The Oil India Limited (OIL) Senior Accounts Officer/Internal Auditor exam is one of the most sought-after finance-oriented PSU recruitment tests. Over the years, the paper pattern has remained largely consistent, but certain subject areas have seen more emphasis and updates.
Here’s a detailed comparison of the 2019 vs 2024 exam papers to help aspirants plan their preparation effectively.
The exam consists of 100 questions divided into:
General English – 15 Qs
Reasoning & Mental Ability – 15 Qs
Numerical Aptitude – 10 Qs
Subject Knowledge – 60 Qs
Both 2019 and 2024 followed the same structure, but the subject knowledge section reflects updated trends.
1. General English (15 Qs)
Vocabulary, Grammar, Idioms, Spellings, and Reading Comprehension
No change between 2019 & 2024 – balanced coverage across all topics.
2. Reasoning & Mental Ability (15 Qs)
Topics: Series, Coding-Decoding, Puzzles, Venn Diagram, Mirror Images, Blood Relations, etc.
Consistent pattern in both years – no major shift.
3. Numerical Aptitude (10 Qs)
Covered Averages, Ratio, Interest, Profit & Loss, Geometry, LCM/HCF, Word Problems.
Stable pattern – equal weightage in both years.
4. Subject Knowledge (60 Qs) – Most Crucial Section
Area |
2019 |
2024 |
Trend |
Accounting & Standards |
10 |
12–13 |
More focus on AS, Ind-AS, IFRS |
Cost & Management Accounting |
8 |
9–10 |
Slight increase – Job Costing, Variance, Transfer Pricing |
Auditing |
7–8 |
8 |
Almost same – Internal Audit, Reports, Vouching |
Company Law |
6–7 |
7 |
More on ESOPs, Buy-back, Dividend |
Direct Tax |
7 |
9 |
Higher weightage – Salary, Residential Status, CG |
Indirect Tax (GST & Customs) |
6–7 |
8 |
More on GST ITC, Time of Supply |
Finance & Law (Misc.) |
5 |
6 |
SEBI, NI Act, FEMA, Contracts |
Accounting + Costing dominate: ~22 Qs (36% of Subject Knowledge).
Taxation (Direct + Indirect): ~16 Qs (27%).
Audit + Company Law: ~15 Qs (25%).
Finance & Law (Misc.): ~7–8 Qs (12%).
2024 exam more application-based with focus on GST updates, Ind-AS carve-outs, ESOPs, IFRS.
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Strengthen Accounting Standards, Ind-AS, and IFRS concepts.
Revise Costing techniques – Job/Contract costing, Variance, Transfer Pricing.
Stay updated with GST provisions & Income Tax amendments.
Focus on Company Law updates – ESOP, Buy-back, Dividend.
Practice previous year papers & mock tests to identify weak areas.
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Q1. Has the OIL Senior Accounts Officer exam pattern changed between 2019 and 2024?
👉 The overall structure (100 Qs) remains the same, but subject knowledge is more updated and application-focused in 2024.
Q2. Which section is most important?
👉 Subject Knowledge (60 Qs) is the most crucial – particularly Accounting, Costing, and Taxation.
Q3. What new topics were included in 2024?
👉 GST Time of Supply, Ind-AS carve-outs, IFRS, ESOP/Sweat Equity, Company Law updates.
Q4. How should I prepare for maximum marks?
👉 Focus on Accounting Standards, Costing techniques, and Taxation laws. Practice MCQs and attempt mock tests.
Q5. Is there negative marking in OIL Exam?
👉 Yes, OIL exams generally have negative marking (confirm with the latest notification).
Author: Divyanshu Kr Ranjan
Published: September 17, 2025