IC22 Life Insurance Underwriting Exam evaluates your risk assessment ability across medical impairments, financial underwriting, and reinsurance principles through 50-60 MCQs. Insurance Institute of India administers this 30-credit Associateship paper four times yearly in March, May, September, and November cycles.
The IC22 certification tests decision-making on real underwriting scenarios like classifying a 31-year-old underweight applicant into high-risk categories, determining lien impositions for substandard lives, and calculating diminishing lien payouts after death during policy terms. Unlike theoretical insurance exams, IC22 demands practical judgment on accepting risks, charging extra premiums, or declining applications.
IC22 Exam Pattern and Passing Criteria Explained
IC22 follows the Insurance Institute of India’s Associateship examination format. The exam structure determines preparation strategy and time allocation during the test.
| Exam Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Insurance Institute of India (III) |
| Exam Level | Associateship 30-Credit Paper |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 50-60 MCQs |
| Exam Duration | 2-3 Hours |
| Passing Marks (Descriptive) | 50% |
| Passing Marks (Objective) | 60% |
| Exam Frequency | March, May, September, November |
| Exam Mode | Online Computer-Based Test |
Objective-type IC22 exams require 60% minimum score while descriptive formats need only 50%. Most recent cycles use objective MCQ patterns with time-bound online testing.
Memory-Based Questions Dominating IC22 Life Insurance Underwriting Exam
Maximum questions repeat in each IC22 exam from previous papers. Candidates analyzing memory-based patterns score 20-30% higher than those studying only textbooks. The Insurance Institute recycles question formats, medical scenarios, and underwriting decisions across examination cycles.
High-Frequency IC22 Topics Appearing Every Cycle
Standard risk versus substandard risk classifications generate 6-8 questions per exam. Questions test understanding of extra premium calculations, decreasing extra risk applications, and when to apply diminishing lien methods for substandard lives.
Factors influencing underwriting decisions appear in 5-6 scenario-based questions. Exams present applicant profiles with specific ages, medical conditions, occupations, and lifestyles, requiring candidates to select appropriate underwriting actions.
Judgment method and rating method of underwriting typically generate 3-4 questions distinguishing between qualitative assessment approaches and numerical rating systems.
Backdating of policy questions test knowledge of maximum backdating periods, premium calculation adjustments, and age determination rules for underwriting purposes.
Quote generation processes generate 2-3 questions covering documentation requirements, information gathering stages, and quote validity periods.
Medical Underwriting Questions in IC22 Exam
Human Life Value (HLV) method generates 4-5 calculation and theory questions. Candidates must understand HLV formula applications, limitations, and adjustments for different income profiles.
Occupational, residential, and avocational risk questions generate 5-6 MCQs per exam. Recent exams tested scenarios like evaluating underwriting impact when an applicant disclosed one-time guided parasailing participation in the proposal form.
Medical versus non-medical underwriting factors and challenges appear in 3-4 questions testing understanding of when companies waive medical examinations and non-medical grid applications.
Reinsurance Topics in IC22 Underwriting Exam
Facultative and treaty reinsurance distinctions generate 3-4 questions every cycle. Exams test understanding of when insurers use each reinsurance type and their respective advantages.
Retention limit questions ask about factors affecting retention decisions such as company size, capital base, and portfolio composition. Related questions cover retrocession definitions, retrocessionaire roles, and cedant relationships in reinsurance chains.
Medical Terminology and Anatomical Knowledge
CNS and PNS (Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System) distinctions appear regularly, along with related disorder classifications.
Heartburn mechanism questions test understanding of gastroesophageal conditions and their underwriting significance.
Underwriting decisions for specific medical disorders generate 8-10 scenario questions. Exams present conditions like intrinsic asthma detected 17 years back, requiring candidates to determine appropriate underwriting actions.
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism questions test differentiation ability. Candidates must know symptom differences, treatment protocols, and risk classifications for each thyroid condition.
Hepatitis variants (A, B, C, D, E) appear in 2-3 questions testing chronicity understanding and underwriting approaches for each type.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) questions evaluate knowledge of severity grading, diagnostic test interpretations, and premium loading calculations.
Congenital heart disease questions test understanding of structural defects, surgical correction impacts, and long-term mortality implications.
