How to Prepare for OICL AO 2026 Exam, Check Section-Wise Preparation Plan

The OICL AO 2026 exam is a highly competitive recruitment process for aspirants aiming to build a career as an Administrative Officer in the insurance sector. With the Tier 1 exam scheduled on 10 January and Tier 2 on 28 February 2026, candidates have a defined timeline to structure their preparation effectively. A well-planned strategy is essential because the exam tests aptitude, awareness, professional knowledge, and language skills across multiple sections.

How to Prepare for OICL AO 2026 Exam

Preparing for OICL AO 2026 requires a clear understanding of both the prelims and mains exam structure, as each stage has a different focus and level of difficulty. While the prelims stage mainly tests speed and accuracy, the mains exam evaluates depth of knowledge, analytical ability, and descriptive writing skills. A section-wise plan helps in balancing preparation and avoiding last-minute pressure.

OICL AO Exam Schedule 2026

Before moving to preparation, candidates should be clear about the exam schedule to plan their study timeline properly.

• OICL AO Tier 1 (Prelims): 10 January 2026
• OICL AO Tier 2 (Mains): 28 February 2026

Section-Wise Preparation Plan for OICL AO 2026

A structured, section-wise plan helps candidates cover the syllabus efficiently and revise effectively before the exam.

Reasoning Ability Preparation Strategy

Reasoning is a scoring section if approached with regular practice and clear logic. The key is to improve both accuracy and time management through structured practice.

• Focus on core topics such as puzzles, seating arrangements, inequalities, syllogism, coding-decoding, and logical reasoning.
• Practice a mix of easy, moderate, and high-level questions daily to build confidence.
• Analyze mistakes after every mock test to understand weak logic areas.
• Learn short tricks and alternative approaches to save time during the exam.

Quantitative Aptitude Preparation Strategy

Quantitative Aptitude demands strong basics and fast calculations. Concept clarity is more important than memorizing formulas blindly.

• Strengthen arithmetic topics like percentages, ratio, profit and loss, time and work, and data interpretation.
• Practice calculation techniques regularly to improve speed and reduce dependency on rough work.
• Solve sectional tests to improve accuracy under time pressure.
• Maintain a formula notebook and revise it frequently.

English Language Preparation Strategy

English plays an important role in both objective and descriptive sections. Regular reading and writing practice can significantly improve performance.

• Read editorials, articles, and reports daily to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
• Practice grammar topics such as error detection, sentence improvement, and cloze tests.
• Work on descriptive writing by practicing essays and letters on current topics.
• Focus on clarity, structure, and coherence while writing answers.

General Awareness Preparation Strategy (Mains)

General Awareness is one of the most decisive sections in the OICL AO exam, especially for the mains stage. Smart preparation can fetch high scores in less time.

• Focus on current affairs related to insurance, banking, the economy, and government schemes.
• Revise static topics such as important organisations, committees, and financial terms.
• Make short notes for the monthly current affairs to simplify revision.
• Practice quizzes regularly to retain information effectively.

Computer Knowledge Preparation Strategy (Mains)

Computer Knowledge is straightforward if concepts are clear and revised consistently. Most questions are based on fundamentals.

• Cover the basics of computers, operating systems, networking, the internet, and software applications.
• Revise commonly asked terms and abbreviations frequently.
• Practice objective questions to improve familiarity with question patterns.
• Avoid overstudying advanced topics and focus more on the basics.

Professional Knowledge Preparation Strategy (For Hindi Officers) (Mains)

Professional Knowledge carries high weightage and requires an in-depth understanding of subject-specific concepts.

• Go through the syllabus carefully and focus on conceptual clarity.
• Practice application-based questions along with theory.
• Revise important definitions, principles, and rules regularly.
• Allocate dedicated study time for this section due to its importance.

OICL AO Descriptive Paper Preparation Tips

Descriptive preparation should not be ignored, as it plays a key role in final selection.

• Practice essay and letter writing on insurance, economy, and social topics.
• Work on structuring answers with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Improve typing speed and language accuracy through regular practice.
• Review previous descriptive topics to understand expectations.

Final Section-Wise Preparation Tips for OICL AO 2026

• Create a realistic study timetable and follow it consistently.
• Balance preparation across all sections instead of focusing on only one area.
• Attempt mock tests regularly and analyse performance honestly.
• Keep the final weeks reserved for revision and practice.