A guide to NICL interview preparation

Every year, thousands of law graduates aspire to secure legal positions in public sector undertakings/institutions. Recruitment examinations for law officers conducted by government insurance companies/corporations, banking institutions, top-tier Maharatna public sector undertakings and regulatory bodies offer excellent opportunities to build a career in the public sector.

While candidates devote considerable time to preparing for the examinations, the interview stage presents a different challenge. Here, I share my interview experience for the National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) Administrative Officer (Legal) recruitment examination in the 2025 cycle. The aim is to help aspirants understand the nature of interview preparation, identify the areas that deserve attention and approach the process with greater clarity.

My interview took place in the first week of December 2025. The interview panel consisted of around six members, four of whom actively interacted with me during the session.

Note: This unofficial transcript is reconstructed from memory for educational purposes. Individual experiences, exact wording and question sequences may vary.

Q. Have you studied insurance law? Which statutes govern the insurance industry?

The Insurance Act, 1938; the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956; the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India Act, 1999; and the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 1972. (I fumbled while naming the last Act, and a panellist helped me pronounce its name correctly). And, contract law also plays a vital role.

Q. You mentioned that contract law plays a key role. Could you explain how?

Insurance is a contract. There is an offer and acceptance. The premium is the consideration. Rights and liabilities arise from the contract. Basically, most principles of contract law apply in this domain.

Q. What is the difference between a contract of indemnity and an insurance contract?

A contract of indemnity is generally governed by Section 124 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872. Insurance is a specialised contract. It is governed by insurance laws. Insurance generally requires insurable interest. Uberrima fides is its key principle. In an indemnity contract, the loss is generally linked to human conduct. However, insurance covers defined contingencies and is subject to policy conditions. General insurance contracts, such as fire, marine, and motor insurance, are based on the indemnity principle because the insurer aims to restore the insured’s actual financial loss. But life insurance is not a pure indemnity contract because it pays a fixed sum on the occurrence of death or another insured event, regardless of the precise financial loss suffered. Therefore, it is said that every general insurance contract is founded on indemnity, but not every contract of indemnity is an insurance contract.

Q. How do you keep yourself updated on current affairs and legal developments?

I read The Indian Express, LiveLaw, and Bar & Bench.

Q. Can you name two major legal developments from November?

I remember the appointment of the new CJI Surya Kant. I also remember Supreme Court judgments related to insurance law. (there was a brief silence in the expectation that I will probably speak more).

Q. Which insurance-related judgment are you referring to?

The Supreme Court discussed the “pay and recover” principle in that judgment.

Q. What is this principle?

It says that even if a vehicle owner breaches their insurance policy conditions, the insurance company must first pay the compensation to the third-party victim. And, then recover that amount from the vehicle owner.

Q. Don’t you think this is settled law?

Yes.

Q. Then? I asked about something very significant. Can you tell me about another recent development?

Currently, I am able to recall only this much, sir. I will read more.

(Again there was complete silence in the room. Then, a panellist hinted: “Can you recall something related to labour?” This hint did the trick!)

Yes, sir. The four Labour Codes got enforced. They are the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Code on Social Security and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code.

Q. Tell us more about these laws?

The four Labour Codes consolidate 29 central labour laws. They promote gender equality, minimum wages and equal remuneration. They also recognise gig and platform workers and extend social security benefits. And, also, they strengthen workplace safety and provide for fixed-term employment and gratuity benefits.

Q. Okay, can you recall one more development?

Sorry, sir.

(Again a panellist hinted: “Can you recall anything related to Article 21?”)

Yes, sir. The right to privacy. The government notified rules under the Personal Data Protection Act.

Q. Is it data protection or digital data protection?

Sir, basically, Digital Personal Data Protection Act.

Q. What does it provide for?

It aims at protecting personal data of an individual. It regulates data collection and processing. It strengthens informational privacy under Article 21. It provides for “specific and informed consent”.

