IRDAI Grade A (Assistant Manager): The Complete Exam Guide
Everything you need on eligibility, vacancies, the three-phase selection process, the full Phase II descriptive syllabus, salary, and a smart preparation plan, built from the official IRDAI notification.
Is the IRDAI Grade A exam happening right now?
IRDAI Grade A is not a regular recruitment examination. After a long gap, recruitment was conducted in 2023 and 2024, and there was a possibility of similar recruitment continuing until 2027 with around 44–45 vacancies each year. However, following the change in the top management, fresh recruitment has been put on hold for the time being. The examination may be conducted in the future, either with the existing syllabus, eligibility criteria, and exam pattern or with a revised framework. At present, the 2024 recruitment has been completed, and a workforce reassessment was been initiated by the new management. No new recruitment has been approved as of now.
What this guide covers
About IRDAI and the Assistant Manager role
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India is a statutory body created by an Act of Parliament and working under the Ministry of Finance. It regulates and develops the insurance industry in India, protecting policyholders and supervising insurers, reinsurers, and intermediaries.
Assistant Manager is the entry-level officer role, equivalent to a Grade A officer at other financial regulators such as RBI, SEBI, NABARD, and PFRDA. Selected officers can be posted in specialised departments or general offices, and are liable to transfer across IRDAI offices. It is one of the most sought-after regulatory jobs in the country because of the pay, the prestige, and the work of shaping insurance policy for a fast-growing market.
Why it stands out: a compact recruitment (typically a few dozen posts), a clear three-phase process, and a role at the centre of insurance regulation, all with strong pay and steady promotion prospects.
Recruitment status and future outlook
Understanding the timeline helps you plan realistically rather than waiting on rumours.
- 2017: The first Assistant Manager recruitment cycle.
- 2023 and 2024: Two back-to-back drives, with 49 vacancies notified in the 2024 cycle.
- The earlier plan: IRDAI had indicated an intent to raise the sanctioned strength of Assistant Managers by recruiting roughly 40 officers a year through 2027, which had raised hopes of a regular annual exam.
- Leadership change: The previous Chairman's term ended in March 2025, and a new Chairman (former Finance Secretary Ajay Seth) took charge in July 2025.
- Where things stand now: Fresh recruitment has been put on hold. A workforce reassessment has been ordered, and no new notification has been approved yet.
Bottom line: There is no IRDAI Grade A notification at the moment. Any future exam may have the same eligibility, pattern, and syllabus, or a modified one.
Vacancies and streams (2024 reference)
The 2024 notification carried 49 posts across six streams. This is the most recent official breakup and the best template for what a revived exam is likely to look like.
Stream-wise split
Category-wise split (2024)
| Post | GEN/UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Manager | 21 | 4 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 49 |
The 49 total included three vacancies earmarked for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) under horizontal reservation. IRDAI reserves the right to vary the number of posts between streams and within the total notified.
Eligibility criteria
Two things decide eligibility: your age and your qualification. Both are reckoned as on the last date of the application window.
Nationality & age
- Nationality: Applicant must be a citizen of India.
- Age (2024 reference): Not below 21 years and not above 30 years as on the cut-off date.
- Computer knowledge: Candidates should possess knowledge of computer operations.
Upper age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation in upper age |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (non-creamy layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD (GEN / OBC / SC or ST) | 10 / 13 / 15 years |
| Ex-servicemen (as per service rendered) | 5 years |
Note: Cumulative age relaxation is not available across categories or in combination. OBC candidates in the creamy layer are treated as General and are not entitled to OBC reservation or the related relaxation.
