VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCT C OF AETNA LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY CO
485BPOS, 1997-04-11
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange              Registration No. 33-81216
Commission on April 11, 1997                           Registration No. 811-2513

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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM N-4
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                        POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 8 TO
             REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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                                and Amendment To

         REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

     Variable Annuity Account C of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)

                    Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company
                               (Name of Depositor)

            151 Farmington Avenue, RE4A, Hartford, Connecticut 06156
         (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

        Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (860) 273-7834

                            Susan E. Bryant, Counsel
                    Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company
            151 Farmington Avenue, RE4A, Hartford, Connecticut 06156
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

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It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

         [ ]  immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

         [X]  on May 1, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485


Pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, Registrant has
registered an indefinite number of securities under the Securities Act of 1933.
Registrant filed a Rule 24f-2 Notice for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
on February 28, 1997.



<PAGE>



                           VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT C
                              CROSS REFERENCE SHEET


FORM N-4
ITEM NO.            PART A (PROSPECTUS)                    LOCATION

   1   Cover Page............................   Cover Page

   2   Definitions...........................   Definitions

   3   Synopsis..............................   Prospectus Summary; Fee Table

   4   Condensed Financial Information.......   Condensed Financial Information

   5   General Description of Registrant,
       Depositor, and Portfolio Companies....   The Company; Variable Annuity
                                                Account C; The Funds

   6   Deductions and Expenses...............   Charges and Deductions;
                                                Distribution

   7   General Description of Variable
       Annuity Contracts ....................   Purchase; Miscellaneous

   8   Annuity Period........................   Annuity Period

   9   Death Benefit.........................   Death Benefit During
                                                Accumulation Period; Death
                                                Benefit Payable During the
                                                Annuity Period

   10  Purchases and Contract Value..........   Purchase; Contract Valuation

   11  Redemptions...........................   Right to Cancel; Withdrawals

   12  Taxes.................................   Tax Status

   13  Legal Proceedings.....................   Miscellaneous - Legal Matters
                                                and Proceedings

   14  Table of Contents of the Statement
       of Additional Information ............   Contents of the Statement of
                                                Additional Information


<PAGE>



FORM N-4       PART B (STATEMENT OF
ITEM NO.     ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)                      LOCATION

   15  Cover Page............................   Cover page

   16  Table of Contents.....................   Table of Contents

   17  General Information and History.......   General Information and History

   18  Services..............................   General Information and History;
                                                Independent Auditors

   19  Purchase of Securities
       Being Offered ........................   Offering and Purchase of
                                                Contracts

   20  Underwriters..........................   Offering and Purchase of
                                                Contracts

   21  Calculation of Performance Data.......   Performance Data; Average Annual
                                                Total Return Quotations

   22  Annuity Payments......................   Annuity Payments

   23  Financial Statements..................   Financial Statements

                           Part C (Other Information)

Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the appropriate
item, so numbered, in Part C to this Registration Statement.

<PAGE>

                                  PROSPECTUS

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The Contracts offered in connection with this Prospectus are group flexible
premium deferred variable annuity contracts ("Contracts") issued by Aetna Life
Insurance and Annuity Company (the "Company"). The Contracts are designed to
fund the State University of New York ("SUNY") Defined Contribution Retirement
Plan (the "SUNY  Plan") and to accept transfers of amounts made to the
predecessor program which is qualified under Section 403(b) of the Code. Two
Contracts will be issued: one for transferred assets from the predecessor
Section 403(b) optional retirement program ("Rollover Contract"), and one for
ongoing contributions and transferred assets from the SUNY Plan, a plan
qualified under Sections 401(a) and 414(h) of the Code ("Modal Contract").

