Overview of LIC AAO 2013 Exam

Is exam Computer based ? yes
Is Negative marking ? yes
Is Sectional cut-off ? yes
Is Bond System in job ? yes, 1 lakh Rupees (4 years)
how many Vacancies ? approx 750

Sections / Subjects	No.of Qs	Marks per Qs	Total Marks
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 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 Reasoning Maths GK English	Has five sections Reasoning Maths English Computer awareness 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)

ok, now start with each section

How to prepare Reasoning for LIC AAO 2013

The reasoning questions in LIC exam, run almost same 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:

1: Chart based Ques.

It 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 type Ques.

They generally 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:

Word based.
Number based.

3: Math ops Ques.

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 Ques.

“All cats are dogs,…” statement and conclusion. Usually a set of 3-5 questions. Then do all the questions given in RS Agarwal’s book Section II, Chapter 1 : Logic.

5: coding n series Ques.

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

Tips for Computer Questions

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).

First Approach

Second Approach

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.

Simple Approach of 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 LIC maths different from SSC CGL?

Trigonometry not asked
Geometry not asked (only mensuration asked – that Is area, volume, perimeter)
Coordinate geometry not asked.
for complete study plan, books, cutoff click me

How 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
Number theory	Divisibility, remainders LCM and HCF Unknown numbers from given conditiofor Fractions-comparisions.	NCERT Class 7 Chap 2, 9 (fraction) NCERT Class 10 Chap 1 (divisibility) Finally your Quantitative aptitude book.
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.
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.
Algebra	Quadratic equations, Polynomials	Not asked.
Avg and Ratios	Wine-Water mixture (Alligations)	do practice
	Simple Average	Lolz
	Ratio-Proportion-variations	For ratio-proportion NCERT Class 8 Chap 13.
	Partnership	important, required practice
STD	Time speed distance Trains, platforms Boats-streams Time and Work Pipes and Cisterns	easy questions but require good practice
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.
%	Basic % (increase, decrease in consumption, population)	Also do NCERT Class 8 Chap 8.
	Data-interpretation cases.	Mere extention of % concept. Just practice.For long division, use this approximation method
	Profit, loss, discount, marked price.	require good practice
	Simple and compound interest rate	require good practice
PCP	Permutation Combination Probability	Asked in rarest cases.
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?

If you already have RS Aggarwal’s book on Quantitative aptitude, it is sufficient for LIC Exam.
If you don’t have it, I would suggest go for Fast track to objective arithmetic by Rajesh Verma or Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Kumar because they help in other exams as well. (RS aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude book doesn’t have good coverage for geometry, trigonometry topics that come in SSC CGL, plus these new books have given explanations in more lucid manner .)

How to prepare General knowledge and current affairs for LIC AAO

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

Some ready-made data of Current Affairs (2012-13)

Persons in news (PIN), books, sports	pratiyogita darpan PIN part (Also to be released)
Defense	http://sschub.blogspot.com/2013/04/current-affairs-analysis-2012-2013-defence-agni-prithvi-brahmose-nirbhay-etc-for-upsc-ssc-cgl-pcs-lic.html
Space Tech	http://sschub.blogspot.com/2013/04/space-tech-current-affairs-analysis-2012-2013-for-upsc-ssc-cgl-up-pcs.html
Science tech	To be released
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 Questions

Read this article: To be released
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 resources

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 for 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 for 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

For vocabulary, the difficulty level isn’t as high as SSC CGL so it doesn’t require exhaustive or exclusive preparation as such.
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)

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.
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

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

For aptitude and English= practice maximum questions at home.
For GK/current affairs= do maximum revision.
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	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

This article is an Analysis from mrunal.

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How to prepare for LIC AAO Administrative Officer, books, cutoff explained