online
- Duration: 90 minutes (composite time)
- Total Marks: 160
- Number of Questions: 160
- Negative Marking: 1/4th mark deducted for each incorrect answer
Section-wise Breakdown:
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 40 | 40 |
| English Language | 40 | 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
Syllabus Details:
Reasoning Ability:
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Seating Arrangement (Linear & Circular)
- Puzzles (Box, Floor-based, etc.)
- Syllogism
- Input-Output
- Data Sufficiency
- Inequalities
- Logical Reasoning (Statements & Assumptions, Course of Action, Cause & Effect)
English Language:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Error Detection
- Sentence Improvement
- Vocabulary-Based Questions
- Fill in the Blanks
- Idioms & Phrases
Quantitative Aptitude:
- Simplification & Approximation
- Data Interpretation (Pie Chart, Bar Graph, Line Graph, Table, Caselet DI)
- Number Series
- Ratio & Proportion
- Time & Work
- Speed, Time & Distance
- Probability
- Permutation & Combination
- Profit & Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Mensuration
General Awareness (with special focus on Insurance and Financial Sector):
- Banking & Financial Awareness
- Insurance Industry Updates
- Regulatory Bodies (IRDAI, SEBI, RBI, etc.)
- Government Schemes & Policies
- Economic & Budget Updates
- International Organizations (IMF, World Bank, ADB, etc.)
- Static GK (Important National & International Events)
- Awards, Books, and Authors
Phase I – Key Points to Remember:
- It is qualifying in nature (marks will not be counted for the final merit list).
- Candidates need to score above the cut-off to proceed to Phase II.
Phase II – Descriptive Examination
Candidates who qualify Phase I will be eligible for Phase II, which consists of three descriptive papers.
Exam Structure:
- Mode: Offline (Written Test)
- Total Marks: 300
- Duration: 180 minutes (60 minutes per paper)
Papers & Syllabus:
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 & Density
- Business Cycles and Economic Indicators
- Impact of Demographics on the Economy
- Financial Inclusion & Insurance
- Behavioral Economics & Insurance
- Public Policies & Insurance Regulation
- Insurance in Rural and Social Sectors
- Micro-Insurance in India
- Social Security Laws and Schemes (PMJJBY, PMSBY, RSBY, etc.)
Paper III – Insurance & Management (100 Marks)
- Insurance Basics:
- History of Insurance
- Principles of Insurance
- Types of Insurance (Life & Non-Life)
- Reinsurance & Bancassurance
- IRDAI Regulations
- Management:
- Leadership & Motivation
- HR Management
- Financial Management
- Marketing Strategies
- Risk Management
Phase II – Key Points to Remember:
- Candidates must write clear and well-structured answers.
- Time management is crucial as each paper is descriptive.
Phase III – Interview
Candidates who clear Phase II will be shortlisted for the Interview round.
Key Focus Areas:
- Knowledge of Insurance & Financial Sector
- Current Economic & Financial Issues
- Personal & Professional Background
- Communication Skills and Confidence
- Tips for Interview:
- Stay updated with IRDAI news and policy changes.
- Be clear with basic financial and insurance terminologies.
- Practice mock interviews to improve confidence.
Final Selection Process
- The final merit list is based on Phase II marks + Interview marks.
- Phase I is only qualifying in nature.
Preparation Strategy for IRDAI Assistant Manager Exam
- Understand the Syllabus & Exam Pattern –
- Focus on the weightage of topics.
- Make a Study Plan –
- Allocate time for each subject and revision.
- Practice Mock Tests –
- Helps in improving speed and accuracy.
- Read Financial News –
- Stay updated on insurance industry changes.
- Improve Writing Skills –
- Essential for Phase II (Descriptive Papers).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is there negative marking in the IRDAI Assistant Manager Exam?
- Yes, 1/4th mark is deducted for every wrong answer in Phase I.
- What is the medium of the exam?
- The exam is conducted in English only.
- How can I prepare for the descriptive papers?
- Practice essay writing, precis writing, and business correspondence. Read editorials from The Hindu, Economic Times, or Financial Express.
- What are the best books for IRDAI Assistant Manager preparation?
- Quantitative Aptitude – R.S. Aggarwal
- Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal
- English Language – Wren & Martin / S.P. Bakshi
- Financial & Insurance Awareness – Newspapers + RBI/IRDAI Reports
Conclusion
The IRDAI Assistant Manager Exam is competitive but achievable with consistent preparation. A strong grasp of insurance concepts, financial awareness, reasoning, and writing skills will boost your chances of success.
Start your preparation early, stay consistent, and practice regularly! Best of luck!
