LIC AAO Papers 2026

Last Updated: March 2026

The LIC AAO (Life Insurance Corporation of India - Assistant Administrative Officer) examination is one of the most prestigious government job opportunities in the insurance sector. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about LIC AAO 2026, including exam pattern, syllabus, previous year papers analysis, sample questions, and preparation strategy.

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📋 Exam Overview

Attribute	Details
Exam Name	LIC AAO 2026
Conducting Body	Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
Post	Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO)
Job Location	Across India
Employment Type	Permanent Government Job
Official Website	www.licindia.in

About LIC

Life Insurance Corporation of India is India's largest insurance company, owned by the Government of India. It was established in 1956 and has over 2,000 branches across the country. Working as an AAO at LIC offers excellent career growth, job security, and attractive remuneration.

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🎯 Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university
• Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST candidates) in aggregate
• Candidates appearing in final year can also apply provisionally

Age Limit (as of 01/01/2026)

Category	Age Limit
General	21 to 30 years
OBC	21 to 33 years (3 years relaxation)
SC/ST	21 to 35 years (5 years relaxation)
PwBD	21 to 40 years (10 years relaxation)

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💰 Salary & Pay Scale

Component	Amount
Basic Pay	₹53,600/- per month
Pay Scale	₹53,600 - ₹2,085(14) - ₹82,790 - ₹2,105(4) - ₹91,210/-
Gross Salary	₹80,000 - ₹95,000/- per month (approximate)
Annual CTC	₹12-14 Lakhs

Additional Benefits

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)
• Medical Benefits
• Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
• Group Insurance
• Pension under New Pension Scheme
• Performance Linked Incentives

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📊 Exam Pattern 2026

The LIC AAO selection process consists of three phases:

Phase 1: Preliminary Examination (Online)

Section	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
English Language	30	30	20 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	35	35	20 minutes
Reasoning Ability	35	35	20 minutes
Total	100	100	60 minutes

Key Points:

• Negative marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
• English section marks are qualifying in nature (not counted for merit)
• Candidates must qualify in each section separately

Phase 2: Main Examination (Online)

Section	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
Reasoning Ability	30	90	40 minutes
General Knowledge & Current Affairs	30	60	20 minutes
Data Analysis & Interpretation	30	90	40 minutes
Insurance & Financial Market Awareness	30	60	20 minutes
Total	120	300	120 minutes

Descriptive Test:

• Letter Writing (10 marks)
• Essay Writing (20 marks)
• Duration: 30 minutes

Phase 3: Interview

• Candidates 3 times the number of vacancies are called for interview
• Maximum marks: 60
• Minimum qualifying marks: 30 (General), 27 (SC/ST/OBC)

Final Selection

• Weightage: Mains (300) + Interview (60) = 360 marks
• Prelims is only qualifying in nature

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📚 Detailed Syllabus

Quantitative Aptitude

• Simplification & Approximation
• Number Series
• Data Interpretation (Tables, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs)
• Quadratic Equations
• Arithmetic Problems:
  • Percentage
  • Profit & Loss
  • Simple & Compound Interest
  • Ratio & Proportion
  • Average
  • Problems on Ages
  • Time & Work
  • Pipes & Cisterns
  • Time & Distance
  • Boats & Streams
  • Mixtures & Alligations
  • Probability
  • Permutation & Combination

Reasoning Ability

• Seating Arrangement (Circular, Linear, Square)
• Puzzles (Floor-based, Day/Month based, Comparison)
• Syllogism
• Inequality (Direct & Coded)
• Input-Output
• Blood Relations
• Direction Sense
• Order & Ranking
• Alphanumeric Series
• Coding-Decoding
• Data Sufficiency

English Language

• Reading Comprehension
• Cloze Test
• Error Detection
• Sentence Correction
• Para Jumbles
• Fill in the Blanks
• Sentence Improvement
• Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms)

General Knowledge & Current Affairs

• National & International News
• Banking & Financial Awareness
• Government Schemes
• Awards & Honors
• Sports
• Static GK (History, Geography, Polity)

Insurance & Financial Market Awareness

• History of Insurance in India
• LIC - Products, Policies, History
• IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority)
• Types of Insurance (Life, Health, Motor, etc.)
• Financial Market Basics
• Banking Terminology
• Stock Market Basics
• Mutual Funds

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🧮 Quantitative Aptitude - 15 Practice Questions with Solutions

Question 1

If 12 men can complete a work in 18 days, in how many days can 8 men complete the same work?

