IRDA Exam 2026 (IC-38): Eligibility, Fees, Syllabus, Registration & How to Pass

Want to become a licensed insurance agent in India? There is one step you cannot skip - Clearing the IC-38 exam.

Most people entering the insurance industry for the first time have little or no idea about some key details like what is IRDA exam, IC-38 exam eligibility, IRDA exam fees, syllabus, registration process, and how to pass the exam. If you are someone confused with such questions, you are in the right place. 

This guide covers everything you need to know about the IC-38 exam.
 

What is IRDA Exam (IC-38)?

The IRDA Exam is the qualifying examination to become a certified insurance agent or advisor. The exam is conducted under the guidelines of the IRDA (officially renamed as Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, IRDAI in 2015).  

In simple terms, IC-38 stands for Insurance Certificate –38. The certification is a mandatory requirement for individuals who want to sell life, general, or health insurance policies in India. The exam has 50 Multiple-choice Questions with a time duration of 60 minutes. The qualifying criteria for the exam is 35% (18 right answers out of 50). 

What is the Purpose of the IC-38 Exam?

The IC-38 exam is conducted to ensure that insurance agents have the proper knowledge and practical understanding of the insurance industry.

It tests candidates on:

• Fundamental Concepts of Insurance
• Different Insurance Products 
• Rules and Regulations of IRDAI
• Customer Services and Selling Strategies 

Who Conducts the IRDA Exam?

The IC-38 exam is conducted under the supervision and regulatory framework of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) by Insurance companies and IRDAI-authorised training institutes. 

Why is IC-38 Examination Required for Insurance Agents?

This examination helps candidates prepare for the practical and professional aspects of the insurance industry. Here are the key reasons why it is required for insurance agents:

• In-depth understanding of insurance products, policies, and their implications in real-life scenarios
• Awareness of IRDAI rules, compliance guidelines, and regulatory standards 
• Knowledge of ethical selling practices and recommending suitable insurance products
• Credibility between insurance agents and customers by ensuring a certified knowledge base
• A certification that allows individuals to legally start working as licensed insurance agents in India

IC-38 Exam Eligibility Criteria

To appear for the IC-38 exam, candidates must meet certain basic eligibility criteria. These include:

• You must be 18 years old
• You must have completed 10th grade (for rural areas) or 12th grade (for urban areas)
• You must be an Indian citizen or legally authorized to work in India
• You must complete mandatory training (usually 15 hours) from an IRDAI-authorized training institute

Note: The eligibility requirements may vary slightly depending on whether you aim for life insurance, general insurance, or composite agent roles.

IC-38 Exam Pattern & Structure

Before you start preparing for the exam, it is important to have a complete understanding of the exam pattern and structure. The IC-38 exam pattern is as follows:

IC-38 Exam Overview

IC-38 Exam Passing Marks

The passing marks for IC-38 exam are 18 out of 50, which means candidates need to score at least 35% to qualify. 

One important advantage for candidates is that there is no negative marking in the exam. 

This gives you a chance to attempt all 50 questions, even if you are unsure about a few answers, as incorrect responses will not reduce your score. 

IC-38 Exam Duration

The IC-38 exam duration is 60 minutes. 

Understanding the IRDA exam duration can help candidates manage their time effectively during preparation and while attempting the test.

During this one-hour exam, candidates need to answer 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) related to topics such as:  

• Basic Insurance Concepts & Principles 
• IRDAI Rules and Regulations 
• Code of Conduct 
• Customer service & Ethical Practices. 
• Insurance Marketing & Sales Strategies

Proper time management can help you complete the entire paper within the given IRDA exam. There are a total of 50 multiple-choice questions. On average, you can spend one minute per question and can use the remaining time for review. Try to attempt all questions as there is no negative marking.  
 

IC-38 Exam Syllabus 

The IC-38 exam syllabus covers the fundamental concepts of insurance along with regulatory guidelines and practical aspects required for selling insurance products. The key topics included in the syllabus are:

1. Introduction to Insurance

• Meaning and purpose of insurance
• Types of insurance (life, general, health)
• Role and functions of insurance in financial planning
• Overview of regulatory framework (IRDAI)

2. Insurance Products & Policies

• Types of insurance policies
• Key features of life, health, and general insurance products
• Policy terms, conditions, and benefits

3. Insurance Regulations & Guidelines

• Code of conduct for insurance agents
• Regulatory guidelines issued by IRDAI
• Policy issuance and claim settlement process
• Commission and remuneration norms

4. Insurance Marketing & Sales

• Understanding customer needs
• Basic selling techniques
• Product positioning and recommendation
• Ethical sales practices

5. Customer Service & Ethics

• Customer relationship management
• Grievance redressal mechanisms
• Policy servicing and renewals
• Importance of transparency and ethical behavior

IC-38 Training Requirements and Exam Fees 2026

To become a certified insurance agent, it is mandatory to complete pre-licensing training from an IRDA-approved training institute or through the insurance company you are associated with. The training duration may vary from 15 to 50 hours, depending on the type of license you are applying for:

• Single licence (Life or General/Health): 15 hours of training
• Composite licence (Life + General/Health): 25–50 hours of training
   

IC-38 Exam Fees 

The cost of the IC-38 (Insurance Agent) exam is not standardised like many competitive exams. The IRDA exam registration fees vary as per different insurance companies or training providers. 

