*Purpose:*
IC-38 (often called the IRDA IC-38 exam) is the standardized pre-recruitment test for candidates seeking to act as *licensed insurance agents / advisors* (Life / General / Health / Composite) in India. Passing the IC-38 (or equivalent approved examination) is a regulatory requirement under IRDAI rules before an agent licence is issued. ([IRDAI][2])
*Who conducts it:*
The *Insurance Institute of India (III)* conducts the IC-38 exam on behalf of IRDAI; other approved exam bodies or training providers may also conduct recognized tests or mock exams. The III also provides official study material (branch-wise). ([insuranceinstituteofindia.com][1])
*Branches / paper types:*
* Life Insurance (Life agents)
* General (Non-Life) Insurance
* Health Insurance
* Composite options (combined branches)
You pick the branch when you register and study branch-specific material. ([nismexams.in][3])
*Eligibility & training (key points from IRDA rules):*
* Minimum age: 18 years.
* Educational requirement: usually 10+2 for urban; there are provisions for rural exceptions in some contexts (check latest III/IRDAI rules).
* Mandatory practical training hours before first licence: IRDAI regulations specify prescribed hours of training (e.g., 100–150 hours depending on composite/branch and candidate qualifications). See the IRDA regulations excerpt for exact training hour rules. ([IRDAI][2])
*Exam pattern (common, current format used by many sources and mock-exam providers):*
* *Number of questions:* 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). ([HDFC Life][4])
* *Marks:* 1 mark per question (total 50). ([HDFC Life][4])
* *Duration:* Typically *60 minutes* (1 hour). ([IC38 Mock Test][5])
* *Negative marking:* *No negative marking* in most official mock/exam descriptions — attempt all questions. ([Niva Bupa][6])
* *Passing marks:* *This varies in public sources.* Many current exam guides and training portals state *35% (18/50)* or *40% (20/50)* as the pass mark; some older III pages mention different thresholds for particular courses. Because the pass criterion has changed in the past and sources differ, *check the exam instruction sheet at registration or III’s official exam notice* for the authoritative pass cutoff at the time you sit the exam. (I provide common practice questions below assuming standard 50-MCQ format). ([nismexams.in][7])
*Syllabus – major topics (branch-common topics):*
1. Basics of Insurance: risk, insurable interest, indemnity, principle of insurance.
2. Life Insurance: key products (term, endowment, ULIP), premium concepts, surrender, nomination, bonuses.
3. General Insurance: fire, marine, motor, property, perils, sum insured concepts.
4. Health Insurance: policy types (cashless, indemnity), exclusions, waiting periods, pre-existing conditions.
5. Legal & Regulatory: IRDAI functions, licensing, code of conduct, grievance redressal.
6. Principles of Contract: offer, acceptance, consideration, insurable interest, utmost good faith.
7. Policy servicing, claims process, disclosures, commissions & agency code, ethics and customer-centric selling. ([insuranceinstituteofindia.com][8])
*Study material & prep resources:*
* Official III IC-38 study booklets (branch-wise) — these are primary and authoritative. ([insuranceinstituteofindia.com][1])
* Mock tests and question banks from reputable prep platforms (modelexam, iii-exams, etc.). ([ModelExam][9])
*Exam day logistics & tips:*
* Arrive early with valid photo ID.
* Computer-based test — basic computer literacy helps (mouse, selecting options).
* No calculators unless allowed — practice mental arithmetic and simple percentages.
* Attempt easy questions first; since no negative marking, attempt every question. ([Scribd][10])