The Contracts provide that contributions may be allocated to one or more of the
Credited Interest Options or to one or more of the Subaccounts of Variable
Annuity Account C, a separate account of the Company. The Subaccounts invest
directly in shares of the following Funds:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
 [bullet] Aetna Variable Fund                                               [bullet] Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio
 [bullet] Aetna Income Shares                                               [bullet] Franklin Government Securities Trust
 [bullet] Aetna Variable Encore Fund                                        [bullet] Janus Aspen Aggressive Growth Portfolio
 [bullet] Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.                              [bullet] Janus Aspen Growth Portfolio
 [bullet] Alger American Growth Portfolio                                   [bullet] Janus Aspen Short-Term Bond Portfolio
 [bullet] Alger American Small Cap Portfolio                                [bullet] Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolio
 [bullet] American Century VP Capital Appreciation (formerly TCI Growth)    [bullet] Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.
 [bullet] Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Portfolio                   [bullet] Lexington Natural Resources Trust
 [bullet] Fidelity VIP II Asset Manager Portfolio                           [bullet] Neuberger & Berman Growth Portfolio
 [bullet] Fidelity VIP II Contrafund Portfolio                              [bullet] Scudder International Portfolio Class A Shares
 [bullet] Fidelity VIP II Index 500 Portfolio
</TABLE>

The Credited Interest Options currently available under the Contract are the
Guaranteed Accumulation Account and the Fixed Plus Account. Except as
specifically mentioned, this Prospectus describes only investments through the
Separate Account. A brief description of each of the Credited Interest Options
is contained in Appendices to this Prospectus. Additional information concerning
the Guaranteed Accumulation Account is contained in a separate prospectus.

The availability of the Funds and the Credited Interest Options is subject to
applicable regulatory authorization. Not all Funds or Credited Interest Options
may be available under all Contracts. Please check with your employer to
determine option availability. (See "Investment Options.")

   
This Prospectus provides investors with the information that they should know
about the Separate Account before investing in the Contract through the Separate
Account. Additional information about the Separate Account is contained in a
Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") which has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference. The
Table of Contents for the SAI is printed on page 14 of this Prospectus. An SAI
may be obtained at no charge by indicating the request on the enrollment form or
on the prospectus receipt contained in this Prospectus, or by calling the number
listed under the "Inquiries" section of the Prospectus Summary. You may also
obtain an SAI for any of the Funds by calling that phone number.

THIS PROSPECTUS IS VALID ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY THE CURRENT PROSPECTUSES OF
THE FUNDS AND THE GUARANTEED ACCUMULATION ACCOUNT. ALL PROSPECTUSES SHOULD BE
READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

THIS PROSPECTUS, THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND OTHER INFORMATION
ABOUT THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT REQUIRED TO BE FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION (SEC) CAN BE FOUND IN THE SEC'S WEB SITE AT http://www.sec.gov.
    

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS, ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ARE DATED MAY 1,
                                     1997.

<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

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DEFINITIONS   ................................. DEFINITIONS - 1
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY  ...........................     SUMMARY - 1
FEE TABLE  ....................................   FEE TABLE - 1
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION    ............ AUV HISTORY - 1
THE COMPANY  .............................................    1
VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT C  ..............................    1
INVESTMENT OPTIONS    ....................................    1
  The Funds  .............................................    1
  Credited Interest Options ..............................    3
PURCHASE  ................................................    4
  Contract Availability  .................................    4
  Contract Purchase   ....................................    4
  Purchase Payments   ....................................    4
  Rights Under the Contract    ...........................    4
  Right to Cancel  .......................................    4
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS   .................................    5
  Daily Deductions from the Separate Account  ............    5
  Fund Expenses    .......................................    5
  Premium and Other Taxes   ..............................    5
CONTRACT VALUATION    ....................................    5
  Account Value    .......................................    5
  Accumulation Units  ....................................    5
  Net Investment Factor  .................................    6
TRANSFERS    .............................................    6
WITHDRAWALS  .............................................    6
  Reinvestment Privilege    ..............................    7
ADDITIONAL WITHDRAWAL OPTIONS  ...........................    7
DEATH BENEFIT DURING ACCUMULATION PERIOD   ...............    7
ANNUITY PERIOD  ..........................................    8
  Annuity Period Elections  ..............................    8
  Annuity Options  .......................................    8
  Annuity Payments    ....................................    9
  Charges Deducted During the Annuity Period  ............    9
  Death Benefit Payable During the Annuity Period   ......    9
TAX STATUS   .............................................   10
  Introduction  ..........................................   10
  Taxation of the Company   ..............................   10
  Contracts Used with Certain Retirement Plans   .........   10
MISCELLANEOUS   ..........................................   12
  Distribution  ..........................................   12
  Delay or Suspension of Payments    .....................   12
  Performance Reporting  .................................   13