Fees can also differ based on the mode of training (online vs. classroom), the type of license (single vs. composite), and the specific insurer you are associated with. 

It is always recommended to consult your insurer or the Insurance Institute of India (III) to confirm the latest free structure and guidelines.  

Here is the estimated fee breakdown of the IRDA exam : 
 

Career Opportunities After IC-38 Exam

Once you clear the IC-38 exam and receive the certification, the next step is to figure out what career opportunities you have. After clearing IC-38, you can opt for the following career options:

1. Individual Insurance Agent / Advisor 

This is the most obvious career option after clearing the IC-38 exam. You can get appointed with any insurance company and sell policies to individuals and families, earn commissions on new sales and renewals, either as a part-time or full-time agent.

2. Composite Agent

You can become a composite agent and sell both life insurance and general insurance (motor, health, home, travel, etc.) products. Tie up with one life insurer, one general insurer (or health), and this will give you a broader product range and higher earning potential.

3. Corporate Agent

Work with banks, NBFCs, or corporate partners to sell insurance through their channels. Many companies hire licensed agents for their teams, where you get leads from the bank's customer base.

4. Development Officer (DO) or Sales Manager

Although this role demands relevant experience and a strong client base, as an IC-38 licensed agent, you can recruit and manage other agents. This will create opportunities to grow into leadership roles.

5. Build Your Own Insurance Agency

After gaining experience and building a customer base, you can also start your own agency, hiring sub-agents, and managing a larger operation. Over time, it will develop your competency to scale a profitable insurance distribution business.

Further Reading: How to Become an Insurance Agent in India (Step-by-Step Guide 2026)

How to Apply for IRDA IC-38 Exam Online
 

If you are planning to become an insurance agent and want to know how to apply for IRDA exam, the registration process can be completed through an authorised insurer or training provider. This generally includes a few simple steps, like:

• Choose an Insurance Company or Training Provider: Select an IRDAI-authorized insurer or institute offering IC-38 training.
• Complete Mandatory Training: Attend the required training program (usually around 15 hours)
• Submit Required Documents: Provide basic documents such as ID proof, address proof, and educational certificates.
• Register for the Exam: To complete the IRDA exam registration online process, candidates need to register through an IRDAI-authorised insurer or training institute. 
• Appear for the Exam: Take the test and qualify to become a certified insurance agent.

Tips to Clear the IC-38 Exam on Your First Attempt

Here are some simple tips to help you clear the IC-38 Exam: 

• Understand well the basic concepts, products, and regulations of Insurance.
• Practice mock tests to understand the exam pattern and improve speed
• Cover key topics like insurance basics, IRDAI guidelines, and customer service
• Allocate the 60-minute exam duration for 50 questions properly by spending around 1 minute per question.
• Keep the last 5–10 minutes for review.
• As there is no negative marking, try to attempt all questions even if unsure.
   

Can You Become an Insurance Agent Without clearing the IC-38 exam?

Clearing the IC-38 exam has been the standard way to become a certified traditional insurance agent.

However, if you are looking for a more flexible way to work in the industry with less time and cost involved, becoming a POSP (Point of Sales Person) can be a convenient choice. As a POSP insurance agent, you can earn through commission-based income, and the POSP insurance agent commission varies depending on the type of policy sold, insurer, and overall performance.

Today, many digital platforms offer POSP onboarding modules, making it easier for individuals to start their journey in the insurance sector. 

Some of the platforms that offer POSP opportunities include:

• PBPartners by PolicyBazaar
• InsuranceDekho
• Investkraft Partner
• Square Insurance
• RenewBuy

If you’re looking for a simple and guided way to get started, you can explore POSP onboarding through Investkraft Partner Platform, which offers a streamlined process along with dedicated support.

Further Reading: POSP Agent vs Insurance Agent: Key Differences, Earnings & Which is Better in India (2026)

Summary

Qualifying IC-38 examination is important if you wish to become a licensed insurance agent in India. With simple eligibility criteria, exam structure, and syllabus, this exam helps you cover the insurance concepts, regulations, and ethical selling practices. Once qualified, you can explore great career-opportunities such as a corporate insurance agent or individual insurance agent.

Whether you are a fresher, a working professional, or someone looking for additional income, the IC-38 exam can help you become a IRDA certified insurance agent. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in the blog is for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and updated information, the details may vary as per different sources. You are advised to consult qualified professionals before making any decision.