1. Overview of LIC AAO 2013 Exam
  2. How is LIC AAO 2013 different from previous exams
  3. Approach: Reasoning for LIC AAO 2013
  4. Tip on Computer based Tests
  5. Approach: Maths, Quantative aptitude for LIC
  6. Approach: General knowledge and current affairs
  7. Approach: Computer
  8. Approach: English grammar, comprehension
  9. Job Profile: LIC AAO (Administrative Officer)
  10. Job Profile: Bank PO vs LIC AAO
  11. Job Profile: LIC ADO (Development officer)
  12. Sectional Cutoffs for LIC AAO 2011
  13. Conclusion
  14. Appendix: Free download links, Studymaterial for LIC AAO

Overview of LIC AAO 2013 Exam

  • Computer based: yes
  • Negative marking: yes
  • Sectional cut-off: yes.
  • Bond System: yes, 1 lakh Rupees (4 years)
  • Vacancies: around 750
Section No.of Qs Marks per Qs Total
Reasoning 30 3 90
Maths 30 3 90
GK 30 2 60
Computers 30 2 60
English 40 2.5 100
Total 160 – 400

How is 2013 different from previous years’ LIC AAO exams?

How is LIC AAO 2013 different from previous exams

Earlier LIC AAO 2011 exam Now LIC AAO 2013
Pen and Paper based Computer based
Had only four sections

  1. Reasoning
  2. Maths
  3. GK
  4. English
 Has five sections

  1. Reasoning
  2. Maths
  3. GK
  4. Computer awareness
  5. English grammar, comprehension and Vocab
Had descriptive English paper (précis and comprehension) There is no descriptive English paper.
Did not have negative marking Has -25% negative marking.
Fees was Rs.400 Rs.500 (inflation everywhere)

Anyways, lets’ start with each section

Approach: Reasoning for LIC AAO 2013

The reasoning questions in LIC exam, run almost parallel to that of SSC CGL and Bank PO.

So, the Recommended Book is as usual: RS Aggarwal’s Modern Approach to verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Then the question is, how to prepare reasoning in systematic manner in the given time? Do it in following manner:

RS

#1: Chart based

  • This includes: Direction sense test, Sitting arrangement (rectangle, circular, building, lecture schedules etc.) and blood relations.
  • I club them together because in all of them you’ve to make rough diagram / chart / table to solve it.
  • Here is the order in which they should be prepared:
Sr.No Topic RS Aggarwal Chapter No.
1. Direction Sense Test. 8
2. Sitting arrangement: circular 6
3. Sitting arrangement: rectangle 6
4. Sitting arrangement: “table” based e.g. lecture schedules, job-car-cloth color, building-car-newspaper etc. 6
5. Blood relations 5,6
  • Sr. No. 2 to 5 are more important because if they’re asked, it is usually a set of 3-5 questions based on one case.
  • These topics don’t have any straight-forward theory or formula as such, therefore only way to gain speed and proficiency= via maximum practice. Otherwise you’ll be stuck in just one set for 15-20 minutes and yet get wrong answers.

#2: Analogy, Odd man out

They  usually ask a set of 3-5 questions.

Sr.No Topic RS Aggarwal Chapter No.
1. Analogy 2
2. Oddmen out 3 (chapter title is “Classification”)

Analogy and odd men can be of two types:

  1. Word based.
  2. Number based.

If it is word based, you don’t need pen and paper, you can solve it in your head and proceed.

If it is number based, then depending on your proficiency (and luck) it may be very easy question for example

  1. Find odd man: 13,17,21,23.  (ans. 21 because it is not a prime number). So this is quick and easy.

But at times it can be difficult and may require lot of trial and error for example

  1. 182::?::210::380. Find “?”.

^in this case, you may not not be able to see the pattern immediately. It may take you five seconds, it may take 5 minutes. Therefore, My advice is that during the computer test, whenever you come across such questions, you click the “Mark/review” button, proceed to other questions and then solve these marked questions at the end of the exam.

#3: Math ops

 Sr.No Topic RS Aggarwal Chapter No.
1. Math ops 13
2. Ranking 12
3. Dictionary based arrangement 10
  • I club these together, because in each of them you’re given some instructions and if you follow those instruction carefully then you can get answer without mistake. It doesn’t require any trial and error (unlike the coding-decoding type).
  • Math ops are important because it is usually a set of 3-5 questions.