<PAGE>

  Voting Rights   ..........................................  13
  Modification of the Contract   ...........................  13
  Transfer of Ownership; Assignment    .....................  13
  Legal Matters and Proceedings  ...........................  13
CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION   ......  14
APPENDIX I--GUARANTEED ACCUMULATION ACCOUNT  ...............  15
APPENDIX II--FIXED PLUS ACCOUNT  ...........................  16

THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE. THE COMPANY DOES NOT AUTHORIZE ANY
PERSON TO GIVE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE
OFFERING CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE CONTAINED HEREIN.
<PAGE>

                                  DEFINITIONS

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The following terms are defined as they are used in this Prospectus:

Account: A record which identifies contract values accumulated on behalf of each
Participant during the Accumulation Period. One or more Employee Accounts and
Employer Accounts may be established for each Participant.

Account Value: The total dollar value of amounts held in an Account as of each
Valuation Date during the Accumulation Period.

Account Year: A period of twelve months measured from the date on which an
Account is established (the effective date) or from an anniversary of such
effective date.

Accumulation Period: The period during which Purchase Payment(s) credited to an
Account are invested to fund future annuity payments.

Accumulation Unit: A measure of the value of each Subaccount before Annuity
payments begin.

Aetna Processing Office: The administrative headquarters for the SUNY Defined
Contribution Plan. The mailing address is P.O. Box 12894, Albany, New York
12212-2894.

Annuitant: The person on whose life or life expectancy the annuity payments are
based.

Annuity: A series of payments for life, a definite period or a combination of
the two.

Annuity Date: The date on which annuity payments begin.

Annuity Period: The period during which annuity payments are made.

Annuity Unit: A measure of the value of each Subaccount selected during the
Annuity Period.

Beneficiary(ies): The person or persons identified on the enrollment form who
are to receive any death benefit proceeds payable under the Contract.

Code: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, amended.

Company (We, Us): Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company.

Contract: The group deferred, variable annuity contracts offered by this
Prospectus.

Contract Holder: The entity to which the Contract is issued. The Contract Holder
is the trustee of a multiple employer trust approved by the Company to apply for
and own the Contract as authorized by SUNY.

Credited Interest Options: The fixed interest options available under the
Contract. The Credited Interest Options currently consist of the Guaranteed
Accumulation Account and the Fixed Plus Account, each of which is described in
an Appendix to this Prospectus. Amounts allocated to the Credited Interest
Options are included in the Account Value.

Employee Account: An account established for each Participant. This Account is
credited with net Purchase Payments made by the Participant.

Employer Account: An account established for each Participant. This Account will
be credited with net Purchase Payments made by the employer.

Fund(s): An open-end registered management investment company whose shares are
purchased by the Separate Account to fund the benefits provided by the Contract.


Modal Contract: A Contract that accepts Purchase Payments made pursuant to Code
Sections 401(a) and 414(h) and transferred funds attributable to Section 401(a)
and 414(h) contributions.

Participant (You): A person participating in the Plan.

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                                DEFINITIONS - 1

<PAGE>

Plan(s): The SUNY Defined Contribution Plan (or any predecessor SUNY plan
qualified under Section 403(b) of the Code).

Plan Administrator: The individual or entity designated under the Plan who is
responsible for the interpretation and administration of the Plan. The Company
is not the Plan Administrator.

Purchase Payment(s): The gross payment(s) made to the Company under a Contract.

Rollover Contract: A Contract that accepts Purchase Payments attributable to a
transfer of employer contributions and after-tax employee contributions made
pursuant to SUNY's Section 403(b) optional retirement program.

Separate Account: Variable Annuity Account C, a separate account established by
the Company for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts issued by the
Company.

SUNY Plan: The State of New York Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Subaccount(s): The portion of the assets of the Separate Account that is
allocated to a particular Fund. Each Subaccount invests in the shares of only
one corresponding Fund.

Valuation Date: The date and time at which the Accumulation Unit Value and
Annuity Unit Value of a Subaccount is calculated. Currently, this calculation
occurs after the close of business of the New York Stock Exchange on any normal
business day, Monday through Friday, that the New York Stock Exchange is open.

