LIC AAO Mains Descriptive Paper: Format, Tips & Sample

The LIC AAO Mains Descriptive Paper is an important component of the LIC Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO) recruitment process of the Mains level scheduled for 08 November 2025. While this section is qualifying in nature and does not contribute to the final ranking, it plays a decisive role in determining a candidate’s eligibility for the next stage of selection, the interview. The descriptive test evaluates a candidate’s English communication skills, clarity of expression, analytical ability, and written presentation.

LIC AAO Mains Descriptive Paper

The LIC AAO Mains Descriptive Paper is an opportunity for candidates to showcase their writing and communication abilities, skills that are highly valued in administrative roles. Regular practice in structured writing, along with attention to grammar, tone, and brevity, can help candidates easily qualify this section. This year, the LIC is conducting the AAO exam for 841 posts.

LIC AAO Descriptive Paper Format

The descriptive test is conducted in online mode immediately after the objective test in the same session. Candidates must type their answers using a computer keyboard. Below is the detailed format of the descriptive paper:

• Section Name: English Language (Descriptive)
• Components: Communication Skills (Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis & Precis Writing)
• Number of Questions: 2
• Total Marks: 25
• Duration: 30 Minutes
• Qualifying Marks:
• • SC/ST/PwBD: 9 marks
  • Others: 10 marks
• Evaluation Condition: The descriptive paper will be evaluated only if the candidate qualifies in the objective test.

Candidates must remember that even though the descriptive test marks do not count toward ranking, failing to qualify in this section will result in disqualification from further stages.

Types of Questions Asked in LIC AAO Descriptive Paper

The descriptive paper focuses on assessing a candidate’s ability to communicate clearly and professionally. The typical question types include:

• Email Writing: Writing professional emails for workplace communication.
• Report Writing: Preparing concise reports based on given data or situations.
• Situation Analysis: Analyzing a business or administrative scenario and providing solutions.
• Precis Writing: Summarizing a given passage while retaining its main ideas and logical flow.

Tips to Prepare for the LIC AAO Descriptive Paper

Practice Professional Writing: Focus on clarity, tone, and structure when writing emails and reports. Maintain a formal and polite tone throughout.

Enhance Vocabulary and Grammar: A good command of English grammar and vocabulary helps in writing error-free and fluent answers.

Work on Time Management: You have only 30 minutes for two questions—practice typing answers within the word limit and time frame.

Stay Updated on Current Topics: Many descriptive questions are based on financial awareness, insurance industry updates, or administrative issues. Reading editorials and business news helps you write relevant content.

Follow a Clear Structure:

• For Emails: Start with a greeting, state the purpose, explain the context, and end politely.
• For Reports: Include an introduction, key findings, analysis, and conclusion.
• For Situation Analysis: Identify the problem, analyze alternatives, and recommend a solution.
• For Precis Writing: Read carefully, underline key points, and rewrite concisely without losing the main idea.

Sample Question and Answer

Sample Question 1 (Email Writing):

Write an email to your team informing them about a change in project deadlines due to a client request.

Sample Answer:

Subject: Revised Project Deadline as per Client Request

Dear Team,
I hope this message finds you well. The client has requested an earlier delivery of the project by 15th November 2025 instead of the initial deadline of 25th November 2025. Please revise your respective task timelines and ensure all progress updates are shared by the end of this week. Let’s coordinate effectively to meet the new target.

Best regards,
Rahul Mehta
Project Manager