IC-38 Exam Pattern 2026: Know It Before You Sit
Question count, time limit, passing mark and mode - the format you are actually preparing for.
Before you start solving mocks, understand the format you're actually preparing for.
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Currently reported format
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total questions | 50 |
| Question type | Multiple-choice questions |
| Total marks | 50 |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Qualifying score | 18/50 (35%) |
| Negative marking | No negative marking currently reported |
| Mode | Online (computer-based) |
Exam rules can change
Exam administration rules are set by the training/examination provider and can change. Verify the latest instructions before you appear for the test. Do not rely on this page alone.
Before you sit the paper
Two things worth knowing that aren't part of the exam-day format above:
- check_circlePre-recruitment training happens before the exam, not instead of it. It is currently reported as roughly 50 hours for a single line of business (life or general) and 75 hours for a composite licence covering both. Confirm the exact hours with your training provider.
- check_circleThe paper is currently reported as available in English, Hindi and several regional languages. Confirm which languages your specific exam centre or online session offers before exam day.
How to think about 60 minutes
With 50 questions in 60 minutes, the average available time is a little over a minute a question, but you don't need to spend that evenly. A practical approach:
- 1
Round 1: answer what you know
Move through the paper once and answer every question you can solve confidently.
- 2
Round 2: return to the harder ones
Go back to the questions that need more thought, now that the easy marks are secured.
- 3
Round 3: review before submitting
Check unanswered questions and re-read your selections. The goal is protecting time for questions that genuinely need reasoning, not spending exactly one minute on every question.
Questions in the format described above. No signup.
What does "35%" mean?
If the currently reported qualifying requirement is 18 marks out of 50, you need at least 18 correct answers to reach the stated threshold.
Don't prepare only to score 18, though. A small number of uncertain questions can materially change your result, so build a comfortable buffer in practice tests before the actual examination.
Is there negative marking?
Current public preparation sources report no negative marking for IC-38. Because examination rules are administrative and can be revised, follow the instructions displayed at your actual examination rather than assuming this holds on exam day.
What kinds of questions to expect
The IC-38 curriculum covers conceptual and practical insurance knowledge. Be comfortable with:
- check_circleDefinitions and principles
- check_circleLegal and regulatory concepts
- check_circleAgent responsibilities
- check_circleCustomer-service situations
- check_circlePolicy documentation and product features
- check_circleUnderwriting concepts and claims processes
- check_circleLife, Health or General insurance concepts specific to your track
Before the exam
- checkComplete your required training
- checkConfirm your exam-centre or online-exam instructions
- checkCarry the required identification and documents
- checkRead the on-screen instructions carefully
- checkDon't assume an old exam pattern is still unchanged
During the exam
- checkStart with the questions you know
- checkAvoid spending too long on any one question
- checkUse remaining time for review, not new questions
- checkFollow the current on-screen marking instructions
Next steps
See IC-38 mock test plansTimed 50-question papers built to this exact pattern.