Stream-wise educational qualifications
You apply under the stream that matches your qualification, or under Generalist. A separate online application and fee is needed for each stream you apply to.
| Stream | Minimum qualification required |
|---|---|
| Actuarial | Graduation with minimum 60% marks and 7 papers passed of the Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) as per the 2019 curriculum. |
| Finance | Graduation with minimum 60% marks and ACA / AICWA / ACMA / ACS / CFA. |
| Law | Bachelor's degree in Law with minimum 60% marks. |
| IT | Bachelor's in Engineering (Electrical, Electronics, ECE, IT, Computer Science, Software) with 60%, or MCA with 60%, or a Bachelor's in any discipline plus a 2-year PG qualification in Computers or IT with 60%. |
| Research | Master's degree or a 2-year PG diploma in Economics, Econometrics, Quantitative or Mathematical Economics, Integrated Economics, Statistics, Mathematical or Applied Statistics and Informatics, with minimum 60% marks. |
| Generalist | Graduation in any discipline with minimum 60% marks. |
SC and ST candidates get a 5% relaxation in marks at the Bachelor's level. Percentages follow the notification's rounding rule, so 59.99% is treated as below 60%. All qualifications must be from a recognised University, Institution, or Board.
Application fee and intimation charges
| Category | Fee | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| SC / ST / PwBD | Rs 100 | Intimation charges only |
| All others | Rs 750 | Examination fee and intimation charges |
Payment is online (debit or credit card, net banking, IMPS, wallets). The fee is non-refundable, bank transaction charges are borne by the candidate, and a separate fee applies for each stream you apply to.
The three-phase selection process
Selection runs across three stages. Each stage has a distinct purpose, and only the last two count toward your final rank.
Phase I: Online Preliminary Examination
An objective, qualifying test. It decides who moves to Phase II. Marks here do not count toward final selection. Shortlisting is roughly 20 times the number of vacancies, subject to availability.
Phase II: Descriptive Examination
Three descriptive papers. Your aggregate here decides the interview shortlist and carries the bulk of the final weight.
Phase III: Interview
The final stage for shortlisted candidates. Final merit combines Phase II and the interview.
Weightage that matters: Final selection is on Phase II and Interview taken together, with a weightage of 85 : 15. Phase I is purely a gateway.
Phase I: Preliminary exam pattern
Four objective tests, 160 questions, 160 marks, in a composite window of 90 minutes.
| Test | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test of Reasoning | 40 | 40 | Composite 90 minutes |
| Test of English Language | 40 | 40 | |
| Test of General Awareness | 40 | 40 | |
| Test of Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 | |
| Total | 160 | 160 | 90 min |
- Negative marking: one-fourth (0.25) mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
- Sectional and overall cut-offs: you must clear each test and the aggregate; separate cut-offs may apply for each stream and for Generalist.
- Language: tests are in English and Hindi, except the English Language test, which is only in English.
- Qualifying only: Phase I marks do not carry into the interview or final selection.
Phase II: Descriptive exam pattern
Three papers of 100 marks and 60 minutes each. Questions appear on screen and answers are written on answer sheets. You must appear for all three papers.
| Paper | Type | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I: English | Descriptive | 100 | 60 min |
| Paper II: Economic & Social Issues impacting Insurance | Descriptive | 100 | 60 min |
| Paper III: Insurance & Management | Descriptive | 100 | 60 min |
| Total | 300 | 180 min |
Because Phase II carries 85% of the final weight, the descriptive papers, especially your English writing and answer structuring, are where the exam is truly won or lost.
Phase II syllabus in detail
The official syllabus is indicative, not exhaustive. Here is the paper-wise map.
Paper I: English (Descriptive)
- Essay writing
- Precis writing
- Comprehension and Business or Office Correspondence
- Letter writing
Paper II: Economic & Social Issues impacting Insurance
- Economic growth, business cycles and insurance penetration; impact of age structure on the economy; utility theory applied to premium setting; macro factors including catastrophes and pandemics that affect insurers and insurance markets.
- Financial markets, financial institutions, and financial services integration; risks from interconnectedness; systemic risk and concentration risk.
- Economic capital and risk-based capital; economic impact of risk transfer including reinsurance; insurance sector's contribution to sustainable and responsible development; insurance investments in infrastructure.
- Economic reforms leading to insurance sector reforms; financial and market conduct regulation; functions of IRDAI; role of an Actuary; de-tariffing in India; motor business and Indian experience; changing insurance laws and FSLRC.