Q. For your higher education, did you move to Bengaluru, or did you study online?

Sir, my LLM at NLSIU was offline, so I went there. For the PG Diploma at NALSAR, I went there only for the examinations.

Q. Did you face any difficulties relocating for your studies? Do you know postings will be anywhere in the country?

Sir, I will manage well. There is no problem in relocating.

Q. What do you find special about NLSIU?

NLSIU is unique because of its high academic discourse. Very erudite professors lead the classes and challenge you daily. The focus is always on the primary text. Also, the university offers a rigorous structured study that builds strong professional discipline. You also get an amazing infrastructure and library for your research. Plus, the beautiful campus enjoys the great Bengaluru weather every day.

Q. Regarding your work experience as a guest faculty member at Jamia Millia Islamia, which subjects did you teach there?

I taught Gender Justice and Patriarchy, Labour Law and Corporate Law.

Q. Do you want to ask any question from us?

No. It’s all fine sir.

I felt that all the members were very cheerful and supportive, continuously encouraging me to take my time and answer the questions properly. The interview lasted approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

After the interview, similar to many candidates, I was also unsure about the interview results. I was regretting not being able to recall more current affairs from November month without receiving hints. I was quite upset. Still, with patience, I waited for the results and was thrilled to see my name on the list.

Based on my experiences, I believe that a candidate should focus on the following aspects while preparing for such exam interviews:

1. Biodata and personal background

• Fill your bio-data form carefully and prepare about all the mentioned details because your interview may revolve around your bio-data.

• Prepare to discuss your hobbies, achievements, previous employment, internships, litigation, research, or other professional activities.

2. Educational background

• Revise the fundamentals of the subjects studied during your LL.B., LL.M., or other mentioned qualifications.

• Prepare your specialisation and subjects of particular interest.

• Be prepared to explain why you chose law and how your educational background relates to the responsibilities of the post.

3. About the recruiting company and job profile

• Study the history, establishment, organisational structure, objectives and functions of the recruiting organisation.

• Read about its recent annual performance, financial results, important initiatives and significant developments reported in the news.

• Understand the duties of a legal officer as applicable to the post.

• Prepare a clear answer to the question: Why do you want to join this organisation and why are you suitable for this role?

• Prepare for questions involving professional ethics, integrity, confidentiality, conflicts of interest and responsible decision-making.

4. Current affairs and recent legal developments

• Follow important national and international developments, particularly those reported during the weeks and months preceding your interview.

• Prepare recent Supreme Court judgments, significant legislative amendments, new rules, government notifications and major constitutional developments.

5. Domain knowledge and core legal subjects

• Revise the fundamental principles of important legal subjects, particularly those relevant to the advertised post.

• For insurance/banking legal officer examinations, focus on insurance law, banking regulations, the Indian Contract Act, civil procedure, the law of torts, consumer protection, motor accident claims and corporate law.

• Practise explaining legal concepts in simple language. The panel may test your understanding through follow-up questions rather than merely asking for definitions.

6. Communication skills and presentation

• Dress formally and appropriately for the interview (extremely essential).

• Use simple and precise language instead of unnecessarily complicated legal terminology.

• Listen carefully to the complete question before answering and avoid interrupting the panel.

• If you do not know an answer, acknowledge it politely rather than guessing or giving misleading information.

7. Mock interviews and follow-up questions

• Practise answering common interview questions aloud, preferably through mock interviews.

• Ask someone to pose follow-up questions based on your answers. A seemingly simple statement may lead the panel to explore the subject in greater depth.

• Review your performance after each mock interview.

An interview is not merely a test of how much you know. Basically, it assesses how clearly you communicate, how you respond to unfamiliar questions and whether you demonstrate the judgement and professional maturity required for the position.

Additionally, the most essential thing is to have faith in yourself. You do not need to know everything or provide a perfect answer to every question. What matters is how you approach a question, express your thoughts and handle situations where you are unsure of the answer. Trust your preparation, believe in yourself and approach the interview with a calm and open mind.

Masoom Reza is a guest faculty at Jamia Millia Islamia.