The NICL Assistant Prelims Exam 2024, conducted by the National Insurance Company Limited (NICL), took place on November 30, 2024. Thousands of candidates appeared for the exam, vying for coveted positions in the insurance sector. The preliminary exam is the first stage of the selection process, designed to assess candidates’ skills in reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and English language.
In this article, we provide a detailed analysis of the NICL Assistant Prelims Exam 2024, covering the difficulty level, section-wise insights, good attempts, and expected cut-offs. This analysis will help candidates evaluate their performance and prepare effectively for future stages.
The exam was conducted online, with a total duration of one hour. Each correct answer awarded one mark, while 0.25 marks were deducted for incorrect answers.
Exam Pattern Overview
The NICL Assistant Prelims Exam 2024 followed a structured pattern, focusing on three main sections:
| Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Section-Wise Analysis
English Language
The English Language section was easy to moderate, with questions focused on basic grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- Topics Covered:
- Reading Comprehension: 7–8 questions (based on a story or a general topic)
- Cloze Test: 5–6 questions
- Error Spotting: 5 questions
- Fill in the Blanks: 3–4 questions
- Word Swap/Usage: 5 questions
Key Insights:
Candidates found the reading comprehension and cloze test straightforward, while error spotting required careful analysis.
Reasoning Ability
This section was moderate and included a mix of logical and analytical reasoning questions.
- Topics Covered:
- Puzzles and Seating Arrangements: 15–17 questions (linear, circular, floor-based)
- Syllogism: 3–4 questions
- Blood Relations: 2–3 questions
- Inequalities: 3–4 questions
- Miscellaneous Logical Reasoning: 8–10 questions
Key Insights:
While puzzles and seating arrangements were time-consuming, other topics like syllogism and inequalities were relatively easy and scoring.
Quantitative Aptitude
This section was moderate to difficult, with questions requiring strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Topics Covered:
- Data Interpretation (Bar Graph, Pie Chart): 10 questions
- Simplification/Approximation: 5–6 questions
- Arithmetic Problems (Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Time & Work): 10–12 questions
- Number Series (Missing/Wrong): 5 questions
Key Insights:
Data interpretation and arithmetic problems were moderately challenging, with many candidates struggling to complete the section within the allotted time. Simplification questions offered a scoring opportunity for those with good calculation speed.
Expected Cut-Offs for NICL Assistant Prelims 2024
Based on the exam analysis and feedback from candidates, the expected cut-offs for different categories are as follows:
| Category | Expected Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| General | 64–68 |
| OBC | 60–64 |
| SC | 54–58 |
| ST | 50–54 |
| EWS | 62–66 |
The cut-offs are influenced by factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of candidates appearing, and the total vacancies available.
Key Takeaways for Candidate
- Accuracy Over Speed: Given the negative marking, prioritizing accuracy over attempting more questions was crucial for success.
- Time Management: Allocating time effectively across sections, especially for reasoning and quantitative aptitude, played a significant role in maximizing attempts.
- Focus on Strengths: Candidates who capitalized on their strengths in easy sections like English Language gained a competitive edge.
Overall Exam Difficulty and Good Attempts
The overall difficulty level of the NICL Assistant Prelims Exam 2024 was moderate, with slight variations across sections. Here’s a summary of the difficulty level and recommended good attempts:
| Section | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | Easy to Moderate | 20–24 |
| Reasoning Ability | Moderate | 22–26 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Moderate to Difficult | 19–23 |
| Overall | Moderate | 61–73 |
Candidates who attempted at least 61–73 questi
Preparation Tips for Mains Examination
For candidates qualifying for the mains, here are some preparation tips:
- Understand the Mains Pattern: The mains exam will include additional sections like general awareness and computer knowledge. Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and allocate study time accordingly.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regularly attempt full-length mock tests to improve time management and identify weak areas.
- Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Focus on the last six months’ current affairs, especially topics related to banking and insurance.
- Brush Up on Computer Knowledge: Study basic computer concepts, MS Office tools, and internet usage.
Conclusion
The NICL Assistant Prelims Exam 2024 provided a moderate challenge for candidates, with balanced sections requiring a mix of speed and accuracy. Those who prepared strategically and managed their time well are likely to qualify for the mains examination.
Candidates are advised to stay updated on the official NICL website for result announcements and begin preparing for the mains exam without delay. Best of luck to all aspirants!
FAQ’s
Q1. How many shifts were conducted for the NICL Assistant Prelims Exam 2024?
The exam was conducted in multiple shifts on November 30, 2024.
Q2. When will the NICL Assistant Prelims Result 2024 be announced?
The results are expected to be declared in December 2024, with an official date yet to be announced.
Q3. What is the next stage after the prelims?
Candidates who qualify the prelims will appear for the NICL Assistant Mains Examination, followed by a language proficiency test.
Q4. Are sectional cut-offs applicable for the NICL Assistant Exam?
Yes, candidates must clear sectional and overall cut-offs to qualify for the next stage.