- Social structure in India; insurance in rural and social sectors and insurer obligations; Indian micro-insurance experience; social security laws and implementation, including RSBY health insurance for BPL families.
Paper III, Part 1: Insurance
- History of Indian insurance and principles of insurance.
- Risk and uncertainty; pooling and diversification of risk; indemnity and insurable interest.
- Legal foundations of insurance; basics of Group, Health insurance and Pensions; intermediation, its role in mobilising savings, and Bancassurance in India.
- Functions of insurers: product design, pricing, distribution, underwriting, claims, investment and reinsurance.
- Insurance lines and products: Property-Liability, Life and Annuities, Health; liability risks; valuation and solvency; specialist lines such as Agricultural and Export Credit Guarantee; reinsurance, GIC of India, obligatory cessions and retention within the country.
Paper III, Part 2: Management
- Nature and scope of management.
- Management processes: planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling; the role of a manager.
- Leadership: tasks of a leader, styles, theories, and successful versus effective leaders.
- Human Resource Development: concept and goals of HRD; career planning; training and development.
- Performance appraisal, potential appraisal, feedback and counselling, rewards and employee welfare.
- Motivation, morale and incentives: theories of motivation, how managers motivate, and factors determining morale.
- Communication: process, channels, oral versus written, verbal versus non-verbal, direction of flow, and barriers.
- Role of Information Technology.
- Corporate Governance: factors affecting it and its mechanisms.
What Phase II 2025 actually asked
A look at the 2025 descriptive papers shows the shift toward current, applied topics. Use these to calibrate your preparation.
Paper I: English (100 marks)
- Essay in 500 words (30 marks).
- Precis writing in 100 words (15 marks).
- Reading comprehension, 4 questions (20 marks).
- Letter writing, one of two, in 150 words (20 marks).
- Expand a statement in your own words in 100 words (15 marks), for example, "A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new."
Paper II: Economic & Social Issues (sample questions)
- Initiatives aimed at last-mile connectivity in the insurance sector.
- Impact of deposit crunches on the insurance sector.
- Advantages and disadvantages of technology adoption in insurance.
- Risk-Based Capital: concept, implementation, and supervision.
- PM Vaya Vandana Yojana; CBDC and its relevance; Sovereign Green Bonds; role of actuaries in risk management.
Paper III: Insurance & Management (sample questions)
- Dynamic risk versus static risk; risks, perils and hazards.
- Insurable interest in marine, property, and life insurance.
- Why pure risk cannot be controlled, and the difficulties insurers face.
- Role of surveyors in loss assessment; geopolitical challenges for insurers.
- Management: leadership and motivational theories; on-the-job versus off-the-job training; authority versus delegation; staffing; personnel management versus HRM; a case-study based comprehension; and bar-graph data interpretation.
Reading the trend: Paper II leans heavily on current affairs, government schemes, and the economy. Paper I rewards clean, structured writing. Both are exactly the areas a focused mentorship and a descriptive-writing programme can move fastest.
Phase III: The Interview
- Only candidates shortlisted on the Phase II aggregate are called for the interview.
- Final selection combines Phase II and Interview scores, in the ratio 85 : 15.
- Candidates called for Phase II and the interview are reimbursed to-and-fro single second AC railway fare by the shortest route.
With only 15% weight, the interview rarely overturns a strong Phase II score, but it can decide close calls. Fluency, clarity, and awareness of the insurance sector matter here.
Salary, perks and service conditions
The pay is a major draw, comparable with other financial-sector regulators.
- Starting basic pay: Rs 44,500 per month in the pay scale 44500-2500(4)-54500-2850(7)-74450-EB-2850(4)-85850-3300(1)-89150.
- Approximate gross: around Rs 1,46,000 per month, before qualification allowance where applicable.
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance, House Allowance, Qualification Allowance, City Compensatory Allowance, Grade Allowance, and other perquisites as admissible.
- Pension: selected candidates are governed by the New Pension Scheme (NPS).
- Probation: one year, extendable up to a maximum of two years.