Solution: Using the work formula: M₁ × D₁ = M₂ × D₂

• 12 × 18 = 8 × D₂
• 216 = 8 × D₂
• D₂ = 216 ÷ 8 = 27 days

Shortcut: Men and days are inversely proportional. If men reduce to 8/12 = 2/3, days will increase by 3/2. So 18 × 3/2 = 27 days.

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Question 2

A shopkeeper marks his goods 40% above the cost price and allows a discount of 15%. What is his profit percentage?

Solution: Let CP = ₹100

• Marked Price = ₹140
• Selling Price = 140 × 0.85 = ₹119
• Profit = 119 - 100 = ₹19
• Profit % = 19%

Shortcut Formula: Profit % = (Marked % - Discount % - (Marked % × Discount %)/100) = 40 - 15 - (40×15)/100 = 25 - 6 = 19%

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Question 3

The average of 5 consecutive odd numbers is 35. Find the largest number.

Solution: Let the numbers be: x, x+2, x+4, x+6, x+8 Average = (5x + 20)/5 = 35 5x + 20 = 175 x = 31 Largest number = x + 8 = 39

Shortcut: For consecutive numbers, average = middle number. So numbers are 31, 33, 35, 37, 39. Largest = 39.

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Question 4

A sum of money becomes ₹8,820 in 2 years and ₹9,261 in 3 years at compound interest. Find the principal.

Solution: Difference between 3rd and 2nd year = 9,261 - 8,820 = ₹441 This is the interest on ₹8,820 for 1 year. Rate = (441/8820) × 100 = 5%

Now, P(1 + 5/100)² = 8,820 P × (21/20)² = 8,820 P = 8,820 × 400/441 = ₹8,000

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Question 5

A train 200m long crosses a platform 300m long in 25 seconds. Find the speed of the train.

Solution: Total distance = 200 + 300 = 500m Time = 25 seconds Speed = 500/25 = 20 m/s In km/hr = 20 × 18/5 = 72 km/hr

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Question 6

The ratio of ages of A and B is 4:5. After 6 years, the ratio becomes 6:7. Find the present age of A.

Solution: Let present ages be 4x and 5x (4x + 6)/(5x + 6) = 6/7 28x + 42 = 30x + 36 2x = 6 x = 3 A's age = 4x = 12 years

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Question 7

A and B can complete a work in 12 days and 18 days respectively. They work together for 4 days, then A leaves. How many more days will B take to complete the work?

Solution: A's 1 day work = 1/12 B's 1 day work = 1/18 (A+B)'s 1 day work = 1/12 + 1/18 = 5/36

Work done in 4 days = 4 × 5/36 = 5/9 Remaining work = 4/9

B will complete remaining work in = (4/9) × 18 = 8 days

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Question 8

What is the compound interest on ₹16,000 at 12.5% per annum for 2 years compounded annually?

Solution: Amount = P(1 + R/100)ⁿ = 16,000 × (1 + 12.5/100)² = 16,000 × (9/8)² = 16,000 × 81/64 = ₹20,250

CI = 20,250 - 16,000 = ₹4,250

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Question 9

In what ratio should water be mixed with milk costing ₹48 per litre to get a mixture worth ₹36 per litre?

Solution: Using Alligation: Water (₹0) Milk (₹48) \ / ₹36 /
(48-36)=12 (36-0)=36

Ratio = 12:36 = 1:3

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Question 10

Find the missing number: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?, 56

Solution: Pattern: 1×2, 2×3, 3×4, 4×5, 5×6, 6×7, 7×8 Missing number = 42

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Question 11

A pipe can fill a tank in 8 hours. Due to a leak, it takes 10 hours to fill. How long will the leak take to empty the full tank?