Chronic disease questions assess understanding of conditions requiring ongoing management and their cumulative mortality effects.
Decision-based questions on accepting risks, charging extra premiums, or declining applications comprise 40% of IC22 exam questions based on recent candidate feedback.
Specific Anatomical Questions Appearing in IC22
Hollow spaces around the nose question always asks about paranasal sinuses identification.
Double vision terminology question tests knowledge of diplopia as the medical term.
Sclera identification question confirms understanding that sclera forms part of the eye structure.
Dyspnea questions test recognition of breathing difficulty terminology and its clinical significance.
Cardiovascular system generates 2-3 decision-based questions requiring risk assessment for heart conditions.
Radioactive isotope usage question specifically asks about myocardial perfusion scan applications in cardiac testing.
Coronary CT Angiography questions typically use “select the incorrect option” format, testing detailed procedural knowledge.
| IC22 Topic Category | Questions Per Exam | Preparation Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Decision-Based Underwriting | 20-25 questions | Critical |
| Medical Impairments | 15-18 questions | Critical |
| Underwriting Methods | 8-10 questions | High |
| Financial Underwriting | 6-8 questions | High |
| Occupational/Avocational Risk | 5-6 questions | Medium |
| Reinsurance | 3-4 questions | Medium |
| Anatomical Knowledge | 4-5 questions | Low |
Why IC22 Mock Tests Beat Textbook Study for Exam Success
Insurance professionals consistently report that IC22 mock test practice delivers better results than passive reading. The exam tests application speed, not memorization depth.
Chapter-Wise IC22 Practice Strategy
Chapter-wise question organization in IC22 mock tests enables targeted preparation. When candidates score low marks in specific chapters like Blood Disorders or Reinsurance Management, they can study those chapters again and re-attempt chapter-specific tests until achieving good marks.
This focused approach identifies knowledge gaps faster than sequential textbook reading. After completing each chapter’s mock test, candidates immediately see which concepts need reinforcement before progressing.
Time Management Training Through IC22 Mock Tests
Online IC22 examinations impose strict time limits. Candidates must answer 50-60 questions within 2-3 hours, requiring efficient question processing speed.
Mock tests simulate actual exam time pressure. Regular timed practice builds mental stamina for maintaining concentration throughout the full examination duration without performance degradation.
Pattern Recognition in IC22 Questions
Mock tests help candidates prepare better for online exams and clear them in one attempt. Questions are designed based on book concepts, but exam success requires recognizing how Insurance Institute of India frames questions.
Repeated mock test attempts reveal examiner preferences for certain question styles, common distractor patterns in wrong options, and frequently tested decision scenarios.
IC22 Syllabus Breakdown: What Insurance Institute Tests
The IC22 Life Insurance Underwriting syllabus covers eight major chapters. Understanding weight distribution guides preparation time allocation.
Life Underwriting Principles and Concepts
This foundational chapter introduces core concepts of life insurance underwriting. The underwriting process involves risk assessment, selection, and classification of lives proposed for insurance.
Mortality risk (risk of death) and morbidity risk (risk of illness) evaluation leads to decisions accepting risks at standard rates, with extra premiums, or postponing and declining risks altogether.
Questions test understanding of insurability criteria, adverse selection prevention, and how underwriters balance risk acceptance with business growth targets.
Underwriting Structure and Process
This chapter covers underwriting workflow from proposal receipt through policy issuance. Questions test knowledge of documentation requirements, evidence gathering, medical examiner reports, and final decision authority.
Non-medical underwriting concepts appear here, explaining when insurance companies provide coverage without medical checkups. Non-medical grids function based on age and sum assured parameters.
Underwriting philosophy questions test understanding how insurance company strategy and guidelines sync with reinsurer requirements. Underwriting guidelines impact product pricing and the extent of substandard risks companies undertake for each product.
Financial Underwriting in IC22 Exam
Financial underwriting prevents over-insurance and identifies moral hazards. This chapter generates calculation questions and scenario-based problems.
Human Life Value method calculations require understanding present value concepts, income projection, and inflation adjustments. Questions present specific applicant profiles requiring HLV computation.
Income verification questions test knowledge of required documentation like salary certificates, tax returns, and bank statements for salaried versus self-employed applicants.
