NIACL AO Mains Study Plan 2025
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The NIACL AO Mains exam is scheduled to be conducted on 29th October 2025. So, hardly a month is left for the preparation. The level of mains exam is quite tough as compared to prelims, and it requires a lot more focused and strategic preparation. Another important factor of having a study plan is that many other banking and insurance exams are also going to be conducted during this time frame. So it’s better to strategise as their preparation is prelims-oriented, and NIACL preparation is of the mains level. Very little time is left, so speed up your preparation. To help you, we have come up with a month-long NIACL AO mains study plan 2025. But before heading towards the strategy part, let’s get a quick glance at the NIACL AO exam pattern to understand which section needs to be done on a priority basis. 

NIACL AO Mains Exam Pattern 2025

The main examination will consist of objective tests for 200 marks and descriptive tests for 30 marks. Both the objective and descriptive tests will be online. Candidates will have to answer the descriptive test by typing on the computer. Immediately after completion of the Objective Test, a Descriptive Test will be administered.

For Generalists

Candidates should check the NIACL AO Mains Exam Pattern for Generalist Posts. There is a set of 200 objective-based questions from sections Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness, and Quantitative Aptitude sections. The time provided for the main paper is 150 minutes. A separate duration is for each section in the mains.

                    NIACL AO Mains Exam Pattern 2025 For Generalist 
Name of Test Type of testMaximum MarksDuration for each test
Test of ReasoningObjective5040 min
Test of English LanguageObjective5040 min
Test of General AwarenessObjective5030 min
Test of Quantitative AptitudeObjective5040 min
Total (Aggregate) 200150 mins 

For Specialists Post

Candidates get objective-based questions for the NIACL AO Specialist Posts in the mains paper. A common set of questions is asked from Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, and General Awareness sections of 200 marks value.

NIACL AO 2025 Exam Pattern for Specialists Post
Name of the TestNo. of QuestionsMaximum MarksDuration
Test of Reasoning404030 minutes
Test of English Language404030 minutes
Test of General Awareness404025 minutes
Test of Quantitative Aptitude404030 minutes
In the Specialist stream, an additional test to assess technical& professional knowledge in the relevant discipline404035 minutes
Total200200150 minutes

Descriptive Test

The Descriptive Test of 30 minutes duration with 30 marks will be a Test of the English Language (Letter Writing-10 marks & Essay-20 marks). The descriptive test will be in English and will be conducted online. 

                                            NIACL AO 2025 Descriptive Test
    Name of Exam      Marks          Duration
      Letter Writing      10 marks             30 minutes
    Essay Writing    20 marks

NOTE: Each candidate will be required to obtain a minimum score for each section of the objective test separately to get shortlisted for the Descriptive test evaluation/Interview. The descriptive answer script would be evaluated only with respect to those candidates who qualify for the objective test.

Important topics for NIACL AO Mains

In this section, we are providing the list of important topics for NIACL AO 2025 Exam, the topics are suggested from previous years’ paper analysis done by experts. 

Reasoning Ability Quantitative Aptitude General Awareness   English Language Descriptive Writing 
Puzzles (Floor, Box, Scheduling) Data Interpretation Current Affairs (3–4 months) Reading Comprehension Essay: Role of Insurance 
Seating Arrangement Simplification & Approximation Banking Awareness Cloze Test Essay: Financial Inclusion 
Syllogism Number Series Insurance Awareness Error Spotting Essay: Digital Banking 
Inequality Quadratic Equations Static GK Sentence Improvement Essay: Climate & Economy 
Coding-Decoding Profit & LossFinancial Terms Para Jumbles Essay: Cybersecurity 
Blood Relations Time & Work Fill in the Blanks Letter: Complaint 
Direction Sense Time, Speed & Distance Phrase Replacement Letter: Inquiry 
Input-Output Simple & Compound Interest Vocabulary (Synonyms, Idioms)Letter: Appreciation/Loan 
Data Sufficiency Ratio & Proportion
Logical Reasoning Mixture & Allegation 
Averages 
Partnership 
Probability & Permutation 

NIACL AO Mains 2025 Study Plan 

NIACL AO Mains 2025 study plan is divided into four weeks, as only one month is left. We have made the strategy in such a way that it is quite feasible for you to follow, as other exams are also approaching. One more thing, the topics that we are suggesting in the first two weeks are similar for mains as well as prelims level. So it will help you in LIC AAO and IBPS Clerk prelims as well. 

Week 1: This week is all about revising the basics that you’ve learnt during the prelims phase. Along with this, you need to practice advanced mains-level questions. We are listing the topics that you should complete during this week. Try to practice advanced-level questions. Also, we suggest you write 2 essays and two letters in a week under the descriptive writing session.