Solution: Pipe's 1 hour work = 1/8 (Pipe + Leak)'s 1 hour work = 1/10 Leak's 1 hour work = 1/8 - 1/10 = 1/40 Leak will empty the tank in 40 hours

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Question 12

The area of a square is 576 sq.cm. What is the perimeter of a rectangle whose length is twice the side of the square and breadth is half the side of the square?

Solution: Side of square = √576 = 24 cm Length of rectangle = 48 cm Breadth of rectangle = 12 cm Perimeter = 2(48 + 12) = 120 cm

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Question 13

By what percentage is 12.5 more than 10?

Solution: Percentage increase = (12.5 - 10)/10 × 100 = 2.5/10 × 100 = 25%

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Question 14

Solve: (18 × 15 - 120) ÷ 3 + 45 = ?

Solution: = (270 - 120) ÷ 3 + 45 = 150 ÷ 3 + 45 = 50 + 45 = 95

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Question 15

The probability of selecting a red ball from a bag is 3/7. If there are 21 balls in total, how many are not red?

Solution: Red balls = 21 × 3/7 = 9 Non-red balls = 21 - 9 = 12 balls

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🧩 Reasoning Ability - 10 Practice Questions with Solutions

Question 1

Directions: Study the following arrangement: B 5 R 1 @ E K 4 F 7 © D A M 2 P 3 % 9 H I W 8 ⋆ 6 U J

How many such consonants are there in the above arrangement, each of which is immediately preceded by a consonant and immediately followed by a number?

• R is preceded by B and followed by 1
• M is preceded by A and followed by 2 (A is vowel, so doesn't count)
• Wait, checking again: Only R fits (preceded by B-consonant, followed by 1-number)

Correct Answer: One (R only)

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Question 2

Statement: All pens are books. Some books are pencils. No pencil is an eraser.

Conclusions: I. Some books are not erasers II. All pencils being pens is a possibility

Solution:

• From "Some books are pencils" and "No pencil is eraser" → Some books are not erasers (True)
• All pencils can be pens (Possible, as pens and books have relationship)

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Question 3

Coding: If COMPUTER is coded as RFUVQNPC, how is MEDICINE coded?

Solution: Pattern: Each letter is shifted by +1, +2, +3... alternately from end C(3)→R(18): +15, O(15)→F(6): -9...

Actually, simpler pattern: Reverse the word and shift each letter by +1 COMPUTER → RETUPMOC → RFUVQNPC (each +1)

MEDICINE → ENICIDEM → FOJDJENF

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Question 4

Seating Arrangement: A, B, C, D, E, F are sitting in a circle. A is between B and C. D is between E and F. E is opposite to B. Who is sitting opposite to C?

Solution: Arranging: B-A-C on one side, E-D-F on other side Since E is opposite B: E-D-F is opposite side So F is opposite A, D is opposite C

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Question 5

Blood Relation: Pointing to a photograph, a man said, "I have no brother or sister but that man's father is my father's son." Whose photograph was it?

Solution: "My father's son" = The man himself (since no brother) "That man's father is me" → That man is his son

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Question 6

Direction: A man walks 5 km North, turns right and walks 3 km, then turns right again and walks 5 km. How far is he from the starting point?

Solution: Start → 5 km North → 3 km East → 5 km South Final position: 3 km East of start

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Question 7

Inequality: Statements: P ≥ Q = R, Q > S ≥ T Conclusions: I. P ≥ T II. T < Q

Solution: P ≥ Q > S ≥ T, so P > T (not P ≥ T necessarily, but actually P > T means P ≥ T is true) Q > S ≥ T, so Q > T, meaning T < Q (True)

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Question 8

Syllogism: All lions are tigers. No tiger is a monkey. All monkeys are elephants. Conclusions: I. No lion is a monkey II. Some elephants are not tigers

Solution: I. All lions are tigers, no tiger is monkey → No lion is monkey (True) II. All monkeys are elephants, no monkey is tiger → Some elephants are not tigers (True)

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Question 9

Ranking: In a class of 45 students, Ravi's rank is 15th from the top. What is his rank from the bottom?

