IAI November 2026 Sitting: Your Complete Guide to In-Person Exams
IAI has introduced an important change in its November 2026 diet: the exams will now be conducted in-person in a centre-based online format.
While it is important to focus on revision just days before the exam, it is equally crucial to familiarise yourself with the examination process. Make sure you know how to access the exam paper, which items you are permitted to carry to the exam centre, what materials are prohibited, and what to do if something goes wrong on the day.
Familiarising yourself with the exam-day procedures will help you avoid unnecessary uncertainty and ensure you are fully prepared when you arrive at the examination centre.
We’ve put together a one-stop resource for you, bringing together key information from the IAI’s Student Guide, Pre-Exam Orientation Session, and Frequently Asked Questions on the website.
📌 Important
This is a practical summary of the official IAI guidance, prepared as accurately as possible. Candidates are advised to read the latest IAI regulations and policies themselves. If anything in this article differs from the official IAI documentation, the official documentation takes precedence. Access the Student Guidelines here.
The Final Checks Before Exam Day
01. Perform Preliminary Checks
- Download your Hall Ticket: Check your examination date, reporting time and centre address.
- Plan your journey: Familiarise yourself with the centre location in advance. The exact centre location will be disclosed in your hall ticket.
- Read the official Student Guide: Understand the examination rules, platform instructions and submission process for your paper. (summarised below)
- Attempt the mock examination: Use it to familiarise yourself with the examination environment and answer-writing process. The window for this year’s mock examination has already passed.
- Know your paper’s format: Confirm whether you will type answers on the platform or use Word, Excel or R.
The following table shows the method of typing answers based on the exam you are sitting.
| Exam format | Subjects | Answer method | Auto-save enabled? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform text editor | CB1, CB2, CB3, CP1, CP3, SP and SA | Type descriptive answers directly into the platform | Yes |
| Word-based | CS and CM Paper A | Prepare answers in Word and upload | No |
| R-based | CS Paper B | Use R and copy the relevant output into Word | No |
| Excel-based | CM Paper B and CP2A/CP2B | Prepare solutions in Excel and upload | No |
*For MCQs, select answers directly on the examination platform.
02. Collect All Relevant Documents To Carry With You On The Day Of The Exam
Only a limited number of items are permitted inside the examination centre. To avoid any last-minute confusion, gather the permitted items in advance and keep them together – preferably in a transparent plastic folder – the night before the exam.
📖 Remember
You are permitted to bring only hard copy of Actuarial Tables into the exam hall. Xerox/print copies are not allowed.
Have the following items ready to take with you into the exam hall:
MANDATORY
Coloured hard copy of the Hall Ticket
You will not be permitted inside the exam centre without a physical copy of the hall ticket.
Photographic Identification
You must present a valid Photo ID before entering the examination hall. Make sure you carry at least one of the following accepted forms of identification in physical/original form. Photocopies and digital versions will not be accepted:
$\bullet \quad$PAN Card
$\bullet \quad$Voter ID
$\bullet \quad$Aadhaar
$\bullet \quad$Passport
$\bullet \quad$Driving License
PERMITTED
Scientific Calculator
Although you can access Excel during CS and CM Paper A, it is recommended that you carry a scientific calculator for exams where you feel that it might be needed. Your scientific calculator must be approved by IAI. The following calculators are permitted inside the hall:
- Casio FX-82 MS / SOLAR / SX Plus / ES (with or without any suffix)
- Casio FX-83 (ES/MS) (with or without any suffix)
- Casio FX-85 (ES/MS) (with or without any suffix)
- Casio FX-220 Plus
- Casio FX-350 MS
- Casio FX-570 MS
- Canon F-502 G
- Canon F-715 S / SG
- Canon F-720i
- HP 10s+
- Sharp EL-501 X
- Sharp EL-503 W
- Sharp EL-506 X / W
- Sharp EL-509 X / W
- Sharp EL-510 RN
- Sharp EL-520 X / W
- Sharp EL-531 XH / XG / WH (with or without any suffix)
- TI-30X IIS / IIB
- TI-30 eco RS / Xa
- TI-36X II
- Texas Instruments BA II Plus (with or without any suffix)
- Texas Instruments TI-30 Plus (with or without any suffix)
- Hewlett Packard HP12c (with or without any suffix)
MUST CARRY
Pen and Pencil for rough work
Transparent Water Bottle
*Blank sheets of paper will be provided on your desk.
OPTIONAL
Wired Keyboard and mouse
You are advised to arrive at the exam centre at least 1 hour in advance if you choose to bring your own keyboard and mouse.