Insurable interest principles determine when applicants can purchase insurance on other lives. Questions test maximum insurable amounts for different relationships.
Reinsurance Management Concepts
Reinsurance enables insurers to manage large risks and stabilize financial results. This chapter explains when and why insurers transfer risks to reinsurers.
Facultative reinsurance covers individual policies case-by-case with separate underwriting. Treaty reinsurance provides automatic coverage for predefined risk categories without individual assessment.
Retention represents maximum risk insurers keep on single lives. Questions test understanding of factors affecting retention limits such as company size, capital base, and risk appetite.
Retrocession occurs when reinsurers share loss exposures with other reinsurers. Understanding roles of cedants, reinsurers, and retrocessionaires helps answer relationship questions.
Blood Disorders and Complete Blood Count
Understanding CBC components proves necessary for IC22 success. Hemoglobin levels, white blood cell counts, platelet numbers, and differential counts each reveal specific health information.
Anemia causes include iron deficiency, thalassemia, and chronic disease. Each type requires different underwriting approaches. Thalassemia minor may receive standard rates while thalassemia major faces significant mortality loading.
Blood disorder questions test ability to assess severity and determine appropriate premium adjustments or policy modifications.
Medical Impairments in Life Underwriting
This chapter carries maximum weight in IC22 exams. Medical impairment questions evaluate understanding of specific conditions and their underwriting significance.
Cardiovascular disorders section covers coronary artery disease, hypertension, congenital defects, and valvular diseases. Questions require knowledge of severity grading, diagnostic test interpretations, and treatment effectiveness evaluation.
Respiratory disorders section tests understanding of asthma types (intrinsic appearing after age 30, extrinsic typically childhood-onset), COPD, and other breathing conditions.
Endocrine system questions cover diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, and other hormonal conditions requiring chronic management.
Gastrointestinal conditions, renal disorders, neurological conditions, and cancer questions round out medical impairment coverage.
MWP Act and Policy Provisions
Married Women’s Property Act questions test understanding of asset protection for policy proceeds. Questions ask which assets remain beyond creditor reach after policyholder death.
Policy rider questions evaluate knowledge of additional benefit options, their premium impacts, and underwriting considerations.
Lifestyle Risk Evaluation
Occupational hazards include physical dangers, toxic substance exposure, and work-related stress. Questions present specific occupations requiring risk classification.
Residential risk questions assess geographic mortality patterns, healthcare access, and environmental hazards in different regions.
Avocational risk questions evaluate hobby and recreational activity dangers. The one-time guided parasailing question demonstrates how even single-instance activities disclosed in proposal forms require underwriting assessment.
Decision-Based Questions: The IC22 Exam Game-Changer
Decision-based questions comprise 40% of IC22 exam content according to candidate feedback. These questions separate textbook learners from practical underwriters.
Scenario Analysis Questions
Exams present complete applicant profiles including age, medical conditions, occupation, lifestyle factors, and insurance amount requested. Candidates must select appropriate underwriting decisions from options like accept at standard rates, charge extra premium, impose lien, postpone decision, or decline application.
The Mukesh scenario typifies this question style: “Mukesh aged 31 years wants life insurance from IGP insurance company. The company finds Mukesh is underweight and categorizes him into high-risk category. The company agrees to provide insurance at higher premium rate. Mukesh instead asks for a lien to be imposed, so IGP life insurance company imposes a decreasing lien of 15% for three years. Unfortunately Mukesh dies in third year of the policy. The sum assured payable would be what percentage?”
This question tests multiple concepts: underweight classification, lien mechanics, decreasing lien calculations, and payout determination during lien periods.
Medical Condition Assessment Questions
Exams describe applicants with specific medical histories requiring underwriting judgment. An intrinsic asthma question states: “Decision base question on extrinsic asthma detected 17 years back” and asks for appropriate underwriting action.
Candidates must know that well-controlled asthma detected years ago with no recent complications typically qualifies for standard or minimal extra premium ratings, while recent diagnoses or poorly controlled cases require heavier loadings.
Risky Combination Questions
Some questions present multiple risk factors combined, like TB combined with HIV. Candidates must recognize how conditions compound mortality risk beyond simple addition of individual risks.
These questions test sophisticated underwriting judgment about synergistic effects where multiple conditions create worse outcomes than expected from isolated risk assessments.