DayReasoning AbilityQuantitative AptitudeEnglish LanguageGeneral AwarenessDescriptive Writing
1Linear & Circular Seating (2 sets)Simplification (20 Qs), Tabular DI (1 set)RC (1 passage), Cloze Test (1 set)CA: July Week 1–2Essay 
2Floor Puzzle (1 set), Inequality (20 Qs)Approximation (20 Qs), Bar Graph DI (1 set)RC (1 passage), Para Jumbles (1 set)CA: July Week 3–4
3Tabular Puzzle (1 set), Syllogism (20 Qs)Number Series (20 Qs), Line Graph DI (1 set)Cloze Test (1 set), Error Detection (20 Qs)CA: August Week 1Letter 
4Circular Puzzle (1 set), Blood Relation (15 Qs)Simplification (20 Qs), Arithmetic: Ratio & profit & lossRC (1 passage), Fillers (20 Qs)Banking Awareness: Basics
5Direction Sense (15 Qs), Linear Puzzle (1 set)Approximation (20 Qs), Arithmetic: PercentagesPara Jumbles (1 set), Error Detection (20 Qs)CA: August Week 2Essay 
6Mixed Puzzle (1 set), Syllogism (20 Qs)Number Series (20 Qs), Arithmetic: Profit & LossRC (1 passage), Cloze Test (1 set)Insurance Awareness: Intro
7Revision of all topicsMixed DI (2 sets), Simplification (20 Qs)RC (2 passages), Match-the-Following (1 set)CA: August Week 3–4Letter 

Week 2: This week, in terms of reasoning, we are focusing on topics such as machine input and data sufficiency. In quants, focus on topics such as Advanced DI (Caselet, Pie Chart, Mixed Graph), Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic (Time & Work, SI & CI, Averages, Mixture & Alligation). In the table below, we have divided the topics day-wise. The time that you will give to each section is purely based on your personal choice. How much time you think you should devote to preparing a particular section might differ from another person, and hence it is completely your own choice.

DayReasoning AbilityQuantitative AptitudeEnglish LanguageGeneral AwarenessDescriptive Writing
8Advanced Puzzle (2 sets), Input-Output (10 Qs)Caselet DI (1 set), Quadratic Eq. (20 Qs)RC (1 passage), Sentence Improvement (20 Qs)CA: September Week 1Essay 
9Input-Output (10 Qs), Coding-Decoding (15 Qs)Pie Chart DI (1 set), Arithmetic: Time & WorkRC (1 passage), Match-the-Following (20 Qs)CA: September Week 2
10Data Sufficiency (10 Qs), Advanced Puzzle (1 set)Mixed Graph DI (1 set), SI & CIPara Jumbles (1 set), Cloze Test (1 set)Static Banking Topics 1–2Letter 
11Coding-Decoding (15 Qs), Floor Puzzle (1 set)Caselet DI (1 set), AveragesRC (2 passages), Error Detection (20 Qs)CA: September Week 3
12Advanced Puzzle (2 sets), Machine Input (10 Qs)Bar Graph DI (1 set), Mixture & AlligationCloze Test (1 set), Sentence Improvement (20 Qs)CA: September Week 4Essay 
13Tabular Puzzle (1 set), Input-Output (10 Qs)Tabular DI (1 set), Quadratic Eq. (20 Qs)RC (2 passages), Fillers (20 Qs)Static Insurance Topics 1–2
14Revision of all topicsMixed DI (2 sets), Arithmetic RevisionRC (2 passages), Para Jumbles (1 set)Banking Awareness RevisionLetter 

Week 3: From this week onwards, you just need to focus on taking sectional mock tests and full-length mock tests along with the topic test as well. But remember, along with taking mock tests, you need to do a detailed analysis of the given mock test so that you’ll not repeat the same mistakes again while attempting the next mock test. In the table below, we have mentioned when you should take full-length mocks and when you should take sectional tests. The topics that are mentioned take the topic test of the same. 

DayMock Tests / PracticeReasoning & QuantEnglish LanguageGeneral AwarenessDescriptive Writing
15Sectional Test: ReasoningHigh-Level Puzzle (2 sets), Advanced DI (2 sets)RC (2 passages), Cloze Test (1 set)CA: June Week 1–2Essay 
16Sectional Test: Quantitative AptitudeArithmetic (SI & CI, Time & Work)Para Jumbles (1 set), Error DetectionCA: June Week 3–4
17Sectional Test: EnglishPuzzle (2 sets), Mixed DI (2 sets)RC (2 passages), Sentence ImprovementBanking Awareness (latest)Letter 
18Sectional Test: Reasoning + QuantHigh-Level Puzzle (2 sets), Caselet DI (2 sets)Cloze Test (1 set), Match-the-FollowingCA: July Week 1–2
19Mock Test 1 (Full-Length Mains)Analyze Weak AreasAnalyse Weak AreasCA: July Week 3–4Essay 
20Sectional Test: English + GAMixed DI (2 sets), Arithmetic RevisionRC (2 passages), Error Detection (20 Qs)CA: August Week 1–2
21Mock Test 2 (Full-Length Mains)Revision of all ShortcutsRC (1 passage), Cloze Test (1 set)CA: August Week 3–4Letter 

Week 4: This is the final week before the actual exam. It is a very important time to analyse the mocks, see how much time you take in solving a particular type of question. Also, check which questions you’ve skipped and why? Is it because of a lack of time, or you don’t know the concept behind it? Note down how many questions you’ve solved in the given sectional timing. This way, you get an idea regarding your strengths and weaknesses. 