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                                DEFINITIONS - 2

<PAGE>

                              PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

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CONTRACTS OFFERED

     The Contracts offered in connection with this Prospectus are designed to
fund the SUNY Plan and to accept transfers from SUNY's predecessor optional
retirement program which is qualified under Section 403(b) of the Code. The
Contracts are group flexible premium deferred variable annuity contracts under
which accounts are established for persons in the group.

     Two Contracts have been issued: one for transferred assets under the
predecessor Section 403(b) program ("Rollover Contract"), and one for ongoing
contributions and transferred assets under the SUNY Plan qualified under
Sections 401(a) and 414(h) of the Code ("Modal Contract"). (See "Contract
Availability.")

CONTRACT PURCHASE

     For each Contract, both an Employee Account and an Employer Account will be
established for each Participant. The Accounts are established when you complete
an enrollment form (and any other required forms) and forward them to the
Company through the Aetna Processing Office. (See "Purchase.")

FREE LOOK PERIOD

     Participation under the Contract may be cancelled within 10 days after you
receive the Certificate by returning it to the Company along with a written
notice of cancellation. The amount you will receive upon cancellation will
reflect the investment performance of the Subaccounts into which your Purchase
Payments were deposited. In some cases this may be more or less than the amount
of your Purchase Payments. (See "Purchase--Right to Cancel.")

INVESTMENT OPTIONS

     The Company has established Variable Annuity Account C, a registered unit
investment trust, for the purpose of funding the variable portion of the
Contracts. The Separate Account is divided into Subaccounts which invest
directly in shares of the Funds described herein, as designated by the
Participant. The Contract allows investment in any or all of the Subaccounts, as
well as in the Credited Interest Options described below. The total number of
investment options that may be selected during the Accumulation Period is
limited. For a complete list of the Funds available under the Contracts, a
description of the investment objectives of each of the Funds and their
investment advisers, and a description of the limitations on the number of
investment options, see "Investment Options--The Funds" in this Prospectus, as
well as the prospectuses for each of the Funds.

     The Contract also provides for investment in Credited Interest Options
which allow you to earn fixed rates of interest. The fixed options available
under the Contract are the Guaranteed Accumulation Account ("GAA") and the Fixed
Plus Account. (See the Appendices to this Prospectus.)

CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS

     Certain charges are associated with these Contracts. These charges include
daily deductions from the Separate Account (the mortality and expense risk
charge and an administrative expense charge), as well as premium and other
taxes. The Funds also incur certain fees and expenses which are deducted
directly from the Funds. (See the Fee Table and "Charges and Deductions.")

TRANSFERS

     Prior to the Annuity Date, and subject to certain limitations, Account
Values may be transferred among the Subaccounts and the Credited Interest
Options without charge. Transfers can be requested in writing or by telephone in
accordance with the Company's transfer procedures. (See the Appendices for a
full description of the restrictions applicable to transfers made from the
Credited Interest Options.) (See "Transfers.")

WITHDRAWALS

     All or a part of the Account Value may be withdrawn prior to the Annuity
Date by properly completing a disbursement form and sending it to the Aetna
Processing Office. A distribution can be made only if the Plan Administrator
certifies in writing that you are eligible, both as to the timing and form of
distribution. Limitations apply to withdrawals from the Fixed Plus Account. The
withdrawal may be subject to income tax and a federal tax penalty. (See
"Withdrawals.")

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                                  SUMMARY - 1

<PAGE>

     The Contract also offers certain Additional Withdrawal Options during the
Accumulation Period to persons meeting certain criteria. Additional Withdrawal
Options may not be suitable in every situation. (See "Additional Withdrawal
Options.")

DEATH BENEFIT

     A death benefit is payable if the Participant dies before the Annuity Date.
Death benefit proceeds will be paid to the Beneficiary in an amount equal to the
Account Value. Until the election of a method of payment, the Account Value will
remain invested under the Contract as it was before the Participant's death. The
Beneficiary may elect to receive the proceeds in a lump sum or under any of the
payment options available under the Contract. However, the Code requires that
distributions begin within a certain time period. (See "Death Benefit During
Accumulation Period.")

     After Annuity Payments have commenced, a death benefit may be payable to
the Beneficiary depending upon the terms of the Contract and the Annuity Option
selected. (See "Death Benefit Payable During the Annuity Period.")

