LIC AAO Exam Analysis 2025 (Prelims + Mains) with Current Exam Pattern Table
LIC AAO 2025 overall difficulty: Moderate in Prelims, Moderate–Difficult in Mains.
Prelims safe attempts: 62–72 with high accuracy.
Mains safe score: 105–120 (category variation applicable).
LIC AAO 2025 showed balanced reasoning puzzles, arithmetic-heavy Quant, and banking/insurance-focused GA with increasing depth compared to the previous cycle.
LIC AAO 2025 Exam: Overview
Particular | Details |
|---|---|
Conducting Body | Life Insurance Corporation of India |
Post | Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO) |
Stages | Prelims → Mains → Interview |
Prelims Mode | Online |
Mains Mode | Online |
Negative Marking | 0.25 |
Final Merit | Mains + Interview |
Official Website: https://licindia.in
Careers Page: https://licindia.in/careers
LIC AAO Exam Pattern 2026
The 2025 exam pattern follows a strict sectional time limit of 20 minutes per subject. Aspirants must clear the sectional cut-offs to be eligible for the merit list.
1. LIC AAO 2026 Preliminary Exam Pattern
Note: English marks are not added to the final merit ranking.
Section | Questions | Max Marks | Min Qualifying (UR) | Duration |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 18 | 20 Mins |
Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 18 | 20 Mins |
English Language | 30 | 30* | 10 | 20 Mins |
Total | 100 | 70 | - | 60 Mins |
2. LIC AAO 2026 Mains Exam Pattern (Generalist)
Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
Reasoning Ability | 30 | 90 | 40 Mins |
GK & Current Affairs | 30 | 60 | 20 Mins |
Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 90 | 40 Mins |
Insurance & Financial Awareness | 30 | 60 | 20 Mins |
Descriptive (English) | 2 | 25 | 30 Mins |
Total | 122 | 325 | 150 Mins |
LIC AAO 2025 Prelims Exam Analysis
LIC AAO 2025 Section-wise Review
LIC AAO 2025 Overall Difficulty: Moderate
Reasoning
- 2 Seating Arrangement sets
- Blood Relation
- Inequality
Safe Attempts: 22–26
Quant
- Arithmetic dominant
- DI (1–2 sets)
- Simplification
Safe Attempts: 20–24
English
- RC
- Cloze
- Error Detection
Safe Attempts: 20–22
LIC AAO 2025 Overall Safe Attempts: 62–72
LIC AAO 2025 Exam Analysis
Overall Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult
LIC AAO Prelims 2025: Shift 1 Difficulty Level
The paper was well-balanced, testing both the conceptual clarity and the calculation speed of the aspirants.
Section | Difficulty Level | Impact on Performance |
English Language | Easy | Highly scoring; direct questions. |
Quantitative Aptitude | Moderate | Calculative; DI sets were time-consuming. |
Reasoning Ability | Easy to Moderate | Standard puzzles; required steady logic. |
Overall | Easy to Moderate | Balanced paper with a focus on speed. |
LIC AAO 2025 Sectional Good Attempts (Shift 1)
Given that there is no negative marking in the Prelims stage, candidates generally attempted all questions. However, the "Good Attempts" listed below refer to questions solved with high accuracy to ensure clearing the sectional cut-offs.
Section | Questions | Good Attempts (With Accuracy) |
English Language | 30 | 22–24 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 21–24 |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 22–25 |
Total | 100 | 68–73 |
LIC AAO 2025 Quantitative Aptitude: Topic-wise Number of Questions
The Quant section featured a heavy mix of Data Interpretation and Speed Math. The DI sets, particularly the Caselet, were noted for being slightly wordy.
Topic | Number of Questions | Complexity |
Data Interpretation (Line & Table) | 10 | Moderate (Calculative) |
Caselet DI | 5 | Time-consuming |
Approximation | 5–7 | Easy |
Quadratic Equations | 5 | Easy |
Arithmetic Word Problems | 8–10 | Moderate |
Total | 35 | Moderate |
LIC AAO 2025 Reasoning Ability: Topic-wise Number of Questions
Reasoning followed a predictable pattern with a strong emphasis on varied puzzle formats. Most candidates found this section manageable within the 20-minute window.