#4: syllogism

“All cats are dogs,…” statement and conclusion. Usually a set of 3-5 questions. First Understand the UP-UN method explained here

2 statements https://mrunal.org/2013/01/reasoning-syllogism-all-cats-dogs-approach-shortcut-technique-explained-ibps-ssc-csat-cat.html
3 statements https://mrunal.org/2013/01/reasoning-statement-syllogism-technique-method-shortcuts-for-ibps-ssc-csat-cat-cmat-gmat.html
4 statements (for SBI PO) https://mrunal.org/2013/03/reasoning-4-statement-syllogism-approach-techniques-explained-for-sbi-po-high-level-reasoning-and-upsc-csat-paper-2.html

Then do all the questions given in RS Agarwal’s book Section II, Chapter 1 : Logic.

#5: coding n series

Sr.No Topic RS Aggarwal Chapter No.
1. Coding-decoding 4
2. Alpha-numeric sequence puzzle 11

These five are the main / core areas for LIC AAO exam.

Peripheral

These are not asked every year.  So they don’t form the “Core” part.  (although it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare them, because on a few occasions LIC has asked these in their AAO/ADO exam)

Topic RS Aggarwal Chapter No.
Non verbal reasoning last part of the book.
Eligibility Test 18
Input output 7
Statement assumptions Section II, Ch.2
Data sufficiency 17

Tip on Computer based Tests

  • In the pen-paper based test, if you don’t know answer to a particular question, you could mark it or write its question number at the end of question paper (in the rough space). And at the end of the exam, you’ll review that question and try to solve it.
  • In the computer based test, they also provide same facility.
  • Under every question there is button for “mark/review”.  I suggest you goto following page and see how computer based test (CBT) “looks and feels”

http://www.catiim.in/CATPracticeTest/index.html

  • You must make efficient use of mark/ review button. There are two ways to do it (whichever works fine for you).

Approach1

Approach2
  • In the beginning, donot solve any question. Just read all question  (1,2,3…)and click on “mark” button on the questions that you can confidently solve.
  • Then goback to home page /index and click on “review all marked questions”.
  • Start solving questions one by one in the series (1,2,3..) if any questions is totally un-solvable then ignore it and proceed to next question.
  • but if any question is “sitter” type (that means, it can be solved but it’ll require lot of time or trial n error). E.g. some tough question on code-decoding, or number based analogy.
  • In that case mark all the “sitter” questions. and once you’ve finished the paper, goback to homepage/index and click on review all marked.
  • If you’ve got MK Pandey’s reasoning book (for the SBI high level reasoning), you should also use its chapter for on math ops, input out, sitting arrangement, blood relations, and syllogism – for getting maximum practice.  Although there is no need to specifically get MK Pandey only for LIC exam. Because RS Agarwal’s reasoning book is more than sufficient – as far as reasoning is concerned.

Approach: Maths, Quantative aptitude for LIC

Maths of LIC is pretty much the 90s era Bank/SSC tests = few questions on BODMAS, algebra, percentages, average-alligiation, Time speed work distance and you’re done. So, If you’re a serious player of SSC/IBPS, then it should hardly pose any challenge to you.

How is LIC maths different from SSC CGL?

  • Trigonometry not asked
  • Geometry not asked (only mensuration asked – that Is area, volume, perimeter)
  • Coordinate geometry not asked.

How is LIC maths different from IBPS/SBI PO?

  • LIC’s data interpretation questions are very cheap and easy compared to them.

ok, Question (again) is how to prepare it in a systematic manner?

  • Ofcourse you can just mugup a few formulas, practice a few questions from book. But that’s like firefighting / desi-jugaad= not good.
  • Why? Because apart from LIC, you’d also be preparing for IBPS, SSC, CDS, CAPF, ONGC, CSAT, CAT (depending on your taste). So better approach is: first get basic concepts clear (from NCERT etc), then try maximum questions.