PROHIBITED
Do not carry prohibited items, including:
$\bullet \quad$ Mobile phones
$\bullet \quad$ Smartwatches
$\bullet \quad$ Smart glasses
$\bullet \quad$ Earphones/headphones
$\bullet \quad$ Tablets
$\bullet \quad$ Unauthorised electronic devices
$\bullet \quad$ Books
$\bullet \quad$ Notes
$\bullet \quad$ USB drives or AI tools.
Follow the latest IAI instructions and directions from the invigilator.
Exam Day: Key Things to Know
Exam day can come with its own set of challenges and, understandably, a few nerves. We’ve put together some key guidelines and practical tips to help you know what to expect, avoid last-minute surprises, and walk into the exam feeling more confident and prepared
The general process includes reporting to the centre, identity verification, security checks, seat and system allocation, login and system checks before the examination begins.
Exam Begins: Morning Session – 10 AM | Afternoon Session – 2:45 PM
Arrive at the Examination Centre
Plan to reach the examination centre at least one hour before your scheduled exam time. This gives you enough time for entry formalities and security checks.
Identity Verification
Before entering the examination hall, you will be requested to verify your identity. Make sure you have your hall ticket and government ID handy at this stage.
Complete the Security Check
Follow the instructions provided by the examination staff during the security check. Carry only items permitted under the latest IAI examination instructions.
Complete the Entry Checks
Before entering the examination room, you may be asked to present your Photo ID again to the invigilator and show the permitted items you wish to take into the examination hall.
Get Settled
Once the checks are complete, you will be directed to your assigned exam monitor, where you can get settled and prepare for the examination to begin.
Once You’re Seated: What to Keep in Mind
Check Your Devices
Once you are seated at your desk, take a moment to check that the keyboard, mouse, and monitor are all functioning properly. This is one of the reasons it is important to arrive at the examination centre on time, as any technical issues can then be identified and resolved before the exam begins.
Follow Invigilator Instructions
The invigilator will be there to help you with specific instructions related to accessing the examination portal, renaming your files, or any other concerns you have. Do not hesitate to reach out to them.
Writing Your Exam in Word or Excel
For examinations where you are required to prepare your answers in Word or Excel, keep these points in mind:
$\bullet \quad$For the exams where you have to upload the Word or Excel document on the exam platform, make sure to rename the file as your Roll Number and save it on Desktop.
$\bullet \quad$There is no Auto-save functionality here. We recommend saving your document every 15 minutes.
$\bullet \quad$Once the exam time is over and the 15-minute upload time starts, upload the answer document on the exam portal.
$\bullet \quad$Once you have uploaded your answer document and reviewed the upload, click on “Finish Test”.
Writing Your Exam on the Portal
For examinations where answers are entered directly into the examination portal, remember the following:
$\bullet \quad$Enter your solutions into the portal’s text editor where required.
$\bullet \quad$Avoid pressing Ctrl + Z or F5, as these actions may affect your work or examination session.
$\bullet \quad$Move between questions using the question-wise navigation or the Previous and Next buttons provided in the portal. They will be very evident so you will be able to notice.
$\bullet \quad$Note that split screen functionality is not permitted. However, it is advised to verify with the invigilator at the centre as well just to be sure. You can use ALT+TAB to toggle between the Examination Window and MS Word/ MS Excel/ RStudio during the examination, ONLY for exams where it is permitted.
$\bullet \quad$The portal is described as auto-saving your work every 90 seconds. Check the latest IAI instructions for the applicable behaviour, and do not rely on auto-save alone.
$\bullet \quad$DO NOT navigate to another screen or application during the examination, as this may cause your test to be submitted automatically. However, there are some exams where you may have to type the answers on Word or use Excel – navigating is allowed for those as long as you are navigating between the permitted files.
$\bullet \quad$Click Finish Test only after you have answered all the questions and are ready to submit your examination.
After the Exam
$\bullet \quad$Complete the question-paper feedback survey if prompted.
$\bullet \quad$Submit overall examination-platform and centre feedback as instructed by IAI.
$\bullet \quad$Refer to the latest IAI Student Guide for the applicable reporting process and deadlines.
Encountering Issues During Exam
If you experience any issues during the exam, make sure to follow the procedures and guidelines set out by the IAI. We strongly recommend familiarising yourself with these guidelines at least one day before the exam, so you know exactly what to do if something unexpected occurs.
Navigate to “Mitigation Circumstance Policies and Procedures” section in the Student Guidelines for more details.
We hope this guide helps you feel more confident ahead of your exams. Take some time to familiarise yourself with these key guidelines and procedures so you can avoid last-minute confusion and focus on doing your best on exam day.
Reach out to us for more assistance.
+91-9147417974 – Kolkata
+91-8274936565 – Delhi
+91-8100598543 – Mumbai
Email:
praveenpatwari@actuatorseducation.com
All the best!