Solution: Rank from bottom = Total - Rank from top + 1 = 45 - 15 + 1 = 31st

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Question 10

Input-Output: Input: 48 23 95 76 32 61 54 Step 1: 95 48 23 76 32 61 54 Step 2: 95 76 48 23 32 61 54 Step 3: 95 76 61 48 23 32 54 What will be Step 5?

Solution: Pattern: Largest number is placed first, then next largest, and so on Step 4: 95 76 61 54 48 23 32 Step 5: 95 76 61 54 48 32 23

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🌍 General Knowledge & Insurance Awareness - 10 Questions

Question 1

When was LIC established? Answer: September 1, 1956

Question 2

Who is the current Chairman of LIC (as of 2026)? Answer: Siddhartha Mohanty

Question 3

What does IRDAI stand for? Answer: Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India

Question 4

When was IRDAI established? Answer: 1999 (Act passed), became operational in 2000

Question 5

Which is the largest life insurance company in India? Answer: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)

Question 6

What is the minimum paid-up capital required for a life insurance company in India? Answer: ₹100 crores

Question 7

Which section of Income Tax Act provides tax benefit on life insurance premium? Answer: Section 80C

Question 8

What is the current FDI limit in the insurance sector in India? Answer: 74%

Question 9

Which was the first private life insurance company to start operations in India after liberalization? Answer: HDFC Standard Life (now HDFC Life)

Question 10

What does ULIP stand for? Answer: Unit Linked Insurance Plan

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📝 English Language - 5 Practice Questions

Question 1

Spot the error: "The principal and staff / are attending / the function / No error"

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Question 2

Fill in the blank: "He is ___ honest man." Answer: an (before vowel sound)

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Question 3

Synonym: ABUNDANT Answer: Plentiful

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Question 4

Antonym: ASCEND Answer: Descend

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Question 5

Rearrange: P: that is threatening Q: with a weapon R: the shopkeeper S: the robber Answer: SPRQ - The robber is threatening the shopkeeper with a weapon.

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📈 Previous Year Cutoff Marks

LIC AAO 2023-24 Cutoff (Prelims)

Category	English (Qualifying)	Quant	Reasoning	Overall
General	10	18-20	18-20	55-58
OBC	8	15-17	15-17	50-53
SC	8	14-16	14-16	45-48
ST	8	12-14	12-14	40-43

LIC AAO 2023-24 Cutoff (Mains - Out of 360)

Category	Minimum Qualifying	Final Cutoff
General	180	245-255
OBC	162	235-245
SC	162	220-230
ST	162	210-220

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📖 3-Month Preparation Strategy

Month 1: Foundation Building

Week 1-2: Quantitative Aptitude

• Master basic calculations (squares, cubes, tables up to 30)
• Learn percentage, profit-loss, simple interest shortcuts
• Practice 50 questions daily

Week 3-4: Reasoning Ability

• Focus on puzzles and seating arrangements
• Learn syllogism rules and inequality concepts
• Practice 40 questions daily

Month 2: Intensive Practice

Week 5-6: Speed Enhancement

• Timed practice sessions (20 minutes per section)
• Full-length mock tests every alternate day
• Analyze weak areas

Week 7-8: Insurance & GK

• Read insurance awareness capsules
• Current affairs (last 6 months)
• Static GK (Banking, Economy, Government Schemes)

Month 3: Revision & Mock Tests

Week 9-10: Revision

• Revise all shortcuts and formulas
• Practice previous year papers (2016, 2019, 2023)
• Sectional tests daily

Week 11-12: Final Preparation

• Full-length mock tests daily
• Work on time management
• Descriptive writing practice (Letter & Essay)
• Stay calm and confident

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📚 Best Books and Resources

Quantitative Aptitude

Book	Author	Publisher
Quantitative Aptitude	R.S. Aggarwal	S. Chand
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic	Rajesh Verma	Arihant
Quantitative Aptitude	Arun Sharma	TMH

Reasoning Ability

Book	Author	Publisher
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning	R.S. Aggarwal	S. Chand
Analytical Reasoning	M.K. Pandey	BSC Publishing

English Language

Book	Author	Publisher
Objective General English	S.P. Bakshi	Arihant
Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis	-
High School English Grammar	Wren & Martin	-

Insurance & General Awareness

• Insurance Awareness by Arihant Experts
• Lucent's General Knowledge
• Current Affairs monthly magazines (Pratiyogita Darpan)
• Newspapers: The Hindu, Economic Times

Online Resources

• Websites: AffairsCloud, Gradeup, IBPS Guide
• YouTube Channels: Study IQ, Adda247, Testbook
• Mock Tests: Oliveboard, Testbook, Practice Mock

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• Lic Ado Papers 2026

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many attempts are allowed for LIC AAO?