THE ANNUITY PERIOD

     On the Annuity Date, you may elect to begin receiving Annuity Payments.
Annuity Payments can be made on either a fixed, variable or combination fixed
and variable basis. If a variable payout is selected, the payments will vary
with the investment performance of the Subaccount(s) selected. The Company
reserves the right to limit the number of Subaccounts that may be available
during the Annuity Period. (See "Annuity Period.")

TAXES

     Contributions and earnings are not generally taxed until you or your
Beneficiary(ies) actually receive a distribution from the Contract. A 10%
federal tax penalty and 20% withholding for income tax may be imposed on certain
withdrawals. (See "Tax Status.")

INQUIRIES

     The Company has established the Aetna Processing Office to provide
administrative support to SUNY Participants. This office will handle
enrollments, billing, transfers, redemptions, and inquiries for all SUNY
Participants. All forms and correspondence should be sent to:

                            Aetna Processing Office
                                 P.O. Box 12894
                          Albany, New York 12212-2894
                        Telephone Number: 1-800-677-4636

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                                  SUMMARY - 2

<PAGE>

                                   FEE TABLE

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This Fee Table describes the charges and expenses associated with the Contract
during the Accumulation Period. For amounts deducted during the Annuity Period,
see "Annuity Period--Charges Deducted During the Annuity Period." The charges
and expenses shown below do not include premium taxes that may be applicable.
For more information regarding fees and expenses paid out of the assets of a
particular Fund, see the Fund's prospectus.

CHARGES AGAINST THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT. Each Subaccount pays these expenses out of
its assets. The charges are reflected in the Subaccount's daily Accumulation
Unit Value and are not charged directly to an Account. They include:

 Mortality and Expense Risk Charge   ......    1.25%
 Administrative Expense Charge    .........    0.00%*
                                               ----
  Total Separate Account Charges  .........    1.25%
                                               ====

* We currently do not impose an administrative expense charge. However, we
  reserve the right to deduct a daily charge of not more than 0.25% per year
  from the Subaccounts.

ANNUAL EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS

The following table illustrates the advisory fees and other expenses applicable
to the Funds. A Fund's "Other Expenses" include operating costs of the Fund.
These expenses are reflected in the Fund's net asset value and are not deducted
from the Account Value under the Contract. (Except as noted, the following
figures are a percentage of average net assets and, except where otherwise
indicated, are based on figures for the year ended December 31, 1996.)

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Investment             Other           Total
                                                                        Advisory Fees(1)       Expenses           Fund
                                                                         (after expense      (after expense      Annual
                                                                         reimbursement)      reimbursement)      Expenses
                                                                        -----------------   -----------------   ----------
<S>                                                                      <C>                 <C>                 <C>  
Aetna Variable Fund(2)                                                   0.50%               0.06%               0.56%
Aetna Income Shares(2)                                                   0.40%               0.08%               0.48%
Aetna Variable Encore Fund(2)                                            0.25%               0.10%               0.35%
Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.(2)                                  0.50%               0.08%               0.58%
Alger American Growth Portfolio                                          0.75%               0.04%               0.79%
Alger American Small Cap Portfolio                                       0.85%               0.03%               0.88%
American Century VP Capital Appreciation (formerly "TCI Growth")(3)      1.00%               0.00%               1.00%
Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Portfolio(4)                       0.71%               0.13%               0.84%
Fidelity VIP II Asset Manager Portfolio(5)                               0.64%               0.10%               0.74%
Fidelity VIP II Contrafund Portfolio(5)                                  0.61%               0.13%               0.74%
Fidelity VIP II Index 500 Portfolio(6)                                   0.13%               0.15%               0.28%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio(5)                                  0.51%               0.07%               0.58%
Franklin Government Securities Trust(7)                                  0.63%               0.07%               0.70%
Janus Aspen Aggressive Growth Portfolio(8)                               0.72%               0.04%               0.76%
Janus Aspen Growth Portfolio(8)                                          0.65%               0.04%               0.69%
Janus Aspen Short-Term Bond Portfolio(8)                                 0.47%               0.19%               0.66%
Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolio(8)                                0.66%               0.14%               0.80%
Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.(9)                                 0.85%               1.38%               2.23%
Lexington Natural Resources Trust                                        1.00%               0.42%               1.42%
Neuberger & Berman Growth Portfolio(10)                                  0.83%               0.09%               0.92%
Scudder International Portfolio Class A Shares                           0.86%               0.19%               1.05%
</TABLE>

- ------------------

 (1) Certain of the unaffiliated Fund advisers reimburse the Company for
     administrative costs incurred in connection with administering the Funds as
     variable funding options under the Contract. These reimbursements are paid
     out of the investment advisory fees and are not charged to investors.

