If you want to start a career as an insurance agent in India, the IC-38 exam is your very first step.
Whether you plan to join LIC, HDFC Life, or become a POSP agent with a broker like eBharat — passing IC-38 is mandatory.
This 2025 IC-38 preparation guide explains the syllabus, exam pattern, fees, preparation tips, and how to pass in your first attempt.
What Is the IC-38 Exam?
The IC-38 exam is conducted by the Insurance Institute of India (III) on behalf of the IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India).
It is a qualifying test for:
- Life Insurance Agents (selling life, term, and investment-linked policies)
- General Insurance Agents (selling motor, health, travel, property insurance)
- Point of Sale Person (POSP) agents
The exam tests your basic knowledge of insurance, ethics, regulations, and sales practices.
Example: If you want to sell a term plan to a young professional in Jaipur or a motor insurance policy to a taxi driver in Mumbai, you cannot legally do so until you pass the IC-38 exam and get your IRDAI license.
Who Needs to Take IC-38?
You must clear IC-38 if you are:
- Joining any insurance company (e.g., LIC, SBI Life, ICICI Prudential, HDFC Life) as a first-time agent
- Becoming a POSP agent under a broker or corporate agent (like eBharat)
- Switching companies and need re-certification
- Planning to sell insurance online via digital platforms
IC-38 Exam Pattern 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Format | Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) |
| Mode | Online (at home) or at an exam center |
| Languages | English, Hindi, and major regional languages |
| Passing Marks | Usually 35 out of 50 questions (70%) |
IC-38 Syllabus (Latest 2025)
The syllabus covers three key areas:
- Insurance Basics
- Concept of risk, need for insurance
- Principles of insurance (utmost good faith, insurable interest, indemnity, etc.)
- Types of insurance — life, health, motor, travel, marine
- IRDAI Guidelines & Agent Ethics
- Roles & responsibilities of an agent
- IRDAI’s agent code of conduct
- Anti-money laundering rules & KYC process
- Policy Servicing & Sales Skills
- Prospecting & need analysis
- Suggesting the right product for the client
- Claims process
- Effective customer communication
eBharat provides this syllabus in Hindi & English PDF formats — free download for registered users.
Exam Fee & Registration Process
- Fees: ₹500 to ₹600 (varies by insurer/broker)
- Where to Apply: Through your insurance company or broker onboarding you
- Documents Required:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport-size photo
- 10th Class mark sheet (for age & education proof)
How to Prepare for IC-38 in 2025 (First Attempt Success)
1. Use eBharat’s Free IC-38 Toolkit
- Download our IC-38 PDF study guide (Hindi & English)
- Watch short video lectures for each topic
- Practice 50+ IC-38 mock test questions
2. Focus on Concept Clarity
- Don’t just mug up answers — understand why they are correct
- Learn key terms like risk, premium, policy term, KYC, surrender value
3. Practice Under Exam Conditions
- Attempt full mock tests with a timer
- Review mistakes immediately
- Aim for 80%+ accuracy before your real exam
4. Learn in Your Language
- Choose Hindi, English, or a regional language you are most confident in
Quick Tips to Pass IC-38
- Read each question carefully — some are case studies
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
- Keep track of time — don’t spend more than 1 minute per question
- Stay calm and avoid second-guessing correct answers
What Happens After You Pass?
- You will receive your IRDAI Agent License or POSP code
- You can start selling insurance immediately
- Earn commissions on every sale
- Get access to eBharat tools like PlanMatch, Sales Scripts, and WhatsApp Kit
Example: If you sell a ₹10 lakh term plan to a 30-year-old client, you can earn a commission of ₹3,000–₹5,000 depending on the product.
Final Words
The IC-38 exam is not difficult if you prepare smartly.
With the right strategy, resources, and mock practice, you can clear it in your first attempt and start building a successful career in insurance.
Ready to start?
Apply Now to Join eBharat’s Agent Network — We’ll guide you from training to first sale.
