In this, we will see about the updated exam pattern of NIACL AO 2018. To have a proper idea of the latest exam pattern is essential for the preparation of the exam and in the right way. The NIACL AO exam will be conducted in 3 phases.

• Phase 1- preliminary exam(objective)

• Phase 2- mains exam(objective and descriptive)

• Interview.

NIACL AO exam pattern for preliminary:

The phase 1 online exam will be conducted for a total of 100 marks. The sectional time of 20 minutes has been introduced in each section. The detailed exam pattern for prelims is given as follows.

The candidates have to qualify in each section by securing passing marks to be decided by the company.

An adequate number of aspirants in each category as decided by the company (approximately 15 times the number of vacancies subject to availability) will be shortlisted for the main examination.

There will be 1/4^th negative marking assigned to each wrong question marked by the aspirants.

NIACL AO exam pattern for the Main examination:

The main exam will consist of objective type questions for 200 marks and descriptive test for 30 marks.

Both the objective and main will be conducted online.

Immediately after the completion of objective type, the descriptive test will start.

Main exam pattern is different for Generalist and Specialist streams can be found below:

Online objective exam pattern: 

• For Generalist: 

 The duration of the exam is the composite time of 120 minutes.

• For Specialists:                             

 The composite time of 120 minutes is the duration time for the test. The descriptive type test of 30 minutes duration with 30 marks will be a test of English language.

Letter writing is of 10 marks and essay will be of 20 marks.

The descriptive test will be in English and will be conducted online and the candidates have to answer by typing on the computer.

Descriptive type answer script will be evaluated only in respect of those aspirants who qualify the objective test. Depending on the number of vacancies, cut-offs will be decided for descriptive evaluation.

Preparation tips:

This time NIACL has introduced sectional timing of 20 minutes in each and every section. So it has become even more important to devise a perfect strategy for each section to ace the preliminary phase and go through it.

• The English language section is one of the easiest for some and may be difficult for some. If prepared properly and regularly it will be one of the most scoring ones.
• The candidates have to read extensively. One should not mug the grammar rules as that would not help them.
• Reading of English newspaper is the most important. The Editorial section must be read regularly.
• In reading comprehension reading article on different topics is the key to answering the questions.
• Practice at least 2-3 passages daily.
• Be thorough with the grammar basics using standard books.
• In vocabulary, reading newspaper and new words daily would help a lot in the clearing.
• In reasoning ability, time management is more important.
• Can use the online made by the experts to get hold of the topics and fundamentals strong.
• Reasoning can be the most scoring section with adequate practice and attempting time-bound tests.
• In Quantitative aptitude, the first and foremost thing is to get the basics right and clear.
• For this mathematical abilities should be strong and attempting mock tests will do best for QA.
• The candidates have to choose the question that they are confident as one should not spend time in one question itself.
• Analyze the mistakes by taking as many as mock tests. That will help in understanding the weak and strong areas as well to enhance the knowledge of different questions.