Topic

Subtopics

How to approach
  1. Number theory
  • Divisibility, remainders
  • LCM and HCF
  • Unknown numbers from given conditiofor
  • Fractions-comparisions.
  • Basics of LCM, HCF explained in this article click me
  • NCERT Class 7 Chap 2, 9 (fraction)
  • NCERT Class 10 Chap 1 (divisibility)
  • Finally your Quantitative aptitude book.
  1. Basic Maths
  • Simplification (BODMAS)
  • NCERT Class 8 Chap 1
  • Surds, indices
  • NCERT Class 8 Chap 12
  • Then NCERT Class 9 Chap 1
  • Roots, squares, Cubes
  • Basics from NCERT Class 8 Chap 6 and 7.
  1. Algebra
  • Linear equation
  • “Mother’s age was x and daughters age..”
  • “3 mangos and 5 bananas purchased for…”
  • X+1/2x+3=3/8 then find X.
  • ^This type of stuff. Just practice and you’ll get a hang of it.
  • Basics given in NCERT Class 8 Chap 2 and 9.
  • Then NCERT Class 9 Chap 4
  • Lastly NCERT Class 10 Chap 3.
  • Quadratic equations, Polynomials
  • Not asked.
  1. Avg and Ratios
  • Wine-Water mixture (Alligations)
  • Simple Average
  • Lolz
  • Ratio-Proportion-variations
  • For ratio-proportion NCERT Class 8 Chap 13.
  • Partnership
  1. STD
  • Time speed distance
  • Trains, platforms
  • Boats-streams
  • Time and Work
  • Pipes and Cisterns
  1. Geometry
  • Angles, sides, bisectors, circles etc
  • Not asked.
  • Mensuration (area , volume, perimeter).
  • Basics explained in NCERT Class 8 Chap 3, 11.
  • Then NCERT Class 9 Chap 9, 12, 13.
  • Lastly Lastly NCERT Class 10 Chap 13
  • Trigonometry
  • Not asked.
  1. %
  • Basic % (increase, decrease in consumption, population)
  • Also do NCERT Class 8 Chap 8.
  • Data-interpretation cases.
  • Profit, loss, discount, marked price.
  • Simple and compound interest rate
  1. PCP
  • Permutation
  • Combination
  • Probability
  1. Misc.
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Not asked
  • Progression: Arithmetic+ Geometric
  • Asked in rare case (e.g. 2009’s paper). Basics of Arithmetic progression explained in NCERT Class 10 Chap 5. And for Geometric progression, use your quantitative aptitude book.
  • Logarithms
  • Not asked.

Book for Quantitative aptitude?

 

Fasttrack Sarvesh

Approach: General knowledge and current affairs

If you look at very old papers of LIC AAO (2005, 2006..), they even used to ask from History (Ancient, Medieval, even world history!), geography (physical, india, world), science (physics, biology) and so on. But nowadays, it is mostly related to current affairs.

Topic AAO 2009 ADO 2013
Books 2 1
PIN 2 4
Sports 2 3
Misc.GK 1 3
Defense 1 0
Polity 3 1
Economy Theory 5 3
Economy Current 0 2
Geography India 2 1
Geography World 1 2
Computer 1 0
20 20

Current Affairs (2012-13)

  1. Persons in news (PIN), books, sports
 https://mrunal.org/2013/02/misc-gk-persons-in-news-2012-13-sports-books-awards-for-ssc-cgl-sbi-po-upsc-csat.html
  1. Defense
 https://mrunal.org/2013/03/defense-current-affairs-compilation-2012-13-missiles-joint-exercises-operations-organizations.html
  1. Space Tech
 https://mrunal.org/2013/04/space-tech-current-affairs-compilation-2012-13-for-ssc-cgl-upsc-csat.html
  1. Science tech
 To be released
  1. Economy
 To be released

^You update it with whatever new stuff happens. For that you can hit the library, go through issues of Pratiyogita Darpan, Wizard, Chronicle, competitionmaster, whatever you can get for free. (there is no need to exclusively purchase magazine solely for LIC).