(2)  The Company provides administrative services to the Fund and assumes the
     Fund's ordinary recurring direct costs under an Administrative Services
     Agreement. The new Administrative Services Agreement became effective on
     May 1, 1996 for Aetna Variable Fund, Aetna Income Shares, Aetna Variable
     Encore Fund and Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc. Therefore, the "Other
     Expenses" shown are not based on actual figures for the year ended December
     31, 1996, but reflect the fee payable under that Agreement.
    

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                                 FEE TABLE - 1

<PAGE>

   
     Effective August 1, 1996, Investment Advisory Fees were increased for Aetna
     Variable Fund, Aetna Income Shares and Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.
     The Advisory Fees shown above are not based on actual figures for the year
     ended December 31, 1996, but reflect the increased Investment Advisory
     Fees.

 (3) The Portfolio's investment adviser pays all expenses of the Portfolio
     except brokerage commissions, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the
     non-interested person directors (including counsel fees) and extraordinary
     expenses. These expenses have historically represented a very small
     percentage (less than 0.01%) of total net assets in a fiscal year.

 (4) The figures above are based on expenses for fiscal year 1996, and have been
     restated to reflect an increase in transfer agency expenses of 0.03%
     expected to be incurred in 1997. "Investment Advisory Fees" include a
     performance adjustment, which could cause the fee to be as high as 0.85% or
     as low as 0.55%, depending on performance. "Other Expenses" reflect an
     indirect fee of 0.03% (relating to an expense offset arrangement with the
     Portfolio's custodian). Net fund operating expenses after reductions for
     fees paid indirectly (again, restated) would be 0.81%.

 (5) A portion of the brokerage commissions that certain funds pay was used to
     reduce expenses. In addition, certain funds have entered into arrangements
     with their custodian and transfer agent whereby interest earned on
     uninvested cash balances was used to reduce custodian and transfer agent
     expenses. Including these reductions, the total operating expenses would
     have been 0.56% for Equity Income Portfolio, 0.73% for Asset Manager
     Portfolio; and 0.71% for Contrafund Portfolio.

 (6) The Fund's investment adviser agreed to reimburse a portion of Index 500
     Portfolio's expenses during the period. Without this reimbursement, the
     fund's management fee, other expenses and total expenses would have been
     0.28%, 0.15% and 0.43%, respectively, for Index 500 Portfolio.

 (7) An expense reimbursement arrangement was in effect until February 1, 1996;
     however, it is no longer in effect. The advisory fee and total annual
     expenses shown above reflect the actual expenses of the Fund before
     reimbursement, as if such arrangement had not been in effect at any time
     during 1996.

 (8) The fees and expenses shown above are based on gross expenses of the Shares
     before expense offset arrangements for the fiscal year ended December 31,
     1996. The information for each Portfolio is net of fee waivers or
     reductions from Janus Capital. Fee reductions for the Aggressive Growth,
     Growth, and Worldwide Growth Portfolios reduce the management fee to the
     level of the corresponding Janus retail fund. Other waivers, if applicable,
     are first applied against the management fee and then against other
     expenses. Without such waivers or reductions, the Management Fee, Other
     Expenses and Total Fund Annual Expenses would have been 0.79%, 0.04% and
     0.83% for Aggressive Growth Portfolio; 0.79%, 0.04% and 0.83% for Growth
     Portfolio; 0.65%, 0.19% and 0.84% for Short-Term Bond Portfolio; and 0.77%,
     0.14% and 0.91% for Worldwide Growth Portfolio, respectively. Janus Capital
     may modify or terminate the waivers or reductions at any time upon at least
     90 days' notice to the Portfolio's Board of Trustees.