Common IC22 Exam Mistakes Causing Failure Despite Preparation
Insurance professionals report consistent error patterns in IC22 attempts. Recognizing these traps prevents mark loss.
Confusing Similar Medical Terminology
Intrinsic versus extrinsic asthma confusion costs marks. Intrinsic asthma generally appears in adulthood after age 30, while extrinsic asthma typically begins in childhood with identifiable allergen triggers.
Hypothyroidism versus hyperthyroidism mix-ups occur frequently. Hypothyroidism indicates underactive thyroid with low hormone production, while hyperthyroidism signals overactive thyroid with excessive hormone release.
Hepatitis type confusion happens because multiple variants exist. Hepatitis E is least chronic among hepatitis variants, while Hepatitis B and C often become chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment.
Misapplying Reinsurance Concepts
Retrocession definition questions catch unprepared candidates. When a reinsurer shares loss exposures with other reinsurers, this is called retrocession, not reinsurance or re-reinsurance.
Candidates confuse facultative and treaty reinsurance applications. Facultative suits individual high-value or complex cases, while treaty covers automatic categories without case-by-case review.
Overlooking Question Specifics
Decision-based IC22 questions provide scenario details deliberately. Candidates applying generic rules without considering specific ages, amounts, conditions, and disclosure details select wrong answers despite knowing general concepts.
The parasailing question demonstrates this: simply knowing avocational risk principles isn’t enough. Candidates must consider that one-time guided activity with proper disclosure receives different treatment than undisclosed regular high-risk participation.
Neglecting Time Management Practice
Untimed study creates false confidence. Candidates who never practice under time pressure struggle completing IC22 exams within allocated duration.
Some questions intentionally include complex scenarios requiring careful reading. Without time management training, candidates spend excessive minutes on difficult questions, leaving insufficient time for easier ones appearing later.
IC22 Preparation Timeline: 45-Day Focused Strategy
Working insurance professionals need efficient preparation timelines balancing job responsibilities with exam study. This 45-day plan maximizes retention while preventing burnout.
Days 1-15: Core Concept Mastery
Study Life Underwriting Principles, Underwriting Structure, and Financial Underwriting chapters. These foundational topics support understanding of later medical and risk assessment material.
Complete chapter-end questions immediately after reading each section. Take chapter-wise mock tests achieving minimum 70% before progressing.
Allocate 2 hours daily: 90 minutes reading and note-making, 30 minutes practicing questions.
Days 16-30: Medical Impairments Deep Dive
Focus exclusively on medical underwriting chapters covering cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, gastrointestinal, renal, and neurological conditions.
Create comparison charts for similar conditions like different asthma types, thyroid disorders, and hepatitis variants. Visual differentiation aids memory retention.
Take daily chapter-wise tests on medical topics. Medical impairments generate 15-18 exam questions, making this period critical.
Allocate 2.5 hours daily: 2 hours studying medical conditions, 30 minutes testing.
Days 31-38: Reinsurance, MWP Act, and Risk Evaluation
Complete remaining syllabus covering reinsurance management, MWP Act applications, and lifestyle risk assessment (occupational, residential, avocational).
These topics require less time than medical underwriting but appear consistently. Reinsurance generates 3-4 questions while risk evaluation produces 5-6 questions per exam.
Allocate 2 hours daily covering these focused topics with immediate practice.
Days 39-45: Full-Length IC22 Mock Tests
Attempt minimum four complete IC22 mock tests under strict exam conditions. Set timer matching actual exam duration, eliminate distractions, and avoid checking answers until finishing.
After each test, analyze performance by topic. Identify chapters showing weakness and revise those sections before next mock test.
Track improvement across attempts. Accuracy should increase while time per question decreases with practice.
Days 44-45 focus on quick revision using summary notes. Avoid learning new material; reinforce existing knowledge.
How IC22 Differs From Other III Insurance Exams
Insurance Institute of India conducts multiple certification exams. Understanding IC22’s unique characteristics focuses preparation effectively.
IC22 Versus IC38 Comparison
IC38 (General Insurance) covers broad insurance principles suitable for agents and entry-level professionals. IC22 (Life Insurance Underwriting) targets specialized underwriting roles requiring medical knowledge and risk assessment skills.