Insurance related GK

  • Read this article: https://mrunal.org/2012/09/economy-insurance.html
  • Also download the (free) studymaterial for Insurance (given in appendix) that zip file contains
    • 1) Insurance knowledge handbook released by IRDA
    • 2) NIOS chapter on Insurance service
    • 3) India Yearbook 2011’s few pages on insurance. (although its info may be outdated but basic / history of LIC, GIC etc is relevant).
  • Visit: www.policyholder.gov.in/Default.aspx  this website is created by IRDA for consumer awareness about insurance. You’ll find lot of useful insurance GK worthy of being asked in MCQs.
  • Also visit the official site of LIC to know about their latest schemes

Economy, polity

  • Economy theory:  NIOS PDF files, NCERT Class 11. (download links in the appendix of this article) for Economy current affairs, compilation will be released in upcoming days (just like I did with person in news, space, defense)
  • Polity: if you’re a UPSC / State PSC aspirant then Indian Polity by M.Laxmikanth, otherwise NIOS PDF files (download links in the appendix of this article). There is no need to specifically get Laxmikanth only for LIC.

Others

  • Geography, science, History: NCERT, +/-NIOS, +/- Lucent’s GK Book.
  • if you’ve already prepared these things for SSC CGL or UPSC or CAPF etc, then it is well and good, but otherwise, beyond the basics, these topics are not worth dwelling into, exclusively for LIC AAO- given the cost benefit ratio, even after factoring the sectional cut offs.

Approach: Computer

  • In the old times, LIC did not have exclusive section for computer / IT questions. But this time (LIC AAO 2013), they’re going to ask 30 questions exclusively from Computer / IT section alone.
  • If you already have some book for Computer for your BankPO/IBPS exam from Kiran, Arihant, BSC, GKP etc publication, that’s well and good. Read, revise it multiple times.
  • If you don’t have any book on computer then no need to specifically purchase a book because NIOS (National open school) runs various courses on Computer/IT/Web-design/Software programming and provides free PDF files. I’ve attached them in the appendix of this article.

Approach: English grammar, comprehension

topic AAO 2009 ADO 2010 ADO 2013
Sentence Arrangement 0 5 5
Sentence Correction 5 10 10
Comprehension 0 7 5
Fill in the Blanks 10 5
Vocabulary (Syn, Antonym, Fill in Blanks, Analogy) 15 3 0
Total 30 25 25
  • for LIC AAO 2013, they’ll have 40 questions on English worth 100 marks.
  • Again, LIC English section runs parallel to that of SSC, IBPS. Except that SSC has specific sets of active/passive, direct/indirect speech, idioms and phrases while LIC doesn’t.

Anyways, approach
Objective English

  • For vocabulary, the difficulty level isn’t as high as SSC CGL so it doesn’t require exhaustive or exclusive preparation as such. (otherwise the tips were given in SSC CGL article click me)
  • For comprehension, and Sentence arrangement = do maximum practice from old question papers of SSC, IBPS etc.
  • For sentence correction  / spot the errors / fill in the blanks: first understand the rules from grammar book and then do maximum practice for old papers of SSC, IBPB etc.
  • For grammar book, If you already have grammar book (R.S.Agarwal, A.P.Bhardwaj) etc. use it. If you don’t have any book, I suggest you go for objective general English by SP Bakshi (Arihant Publication).

Job Profile: LIC AAO (Administrative Officer)

Courtesy : Shri Sumeet from Orkut forum who has written following regarding Job Profiles of AAO,ADO. (and Mr.CSL80, who sent it to me. I’m just copy pasting:)

  • There are two wings in LIC where a Direct Recrutee AAO can work: 1.) Administrative 2.) Marketing
  • Initially AAO will be given administrative responsibilities where u will be made HOD of a deptt. Or even more than one department Like New Business, Claims, Policy Servicing, Office services, Aaccounts..in every dept.
  • You have to take the responsibility of all the works related to that dept.
  • After two years you can get the chance for job rotation and move to marketing side as Asstt. Branch Manager(sales).
  • You will get a car worth Rs. 5.50 lakhs.
  • The work pressure is immense and those thinking of joining LIC as AAO and prepare for UPSC etc. You must be clear that its not possible at all once u r in LIC.
  • Well Initially you have to join as Asst. Admin officer only….after 2 years of confirmed service in the cadre you will become eligible for marketing assignment as Asst.Branch Manager (Sales).
  • Its your choice ..but since there are lot of promotee officers who are desirous of becoming ABM(s), the competition becomes tough, though Direct recruit AAOs are given the preference.
  • And there is nothing like targets n all for AAOs…these targets are only for ADO…so be cool and prepare hard.
  • Yeah the salary is under revision and is due w.e.f from Aug 2012..cant say the exact quantum  of revision but in hand salary will definitely be 35k+
  • In addition to this you will be entiteled to Rs. 125/- per day as meal coupon(sodexo) for each working day +600 as entertainment allowance+400 mobile expenses(confirmed AAOs)+ reimbursement for any one financial news paper