Q2. Is there negative marking in LIC AAO exam?

Q3. What is the job profile of LIC AAO?

Q4. Is the LIC AAO exam conducted every year?

Q5. Can final year students apply for LIC AAO?

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Last Updated: March 2026

Disclaimer: The cutoff marks and exam pattern mentioned are based on previous year data and are indicative. Candidates should refer to the official LIC notification for exact details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the LIC AAO 2026 placement/selection salary range and benefits?

LIC AAO is a government job, so the compensation is structured as per LIC/GOI pay scales and allowances rather than a “placement” salary like private companies. In general, candidates can expect a competitive starting basic pay along with allowances (DA, HRA, etc.) and other benefits, which makes the overall in-hand salary attractive. Exact figures can vary based on the latest notification and pay revision, so always verify the official LIC AAO 2026 notification for the most accurate pay details.

What are the eligibility criteria for LIC AAO 2026?

Eligibility typically includes nationality, age limit, and educational qualification (often a recognized degree in a relevant discipline). There may also be category-wise age relaxations and specific requirements for work experience (if any) as per the official notification. Check the LIC AAO 2026 official eligibility section carefully because even minor mismatches can lead to disqualification.

How difficult is the LIC AAO 2026 exam compared to other government exams?

LIC AAO is considered moderately to highly competitive because it combines quantitative, reasoning, English, general awareness, and a strong focus on insurance/financial knowledge. The difficulty level is usually driven by time management and the breadth of topics, especially in General Awareness and domain-related sections. Candidates who follow a structured plan using previous year papers tend to perform better than those relying only on general study.

How should I prepare using LIC AAO previous year papers for 2026?

Start by downloading and analyzing LIC AAO previous year papers to identify recurring topics, question patterns, and the difficulty trend. Then create a weekly timetable that covers each section and use PYQs for revision, attempt, review mistakes, and note recurring concepts. Finally, practice full-length mock tests under timed conditions to improve accuracy and speed.

What are the interview rounds (if any) and how are candidates shortlisted?

LIC AAO selection generally involves an online written exam (and/or multiple stages as per the notification), followed by an interview or personality test for shortlisted candidates. The interview evaluates communication, general awareness, and your understanding of the insurance/financial sector along with your overall suitability. Your performance in the written stages largely determines whether you reach the interview stage.

What are the most common topics asked in LIC AAO previous year papers?

Commonly asked topics include Quantitative Aptitude (percentages, ratios, time-speed-distance, probability), Reasoning (puzzles, syllogisms, coding-decoding), and English (grammar, comprehension, vocabulary). General Awareness often covers current affairs, banking/insurance basics, government schemes, and static GK. Insurance/financial awareness topics may appear in the form of conceptual questions, so reading standard insurance and finance references helps.

How can I apply for LIC AAO 2026 and where do I find the official process?

You typically apply through the official LIC website or the recruitment portal mentioned in the LIC AAO 2026 notification. The process usually includes registration, filling personal and educational details, uploading documents (as required), paying the application fee, and submitting the form before the deadline. Always keep a copy of the application confirmation and regularly check the official site for admit card and exam updates.

What is the expected selection rate for LIC AAO 2026 and how can I improve my chances?

The selection rate is generally low due to high competition and limited vacancies, so consistent performance across all sections is crucial. To improve your chances, focus on accuracy first, then speed, use PYQs to target high-frequency areas and revise weak topics repeatedly. Mock tests, error logs, and time-bound practice are key to raising your overall score and increasing the probability of qualifying for the next stage.