 (9) The Fund's investment adviser has agreed to voluntarily limit the total
     expenses of the Fund (excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, and
     extraordinary expenses, but including management fees and operating
     expenses) to an annual rate of 1.75% of the Fund's average net assets from
     May 1, 1996 through April 30, 1997. For the period ending December 31,
     1996, the Total Fund Annual Expenses, after reimbursement, was 1.64%.
     Effective May 1, 1997, an expense limitation is no longer in effect. The
     Advisory Fees, Other Expenses and Total Fund Annual Expenses shown above
     reflect the actual expenses of the Fund before reimbursement, as if such
     arrangement had not been in effect at any time during 1996. The example
     shown in the table above should not be considered a representation of past
     or future expenses and actual expenses may be greater or less than those
     shown.

(10) Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust is divided into portfolios
     ("Portfolios"), each of which invests all of its net investable assets in a
     corresponding series ("Series") of Advisers Managers Trust. The figures
     reported under "Investment Advisory Fees" include the aggregate of the
     administration fees paid by the Portfolio and the management fees paid by
     its corresponding Series. Similarly, "Other Expenses" includes all other
     expenses of the Portfolio and its corresponding Series.
    

- --------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 FEE TABLE - 2

<PAGE>

HYPOTHETICAL ILLUSTRATION (EXAMPLE)

THIS EXAMPLE IS PURELY HYPOTHETICAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A
REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR EXPECTED RETURN. ACTUAL EXPENSES
AND/OR RETURN MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN BELOW.

Whether or not you withdraw or if you annuitize your Account, assuming a 5%
annual return on assets, you would have paid the following expenses on a $1,000
investment at the end of the applicable time period:

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1 Year   3 Years    5 Years     10 Years
                                                  --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S>                                                <C>         <C>        <C>      <C> 
Aetna Variable Fund                                $18         $57        $98      $213
Aetna Income Shares                                $18         $54        $94      $204
Aetna Variable Encore Fund                         $16         $51        $87      $190
Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.               $19         $58        $99      $215
Alger American Growth Portfolio                    $21         $64        $110     $237
Alger American Small Cap Portfolio                 $22         $67        $114     $246
American Century VP Capital Appreciation           $23         $70        $120     $258
Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Portfolio    $21         $65        $112     $242
Fidelity VIP II Asset Manager Portfolio            $20         $62        $107     $232
Fidelity VIP II Contrafund Portfolio               $20         $62        $107     $232
Fidelity VIP II Index 500 Portfolio                $16         $48        $83      $182
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio               $19         $58        $99      $215
Franklin Government Securities Trust               $20         $61        $105     $227
Janus Aspen Aggressive Growth Portfolio            $20         $63        $108     $234
Janus Aspen Growth Portfolio                       $20         $61        $105     $226
Janus Aspen Short-Term Bond Portfolio              $19         $60        $103     $223
Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolio             $21         $64        $110     $238
Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.              $35         $107       $181     $376
Lexington Natural Resources Trust                  $27         $83        $141     $300
Neuberger & Berman Growth Portfolio                $22         $68        $116     $250
Scudder International Portfolio Class A Shares     $23         $72        $123     $264
</TABLE>
    


- --------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 FEE TABLE - 3

<PAGE>

                        CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    (Selected data for accumulation units outstanding throughout each period)


