The OICL AO Mains exam in 2026 is scheduled from 9:05 AM to 12:05 PM. It will be held on February 28, 2026. Candidates preparing for the exam should review the shift timings, exam duration, reporting requirements, and other details provided here. Arriving at the exam centre at least 15 minutes before the reporting time on the admit card is advised. The total exam time is 180 minutes, comprising 150 minutes plus 30 minutes for the descriptive section. The exam features six sections: English Language, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and a descriptive test (including an Essay worth 20 marks and a Précis worth 10). For each incorrect answer, one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. The total marks for the exam are 230, with 200 for the main sections and 30 for the descriptive test. Refer to this article for complete details on the OICL AO exam timings.
OICL AO Mains Shift Timings 2026
The OICL AO Mains exam will be held in a single shift. Candidates can check the complete exam schedule and timings here.
Check OICL AO Practice Set 2025-26
| OICL AO Mains Shift Timings 2026 | ||||
| Shift | Reporting Time | Handwriting Sample Time | Exam Start Time | Exam End Time |
| 1 | 7:30 AM | 9:00 to 9:05 AM | 9:05 AM | 12:05 PM |
OICL AO Mains Exam Pattern
Candidates can check the complete OICL AO mains exam pattern for generalists from the table below.
| OICL AO Mains Exam Pattern for Generalists | |||
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
| Test of English Language | 40 | 40 | 30 mins |
| Test of Reasoning | 45 | 45 | 45 mins |
| Test of Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 | 40 mins |
| Test of General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 20 mins |
| Test of Computer Knowledge | 35 | 35 | 15 mins |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 150 mins |
| Descriptive Test: English Language (Essay – 20 marks and Précis – 10) | 2 | 30 | 30 mins |
OICL AO Mains Exam Timings 2026 Section Wise – Complete Details
Candidates can check some key details regarding the section-wise timings for the OICL AO mains exam.
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The OICL AO mains test will take place over a duration of 180 minutes (3 hours).
- This examination comprises 6 sections: English Language, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and a descriptive section (English Language: Essay – 20 marks and Précis – 10).
- The English Language section allows for a time of 30 minutes, consisting of 40 questions, with a total of 40 marks available.
- The Reasoning section is allotted 45 minutes, containing 45 questions, with a total of 45 marks.
- The Quantitative Aptitude section is given 40 minutes, which includes 40 questions, also worth 40 marks.
- The General Awareness section has a time limit of 20 minutes, with 40 questions, totalling 40 marks.
- The Computer Knowledge section is limited to 15 minutes, featuring 35 questions, and a total of 35 marks.
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The descriptive test has a duration of 30 minutes, consisting of 2 questions, with a total of 30 marks.
Key Details Regarding the OICL AO Mains Exam 2026
- The OICL AO Mains exam will feature Objective Tests worth 200 marks and a Descriptive Test worth 30 marks.
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Both the Objective and Descriptive Tests will be conducted online.
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Candidates will need to type their answers for the Descriptive Test on a computer.
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The Descriptive Test will take place immediately following the completion of the Objective Test.
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Objective Test: The total duration allocated for the Objective Test is 2.5 hours, with specific timings for each section.
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Participants will be given an additional 5 minutes before the exam begins to note information in the space provided on the call letter.
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Descriptive Test: The Descriptive Test, lasting for 30 minutes and worth 30 marks, will evaluate the English Language with an Essay component (20 marks) and a Précis component (10 marks).
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The Descriptive Test will be conducted online and will be in English.
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Candidates must achieve a minimum score in each section of the Objective Test to qualify for the evaluation of the Descriptive Test, meaning the Descriptive answer scripts will only be assessed for those who pass the Objective Test.
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Cut-offs for the evaluation of the Descriptive Papers will be determined based on the number of available vacancies, and there will also be a distinct cut-off mark for the Descriptive Test.
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The Descriptive Test will be qualifying, meaning the scores achieved will not be included in the calculations for shortlisting for the interview or for final selection.
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Each candidate must secure a minimum overall score (to be set by the Company based on the number of vacancies) in the Objective Test (Main Examination) and qualify in the Descriptive Test to be shortlisted for the Interview.
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Candidates will be selected for an interview based on the total marks obtained in the Main Examination, following evaluation.
FAQs
Q: What are the shift timings for OICL AO Mains 2026?
The OICL AO Mains 2026 exam will be held from 9:05 AM to 12:05 PM.
Q: In how many shifts will the OICL AO Mains exam be conducted?
The examination will take place in a single shift only.
Q: When should candidates report to the exam centre?
Since there is only one shift, candidates must reach the venue on or before 7:30 AM, as mentioned in the admit card.
Q: What is the total duration of the OICL AO Mains exam?
The total exam duration is 180 minutes, including 150 minutes for the objective test and 30 minutes for the descriptive test.