IC38 questions test conceptual understanding, while IC22 demands decision-making ability on complex scenarios. IC38 passing requires 50%, while IC22 objective exams need 60%.
IC22 Versus IC02 Comparison
IC02 (Licentiate – Practice of Life Insurance) covers life insurance operations broadly including marketing, servicing, and regulations. IC22 specializes exclusively in underwriting processes, medical assessment, and risk classification.
IC02 suits sales and operations professionals, while IC22 targets underwriting department roles. IC22 requires deeper medical knowledge than IC02.
IC22 Versus Other Associateship Papers
IC22 ranks among more challenging Associateship papers due to medical terminology requirements and decision-based question prevalence. IC23 (Applications of Life Insurance) and IC24 (Legal Aspects) contain more straightforward conceptual questions.
IC22 passing rates typically run lower than other 30-credit papers because decision-based questions lack obvious correct answers, requiring genuine underwriting judgment development.
Frequently Asked Questions About IC22 Life Insurance Underwriting Exam
Insurance Institute of India allows unlimited IC22 exam attempts. Candidates can register for any examination cycle (March, May, September, November) until passing. No restrictions limit attempt frequency.
IC22 passing percentage depends on exam format. Descriptive papers require 50% minimum score. Objective MCQ papers need 60% minimum. Recent exam cycles primarily use objective format requiring 60% for passing.
Yes, candidates clear IC22 exam through self-study combined with regular mock test practice. Mock tests help candidates prepare better for online exams and clear them in one attempt. Chapter-wise question organization enables targeted preparation focusing on weak areas.
IC22 exam contains 50-60 MCQs depending on the specific cycle. Each question carries equal marks. Time limit ranges 2-3 hours for completion.
Medical impairments carry maximum weight with 15-18 questions per exam. Decision-based underwriting scenarios comprise 40% of total questions. Underwriting methods generate 8-10 questions, while financial underwriting produces 6-8 questions per cycle.
Memory-based questions provide excellent preparation because maximum questions repeat in each IC22 exam from previous papers. However, understanding underlying concepts remains necessary since questions may rephrase scenarios while testing same principles.
Diminishing lien reduces sum assured by specified percentage during initial policy years for substandard risks. The Mukesh scenario demonstrates diminishing lien application: 15% lien for three years means sum assured reduces by 15% first year, 10% second year, 5% third year, then becomes full sum assured.
Retrocession occurs when a reinsurer shares loss exposures with other reinsurers. This creates risk transfer chains: original insurer (cedant) transfers to reinsurer, who then transfers to retrocessionaire, spreading catastrophic loss exposure globally.
Anatomical knowledge generates 4-5 questions per IC22 exam. Questions test basic medical terminology like paranasal sinuses (hollow spaces around nose), diplopia (double vision), sclera (eye part), and dyspnea (breathing difficulty). Moderate priority for preparation.
Human Life Value method calculates present value of individual’s future earning capacity. IC22 exams test both HLV calculation ability and conceptual understanding. Questions present applicant profiles requiring HLV computation to determine maximum insurable amount.
IC22 online exam interface typically provides onscreen calculator for financial calculations. Candidates cannot bring physical calculators. Practice using software calculator during mock tests to build familiarity.
Failed IC22 candidates can re-register for next examination cycle. Insurance Institute of India conducts exams four times yearly, meaning maximum 3-month wait until next attempt. No penalties or attempt limits exist.
Start Your IC22 Life Insurance Underwriting Exam Preparation Now
Success in IC22 Life Insurance Underwriting Exam requires active practice, not passive reading. Mock tests build decision-making speed, pattern recognition, and time management skills that textbooks cannot develop.
Begin with chapter-wise IC22 mock tests identifying strong and weak knowledge areas. Progress to full-length simulations matching actual Insurance Institute of India exam conditions. Track performance metrics guiding revision priorities.
The difference between failing and passing lies in preparation method, not hours invested. Strategic practice focusing on decision-based scenarios and memory-based question patterns delivers better results than unfocused marathon study sessions.
Access free IC22 mock test now on Sarkari Exam without login requirements. Instant results with detailed solutions help understand mistakes and improve systematically. Download solutions after completing tests for offline review. Start practicing today to join successful IC22 certified underwriters in the insurance industry.