Topic | Number of Questions | Details |
Box-Based Puzzle | 5 | 8 Persons |
Floor + Flat Puzzle | 5 | 5 Floors, 2 Flats |
Month-Based Puzzle | 5 | 8 Months |
Circular Seating Arrangement | 5 | 8 Persons (In/Out) |
Certain Number (Linear Row) | 3 | North-facing |
Inequalities | 3 | Direct |
Syllogism | 3 | Standard |
Direction Sense | 3 | Standard |
Miscellaneous | 3 | Alphanumeric/Pairing |
Total | 35 | Easy to Moderate |
LIC AAO 2025 Analysis Summary
Aspirants who focused on "Speed Math" (Approximation/Quadratic) and direct reasoning topics like Syllogism had a clear advantage. The English section, being qualifying in nature, remained student-friendly with themes like "Global Milk Production" in Reading Comprehension. For the 2025-26 cycle, clearing the sectional cut-offs (18 for Reasoning/Quant and 10 for English for General) remains the first priority.
LIC AAO Prelims 2025: Shift 2 Difficulty Level
The exam maintained a steady balance, ensuring that well-practiced aspirants could navigate the paper within the strict sectional time limits.
Section | Difficulty Level | Performance Insight |
English Language | Easy to Moderate | Story-based RC; higher accuracy possible. |
Quantitative Aptitude | Moderate | Calculative DI and wordy Arithmetic. |
Reasoning Ability | Easy to Moderate | Focus on Puzzles; standard logic. |
Overall | Easy to Moderate | Accessible for prepared candidates. |
LIC AAO 2025 Shift 2 Good Attempts (3rd October)
"Good attempts" represent a safe buffer for clearing the sectional and overall cut-offs. Since English is qualifying, the focus remains on maximizing scores in Quant and Reasoning.
Section | Total Questions | Safe Attempts (Accuracy Focus) |
English Language | 30 | 21–24 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 20–23 |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 22–25 |
Total | 100 | 67–72 |
LIC AAO 2025 Quantitative Aptitude: Topic-wise Number of Questions
Shift 2 featured a significant focus on Arithmetic. The Data Interpretation (DI) sets were diverse, including a "Venn Diagram" based Caselet that required quick data extraction.
Topic | No. of Questions | Specifics |
Table DI | 5 | Sales of toys, books, and bags. |
Bar + Table DI | 5 | Male/Female distribution in 4 companies. |
Caselet (Venn Diagram) | 2–5 | Coffee and Tea consumption data. |
Quadratic Equations | 6 | Direct and scoring. |
Approximation | 5 | Easy calculation. |
Arithmetic | 9–12 | SI/CI, Time & Work, Averages, Boats. |
Total | 35 | Section was Moderate |
LIC AAO 2025 Reasoning Ability: Topic-wise Number of Questions
Reasoning remained puzzle-heavy. The "Comparison Puzzle" and "Month-Date" arrangement were the highlights of this shift.
Topic | No. of Questions | Level |
Floor-Based Puzzle | 5 | 8 Floors |
Month & Dates Puzzle | 5 | 3 Months, 3 Dates |
Selection Arrangement | 5 | 10 Persons/3 States |
Single Row Seating | 5 | Mixed directions (North/South) |
Comparison Puzzle | 3 | Height/Weight ranking |
Syllogism & Inequalities | 6 | Standard patterns |
Blood Relation | 3 | 3 Generations |
Miscellaneous | 3 | Coding-Decoding, Pair Formation |
Total | 35 | Easy to Moderate |
LIC AAO 2025 English Language: Topic-wise Number of Questions
The English section was the most accessible part of Shift 2. The Reading Comprehension (RC) was based on the "Business School Education System," providing a familiar context for many.
Topic | No. of Questions | Focus Area |
Reading Comprehension | 8 | Education-themed |
Para Jumble | 5 | Logical ordering |
Word Swap | 5 | Vocabulary context |
Error Detection | 5 | Basic grammar rules |
Single Fillers | 4 | Contextual vocabulary |
Sentence Improvement | 3 | Grammatical structure |
Total | 30 | Easy |
LIC AAO 2025 Common Shift 2 Questions (FAQs)
- Was the Caselet difficult? It was time-consuming. Aspirants who attempted it last fared better.
