Become a licensed Insurance Advisor
How to become an insurance advisor/agent in India — the mandatory IRDAI IC-38 pre-recruitment exam and training, eligibility and commission.
Salary range
Commission-led (₹2–4 LPA) → ₹20 LPA+
Certification
1 required
Key credential
IC-38
Where
India
About this career
An insurance advisor (agent) helps individuals and families choose the right life, health or general insurance and earns commission on the premiums of the policies they place. It is a flexible, low-barrier entry into BFSI — you can start part-time or full-time — and income compounds through renewal commission on a persistent book of clients. To be licensed you must complete IRDAI-mandated training (typically 15 hours) and pass the IC-38 pre-recruitment exam, after which you operate under a specific insurer. The best advisors build long-term relationships, focus on genuine protection needs over one-time sales, and progress into agency-leadership, broking or holistic financial-advisory roles. Top performers who qualify for MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table) earn among the highest incomes in the distribution channel.
Certifications for a Insurance Advisor / Agent
IRDAI IC-38 Agent Pre-recruitment Exam · IC-38
Issued by IRDAI / Insurance Institute of India
Mandatory exam (after 15 hours of IRDAI training) to be licensed as an agent.
Your path to becoming a Insurance Agent
- 1
Get certified
IRDAI IC-38 Agent Pre-recruitment Exam (IC-38)
Issued by IRDAI / Insurance Institute of India
- 2
Get hired
Land a Insurance Agent role
Employers like LIC, HDFC Life
Eligibility
- check_circle10+2 (higher secondary) or equivalent.
- check_circleAt least 18 years old.
- check_circleComplete IRDAI-mandated training and pass IC-38.
What the role does
- arrow_rightAssess client protection and savings needs.
- arrow_rightRecommend suitable life/health/general policies.
- arrow_rightHandle onboarding, documentation and renewals.
- arrow_rightAssist with claims and comply with IRDAI norms.
Salary bands
Income scales with policies sold
Renewal + fresh commission
High-persistency HNI books
Key skills
Who hires
Career progression
Step 1
IRDAI training + IC-38
Get licensed
Year 1+
Build a client book
Grow renewal income
3 yrs+
Agency leader / broker
Or move to advisory
Frequently asked questions
What exam do I need to become an insurance agent?expand_more
You must complete IRDAI-mandated training and pass the IC-38 pre-recruitment exam to be licensed as an insurance agent in India.
How do insurance agents earn?expand_more
Through commission on the premiums of policies sold, including recurring renewal commission — so income compounds with a persistent, well-serviced client book.
Can I sell policies from multiple insurers?expand_more
As an individual agent you are typically tied to one life and/or one general insurer. To sell across multiple insurers you would operate as an insurance broker, which has its own IRDAI licensing.
Is IC-38 difficult?expand_more
IC-38 is an accessible exam that most candidates clear with focused study after the mandatory training — it tests core insurance concepts, products and regulations rather than advanced maths.
What is MDRT?expand_more
The Million Dollar Round Table is a global recognition for top-performing advisors who meet high production thresholds. MDRT-qualifying agents are among the highest earners in the insurance distribution channel.
Ready to start your Insurance Advisor / Agent journey?
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