Job Profile: Bank PO vs LIC AAO

  • SBI PO is ahead in terms of perk and allowances.
  • Promotion are time bound…i mean there is no separate departmental or any other exm to give to out of term promotion. The promotion duration as of now is long..like it takes about around 6-7 years for an AAO to become AO.
  • Though things are expected to change in future. Probation is for 1 year.
  • Regarding postings, since it’s an all India cadre u will be posted to any part of the country.
  • During our time most of the AAOs had got home or nearby divisions

Job Profile: LIC ADO (Development officer)

  • Recruiting and training agents to sell life insurance products
  • ii)Providing support and service to policy-holders
  • Travelling within allotted area
  • LIC ADO is a different sort of job and you cant compare it with the bank jobs

Negative Factors (ADO)

  • LIC ADO is purely a marketing job and it takes your time & energy to lead & generate the business.
  • The work pressure will be high & should achieve the minimum target at any cost as a DO.

Positive Factors(ADO)

  • No restrictions and you can work independently with your own working strategy and techniques without any intervention and the bottom line is your minimum targets which you have to achieve.
  • An number of earning opportunities. You can earn in Crores if you have the abilities of leading the team, generating the business and the coordination of your entire activity effectively with customer satisfaction.
  • Considering my opinion, For science graduates, non commerce graduates and for those who prefers marketing job, this is a dream job.
  • The essence to work in LIC in terms provide the Safety, Security and other perks with ease as it is a Central Govt. Undertaking.
  • it’s a TARGET BASED job..
  • Basically, LIC will not fire u in d first two years .. & the salary is not bad it’s approx 14000 but the sad thing is during this period of 2 years they’ll give u extensive training dat how to promote/sell insurance policies. (counter view: Mr.Chetan says, “i want to reply on this statement I was terminated by lic of india in 2012 for non completion of sales target, i was terminated while in probation of one year.
  • And after this you’ll be awarded with a target ,& if u couldn’t achieve your targets they will…
  • So d conclusion is If u have a deep interest in marketing, then dis job is damn good, because you’ll get enormous chances for your growth.. also we shouldn’t forget that other perks, incentives & bonus always there.
  • End Of Copy Paste

Sectional Cutoffs for LIC AAO 2011

Courtesy: My friend csl80 from Pagalguy forum.
According RTI, for LIC AAO 2011 exam, Total 1.8 lakh people applied but only about 54,000 appeared in the written exam.

Max. Marks Gen, OBC SC,ST,PH
Paper I Reasoning 60 36 30
Maths 30 18 15
GK 20 12 10
English Grammar, Vocab 30 18 15
Subtotal 140 84 70
Paper II* English Descriptive: Précis, RC 50 25 20

*Paper II only qualifying nature, its marks not counted in merit list.

Conclusion

  1. For aptitude and English= practice maximum questions at home.
  2. For GK/current affairs= do maximum revision.
  3. Don’t push your luck through negative marking.

If you do that, then you should be able to crack the LIC without much problem.

Appendix: Free download links, Studymaterial for LIC AAO

Topic

Download link
Question paper of 2009 LIC AAO exam (courtesy Mr.Csl80) http://files.secureserver.net/0su7hQGqw3bLz8
Insurance study material zip file http://files.secureserver.net/0s9a7XZPCy4WvL
NIOS study material for Economy http://files.secureserver.net/0so2tFkAylJgRg
NIOS study material for Computer and IT https://files.secureserver.net/0swHyTV5WfhAuj
NCERT Class 11 Economy book http://files.secureserver.net/0snQX0x3hjXey8
NCERT Mathematics Class 8 Download
NCERT Mathematics Class 9 Download
NCERT Mathematics Class 10 Download
Blank Answersheet for practicing MCQS http://files.secureserver.net/0sIv1qXObmVlZs