- Did the English section change from Shift 1? Yes, the RC theme shifted from Agriculture/Milk Production to Education.
- What was the sequence? Reasoning → Quant → English.
The third shift of the LIC AAO Prelims 2025, conducted on October 3rd, maintained the "Easy to Moderate" difficulty trend observed earlier in the day. While the English and Reasoning sections provided ample scoring opportunities, the Quantitative Aptitude section was noted for being calculative and lengthy, particularly due to the DI sets and complex arithmetic problems.
LIC AAO Prelims 2025: Shift 3 Difficulty Level
The paper tested candidates on their ability to switch between high-speed calculation and logical deduction.
Section | Difficulty Level | Candidate Feedback |
English Language | Easy | Smooth sailing; standard grammar/vocab. |
Reasoning Ability | Easy to Moderate | Puzzle-heavy but logically direct. |
Quantitative Aptitude | Moderate | Time-consuming arithmetic and DI sets. |
Overall | Easy to Moderate | Balanced, but required strict time discipline. |
LIC AAO 2025 Sectional Good Attempts (Shift 3)
Success in this shift depended on maintaining a high strike rate in Reasoning while navigating the tougher Quant questions without losing time.
Section | Questions | Good Attempts (With Accuracy) |
English Language | 30 | 21–23 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 20–22 |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 22–26 |
Total | 100 | 66–71 |
LIC AAO 2025 Reasoning Ability: Topic-wise Number of Questions
Reasoning was dominated by classification and seating puzzles. The "Uncertain Linear Row" was a critical topic for many candidates in this shift.
Topic | Questions | Specific Details |
Category-Based Puzzle | 5 | 10 Persons classification |
Month-Based Puzzle | 5 | 8 Months arrangement |
Post-Based Puzzle | 5 | Designation/Hierarchy |
Row-Based Seating | 5 | 8 Persons (North & South) |
Uncertain Linear Seating | 3 | North-facing |
Inequalities | 4 | 2–3 statements with double commas |
Syllogism | 3 | Standard "Only/Few" types |
Direction Sense | 3 | Multiple points/Distance |
Miscellaneous | 2 | Pair formation & Meaningful word |
Total | 35 | Managed by time-boxing puzzles |
LIC AAO 2025 Quantitative Aptitude: Topic-wise Number of Questions
Quant was the most challenging section due to its lengthy nature. A "Pie Chart" DI set was introduced in this shift, adding variety to the standard table sets.
Topic | Questions | Difficulty Detail |
Pie Chart DI | 5 | Percentage-based data |
Table DI | 5 | Comparison of different categories |
Caselet DI | 3 | Narrative-based (Calculative) |
Quadratic Equations | 6 | High-scoring & direct |
Approximation | 5 | Basic calculation |
Arithmetic | 11 | Ages, Boats, Percentages, Mensuration |
Total | 35 | Lengthy and Moderate |
LIC AAO 2025 English Language: Topic-wise Number of Questions
English remained the easiest part of the exam, helping candidates hit their qualifying targets (10 for UR) within the first 10–12 minutes.
Topic | Questions | Theme/Focus |
Reading Comprehension | 9 | Factual/Information-based |
Cloze Test | 5 | Vocabulary & context |
Word Swap | 5 | Sentence-level logic |
Sentence Rearrangement | 4 | Standard ordering |
Error Detection | 4 | Finding the single-line error |
Phrase Replacement | 3 | Grammatical accuracy |
Total | 30 | High scoring/Qualifying only |
LIC AAO 2025 Analysis Shift 3 Highlights
- The Quant Challenge: Arithmetic questions (11 in total) carried significant weight, forcing candidates to be selective.
- Logical Puzzles: The Post-based and Category-based puzzles were the primary time consumers in Reasoning.
- Accuracy over Guesses: Despite the lack of negative marking in the generalist Prelims, experts recommend focusing on accuracy to prepare for the Mains environment.
LIC AAO Prelims Exam Analysis 2025, Shift 4, Difficulty Level
Candidates found the paper within expected patterns, with no surprises. Reasoning and English were the most comfortable sections, while quantitative aptitude leaned towards the moderate side.