- Service bond: an undertaking to complete a minimum of three years of service, failing which a payment of Rs 6 lakh applies.
- Postings: officers are liable to be transferred across IRDAI departments and offices.
Examination centres
- Phase I (Prelims): conducted across a wide network of cities covering every state and union territory, from Patna, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to Guwahati, Srinagar, and Port Blair. You choose one centre, and the choice is final.
- Phase II (Mains): held only at four centres: Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai (including Navi Mumbai, Thane, MMR), and Delhi or NCR. More centres may be added subject to requirements.
Your Phase I centre and your allotted Phase II centre can be different, so plan travel for the Mains accordingly.
A smart preparation strategy
Since the exam is not on a fixed calendar, the winning approach is to build durable strengths now, so a notification finds you ready rather than scrambling.
Lock the Phase I basics first
Reasoning, Quant, English, and General Awareness are standard aptitude areas. Build accuracy and speed, and respect the one-fourth negative marking by avoiding blind guesses.
Make Paper II your daily habit
Economic and Social Issues rewards steady reading. Follow the economy, insurance sector news, government schemes, and regulatory developments, and maintain crisp notes you can revise fast.
Treat descriptive writing as a skill, not luck
Essays, precis, letters, and comprehension are trainable. Practise within word limits, build a clear intro-body-conclusion structure, and get your answers evaluated so you fix what quietly costs marks.
Build depth in Insurance & Management
Learn the principles of insurance, risk, reinsurance, and solvency, and the core management theories on leadership, motivation, HRD, and communication. Practise data interpretation and case-study answers.
Simulate full papers
Write timed mock papers and full-length tests. The 60-minute descriptive window is tight, so rehearse handwriting speed and answer planning until it is second nature.
Frequently asked questions
Is IRDAI Grade A a yearly exam?
No. It has been irregular. After 2017, it returned in 2023 and 2024. An annual plan through 2027 had been signalled, but fresh recruitment is currently on hold pending a workforce reassessment, and no new notification has been approved for now.
What is the age limit for Assistant Manager?
In the most recent cycle, applicants had to be between 21 and 30 years as on the cut-off date, with the usual relaxations for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, and ex-servicemen.
Which streams does the exam recruit for?
Six streams: Actuarial, Finance, Law, IT, Research, and Generalist. You apply under the stream that matches your qualification, or under Generalist, with a separate application and fee for each stream.
How many phases are there and which count for selection?
Three phases: Prelims (Phase I), Descriptive Mains (Phase II), and Interview (Phase III). Phase I is only qualifying. Final selection is decided by Phase II and the interview, weighted 85 to 15.
Is there negative marking in Phase I?
Yes. One-fourth of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer in the objective tests.
What does the Assistant Manager earn?
The starting basic pay is Rs 44,500 per month, with an approximate gross of around Rs 1.46 lakh per month including allowances, plus qualification allowance where applicable and NPS.
Where is the Mains exam held?
Phase II is held at only four centres: Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai (with Navi Mumbai, Thane, MMR), and Delhi or NCR, with more possible subject to requirements.
Which part of the exam should I focus on the most?
Phase II, because it carries 85% of the final weight. In particular, your English descriptive writing and your Economic and Social Issues preparation move the needle the most.
Courses that target Phase II directly
SEBI / PFRDA Grade A Mentorship Course
- Complete Paper II notes covering economy, finance, and regulatory affairs.
- Current-affairs coverage that overlaps directly with IRDAI Phase II Paper II.
- Quizzes plus mock tests to lock retention and build exam temperament.
Mastering English Descriptive Writing
- Built for regulatory exams including IRDAI: essays, precis, letters, and RC.
- 5 descriptive tests with detailed evaluation, plus live and recorded sessions.
- English Descriptive Compendium with 50+ model essays.
Stay ready, not waiting
IRDAI Grade A is one of the most rewarding regulatory jobs in India, and a paused notification is not a closed door. Build your aptitude, your current affairs, and your descriptive writing now, so the next notice is an opportunity you seize rather than a race you start late.
