How to Become an Insurance Agent in India: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Selling insurance is one of the easiest professional careers to start in India — no huge degree, low investment, and you can begin part-time. But there is one non-negotiable step: you must be licensed by IRDAI, and that means clearing the IC-38 exam. Here is the complete, up-to-date path for 2026.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
To become an insurance agent in India you need to be:
- 18 years or older
- Class 10 pass at minimum (Class 12 for some categories)
- An Indian resident with valid ID and address proof
You do not need a commerce or finance background — the training covers everything.
Step 2: Choose what you will sell
Decide your line and channel:
- Life insurance agent — represent one life insurer (e.g. LIC or a private company)
- General insurance agent — motor, health, travel, property
- Health / standalone or composite options also exist
An individual agent represents one insurer per category. If you would rather sell products from many companies, you would look at becoming a POSP or an insurance broker instead — but the agent route via IC-38 is the most common start.
Step 3: Get sponsored by an insurer
You cannot register for IC-38 on your own — an IRDAI-registered insurer or authorised training institute must sponsor you. Approach the branch of the company you want to represent (or a training partner); they will enrol you and guide the paperwork.
Step 4: Complete the mandatory training
IRDAI requires pre-recruitment training before the exam — a fixed number of hours (online or in-class, arranged by your sponsor) covering insurance principles, products, ethics and regulations. Do not treat it as a formality: this is the exact syllabus IC-38 tests.
Step 5: Clear the IC-38 exam
The licensing exam is typically 50 MCQs in about 60 minutes, with no negative marking, and a pass mark around 18/50 (35%), available in English, Hindi and regional languages.
It is very passable with focused practice. See our full IC-38 exam guide for the syllabus and pattern, and practise free IC-38 mock tests before you sit it.
Step 6: Submit documents and get your licence
After passing, submit your KYC — photo, PAN, Aadhaar/ID, address proof, education certificate and the exam pass result. Your insurer completes the appointment and IRDAI issues your agency licence. You can now legally solicit and service policies.
What can you earn?
Agent income is commission-based, so there is no ceiling and no floor. Life-insurance first-year commissions can be a meaningful percentage of premium, with smaller renewal commissions for every year the policy stays active — which is why building a renewal book matters more than one-off sales. Many agents start part-time alongside a job and scale up as their client base grows.
Tips to succeed as a new agent
- Sell suitability, not just products. Trust compounds into referrals and renewals.
- Know your products cold. Confident, accurate answers close sales.
- Keep learning. Many successful agents go on to the professional III Licentiate qualification to deepen their credibility.
- Stay compliant. Mis-selling risks your licence; ethical selling protects your career.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a degree? No — Class 10 (sometimes 12) is enough. Training covers the rest.
How long does it take? Often 2–4 weeks: training, exam and documentation.
How much does it cost? A modest exam fee (around ₹500) plus any training cost via your sponsor.
Can I sell for more than one company? As an individual agent, one insurer per category. For multiple insurers, explore the POSP or broker route.
Ready to start? Create a free Certena account and prepare for IC-38 with real exam-style questions and instant explanations.