Section | Difficulty Level |
English Language | Easy |
Quantitative Aptitude | Moderate |
Reasoning Ability | Easy to Moderate |
Overall | Easy to Moderate |
LIC AAO Prelims Exam Analysis 2025, Shift 4, Good Attempts
Good attempts for Shift 4 ranged between 68 and 75. Reasoning and English offered higher attempts, while quant was more time-bound. Candidates with accuracy in these ranges are expected to be in the safe zone.
Section | Good Attempts |
English Language | 23–25 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 21–23 |
Reasoning Ability | 24–27 |
Total | 68–75 |
LIC AAO Prelims Exam Analysis 2025, Shift 4, Reasoning Ability
Reasoning was scoring and included puzzles, seating arrangements, and logical questions. Time management was key for attempting maximum questions.
Topic | No. of Questions |
Sequence Based Puzzle | 5 |
Post Based Puzzle (8 posts) | 5 |
Year Based Puzzle (Age Related) | 5 |
Seating Arrangement (Parallel Row) | 5 |
Blood Relation | 3 |
Inequalities | 3 |
Direction Sense | 3 |
Syllogism | 4 |
Meaningful Word | 1 |
Pair Formation | 1 |
Total | 35 |
LIC AAO Prelims Exam Analysis 2025, Shift 4, Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude was moderate, with arithmetic and DI dominating the section. Approximation and number series questions were scoring, while DI sets required extra calculation time.
Topic | No. of Questions |
Approximation | 6 |
Wrong Number Series | 4 |
Arithmetic | 10 |
Line DI | 5 |
Table DI | 5 |
Caselet DI | 5 |
Total | 35 |
LIC AAO Prelims Exam Analysis 2025, Shift 4, English Language
English was the easiest section of this shift, with straightforward comprehension and grammar-based questions. Most candidates attempted this section with confidence.
Topic | No. of Questions |
Reading Comprehension | 10 |
Single Fillers | 5 |
Match The Column | 1 |
Error Detection | 5 |
Misspelt Words | 4 |
Para Jumbles | 5 |
Total | 30 |
LIC AAO Exam Last 3-Year Trend
Year | Prelims Difficulty | Mains Difficulty | Safe Score Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
2025 | Moderate | Moderate–Difficult | Rising |
2023/24 | Easy–Moderate | Moderate | Stable |
Trend Summary
- Professional Knowledge weightage decisive
- Insurance awareness depth increasing
- Descriptive paper impacting final merit
LIC AAO 2025 Comparison Section
LIC AAO vs SBI PO
State Bank of India
Parameter | LIC AAO | SBI PO |
|---|---|---|
Professional Section | Yes | No |
Insurance Focus | High | No |
Competition | High | Very High |
Descriptive Paper | Yes | Yes |
Interview Weight | Significant | Significant |
LIC AAO demands insurance + professional depth unlike generic banking exams.
LIC AAO 2025 Summary
- Prelims moderate and speed-based
- Mains heavily conceptual
- Professional Knowledge decisive
- Interview crucial
- Cutoff slightly rising
LIC AAO 2025 Common mistakes
- Ignoring Professional Knowledge
- Neglecting Descriptive practice
- Under-preparing Insurance awareness
LIC AAO 2025 FAQs
- What is safe attempt in LIC AAO Prelims 2025?
62–72 attempts. - What is safe score in Mains?
105–120 marks. - Is Professional Knowledge important?
Yes, it carries 90 marks. - Is LIC AAO tougher than SBI PO?
Different focus; professional depth makes it challenging. - Is interview mandatory?
Yes. - Is Prelims qualifying?
Yes. - Is negative marking applicable?
Yes, 0.25. - Is descriptive paper important?
Yes, 25 marks. - Is insurance awareness tough?
Concept-based but manageable. - Is 100 marks safe in Mains?
Borderline. - Is 120 safe?
Strong position. - How many DI sets in Prelims?
1–2 sets. - Is reasoning difficult?
Moderate. - Can average student crack it?
Yes with structured prep. - Is job permanent?
Yes. - Is salary good?
Officer-level attractive pay. - Does normalization apply?
Yes. - Is GA static or current?
Mostly current + insurance updates. - How many months CA needed?
6 months minimum. - Is interview technical?
Insurance + situational focus.