DayMock Tests / RevisionReasoning & QuantEnglish LanguageGeneral AwarenessDescriptive Writing
22Mock Test 3 (Full-Length Mains)Analyze Weak SectionsRC
(2 passages), Cloze Test
(1 set)
Revise June–July CAEssay 
23Weak Area PracticeHigh-Level Puzzle (2 sets), Advanced DI 
(2 sets)
Para Jumbles 
(1 set), Fillers (20 Qs)
Revise August CA
24Mock Test 4 (Full-Length Mains)Analyze MistakesRC
(2 passages), Sentence Improvement
Revise September CALetter 
25Formula & Shortcut RevisionArithmetic Formula revision, Syllogism & InequalityCloze Test 
(1 set), Error Detection
Banking & Insurance Glossary
26Practice Weak Topics + CAMixed DI
(2 sets), Caselet DI (1 set)
RC (1 passage), Match-the-FollowingRevise Static GK & Insurance TopicsEssay 
27Mock Test 5 (Full-Length Mains)Final High-Level Puzzle PracticeRC (1 passage), Cloze Test
(1 set)
Revise Highlighted CA Notes
28Light Revision + Rest DayQuick Practice of Short TricksVocabulary & RC ReviewFinal CA & Banking Awareness Brush-UpLetter 

Tips to follow during the One Month Preparation 

With just one month left for the NIACL AO exam, every minute matters. This is the time to shift your focus completely towards the examination and eliminate any distractions, and to move into execution mode. Below are some practical tips to help you stay focused and make the most of your final month:

Stick to one study plan

If you’ve already chosen a study plan, then it is not the time to switch between strategies, as very few days are left. As adapting to a new strategy takes time, this is the period where you’ve to consistently do the preparation along with attempting the mock tests. Whether it’s a day-wise plan or a subject-wise approach, just do it religiously.

Prioritise Solving PYQs and Mock Analysis

Start your day by solving Previous Year Questions (PYQs), especially in the third and fourth weeks. This helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses. After attempting mocks, spend an equal amount of time analysing them. Understand which sections take more time, where you made calculation mistakes, and which areas need conceptual improvement. This is the only way to improve your accuracy and speed simultaneously. If you take the PracticeMock mock test, then you can also get to compare your performance with the toppers and the AIR to get an idea of where you stand in the competition. 

Devote 8-10 hours to study for the Exam

Divide your day into focused slots of 1.5 hours to 2 hours, allot one slot for each subject, one for mock tests, and one for revision. In this way, you’ve to devote 8-10 hours to your studies. Don’t stretch any subject beyond its allotted time. Use timers while solving questions to simulate exam pressure and build stamina to handle real exam situations with ease.

Avoid Distractions and stay committed to your study plan

This is not the time to binge-watch random YouTube videos, marathons conducted by coaching centres or scroll endlessly through social media. Instead, use your own content or current affairs PDFs. These are some key habits that can help you save your time and keep you exam-ready.

Revise as many times as you can

Revision is the key to strong preparation of the concepts. If you learn something today and do not revise it later in the day, you’ll forget 30% of what you learned. As it is the revision that improves your recall ability.

Read Daily Editorials for English, Current affairs and Descriptive test

Make The Hindu editorial reading a non-negotiable habit. It improves vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar. Try reading between the lines and summarising paragraphs up to 100 words to improve your RC skills. It will also help in current affairs and descriptive tests, as the vocabulary you will read in the articles will help you in writing essays and letters that are asked in the examination. 

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the detailed study plan for the NIACL AO Mains exam. The list of important topics and tips to follow during preparation. To practice questions, you can take our NIACL AO mock test. To learn any concept, you can take a subscription to our banking courses. 

Join our exclusive Telegram group where our experts are ready to answer all your queries, guide you in banking exam preparation, and give personalised tips to boost your success. Get access to real-time solutions, expert advice, and valuable resources to improve your study journey.

FAQs

How many hours should I study daily to prepare for NIACL AO Mains 2025?

You should dedicate at least 8-10 hours daily. In a way where you’ll devote 2 hours each for Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude, 1.5 hours for English, 1 hour for General Awareness, and 30 minutes for Descriptive Writing.

How many full-length mock tests should I take before the NIACL AO Mains exam?

You should aim to attempt at least 5-6 full-length Mains mock tests in the last two weeks of your preparation and analyse them thoroughly to identify and improve weak areas.

How should I prepare for the Descriptive Writing section of NIACL AO Mains 2025?

Practice writing 1 essay and 1 letter every alternate day. Focus on current affairs–related topics, insurance and banking themes, and improve your grammar and vocabulary. Review sample essays and letters to understand proper structure and tone.

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By Muskan Sharma

A passionate content writer with diverse domain expertise, I bring with me the analytical rigor of a former UPSC and Banking aspirant. Having prepared for exams like SBI PO, Clerk, and other banking and insurance exams, I understand the mindset, challenges, and strategies needed to crack them. My journey from exam halls to content creation is fueled by a deep curiosity and an unquenchable thirst for learning. I believe in growing continuously and exploring new knowledge across fields, making every piece of content both insightful and relatable for aspirants.

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