- --------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------

The condensed financial information presented below for each of the years in the
ten-year period ended December 31, 1996 (as applicable), is derived from the
financial statements of the Account, which financial statements have been
audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent auditors. The financial statements
and the independent auditors' report thereon are included in the Statement of
Additional Information.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      1996            1995            1994            1993
                                  ------------- ----------------- -------------- ----------------
<S>                                  <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>       
AETNA VARIABLE FUND
Value at beginning of period         $ 137.869       $  105.558      $  107.925      $  102.383
Value at end of period               $ 169.448       $  137.869      $  105.558      $  107.925
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                     22.91%           30.61%          (2.19)%          5.41%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period         2,071,139        6,364,000      13,966,072      21,148,863
AETNA INCOME SHARES
Value at beginning of period         $  46.913       $   40.173      $   42.283      $   39.038
Value at end of period               $  47.992       $   46.913      $   40.173      $   42.283
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                      2.30%           16.78%          (4.99)%          8.31%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period           835,724        2,377,622       5,108,720       8,210,666
AETNA VARIABLE ENCORE FUND
Value at beginning of period         $  37.988       $   36.271      $   35.282      $   34.619
Value at end of period               $  39.528       $   37.988      $   36.271      $   35.282
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                      4.05%            4.73%           2.80%           1.92%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period           597,656        1,836,260       3,679,802       5,086,515
AETNA INVESTMENT ADVISERS
FUND, INC.
Value at beginning of period         $  17.954       $   14.270      $   14.519      $   13.379
Value at end of period               $  20.419       $   17.954      $   14.270      $   14.519
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                     13.73%           25.82%          (1.71)%          8.52%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period         2,716,641        9,193,181      21,990,186      30,784,750
ALGER AMERICAN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period         $  11.715       $   10.000(13)
Value at end of period               $  13.113       $   11.715
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                     11.93%           17.15%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period         1,023,908          530,263
ALGER AMERICAN SMALL CAP PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period         $  13.558       $    9.513      $   10.072      $   10.000(3)
Value at end of period               $  13.949       $   13.558      $    9.513      $   10.072
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                      2.88%           42.52%          (5.55)%          0.72%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period         2,373,178        1,714,187         665,518          51,327
AMERICAN CENTURY VP
CAPITAL APPRECIATION*
Value at beginning of period         $  14.464       $   11.172      $   11.443      $   10.495
Value at end of period               $  13.650       $   14.464      $   11.172      $   11.443
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                     (5.63)%         29.47%           (2.37)%          9.03%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period         1,566,276        1,784,552       1,608,362       1,016,894

<PAGE>

<CAPTION>
                                        1992            1991          1990           1989            1988          1987
                                  ----------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------- --------------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>       
AETNA VARIABLE FUND
Value at beginning of period           $   97.165     $   77.845    $   76.311      $   59.871     $   52.885    $   50.760
Value at end of period                 $  102.383     $   97.165    $   77.845      $   76.311     $   59.871    $   52.885
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                         5.37%         24.82%        2.01%           27.46%         13.21%        4.19%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period           24,201,565     20,948,226    18,362,906      17,142,820     16,455,396    16,497,406
AETNA INCOME SHARES
Value at beginning of period           $   36.789     $   31.192    $   28.943      $   25.574     $   24.061    $   23.308
Value at end of period                 $   39.038     $   36.789    $   31.192      $   28.943     $   25.574    $   24.061
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                         6.11%         17.94%        7.77%           13.17%         6.29%         3.23%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period            8,507,292      7,844,412     6,984,793       6,202,834      5,955,293     5,372,271
AETNA VARIABLE ENCORE FUND
Value at beginning of period           $   33.812     $   32.138    $   30.012      $   27.783     $   26.171    $   24.812
Value at end of period                 $   34.619     $   33.812    $   32.138      $   30.012     $   27.783    $   26.171
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                         2.39%          5.21%         7.08%           8.02%          6.16%         5.48%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period            7,534,662      8,430,082    10,220,110       8,286,033      8,154,644     7,326,151
AETNA INVESTMENT ADVISERS
FUND, INC.
Value at beginning of period           $   12.736     $   10.896    $   10.437      $   10.000(2)
Value at end of period                 $   13.379     $   12.736    $   10.896      $   10.437
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                         5.05%         16.89%        4.40%           4.37%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period           34,802,433     22,898,099    17,078,985       9,535,986
ALGER AMERICAN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period
Value at end of period
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period
ALGER AMERICAN SMALL CAP PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period
Value at end of period
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period
AMERICAN CENTURY VP
CAPITAL APPRECIATION*
Value at beginning of period           $   10.000(12)
Value at end of period                 $   10.495
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                         4.95%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period              232,832
</TABLE>
    


- --------------------------------------------------------------------

                                AUV HISTORY - 1

<PAGE>

                  CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     1996            1995             1994         1993
                                  ------------ ----------------- --------------- ----------
<S>                                 <C>             <C>              <C>           <C>    
CALVERT RESPONSIBLY INVESTED
BALANCED PORTFOLIO**
Value at beginning of period        $  17.951       $   13.990       $  14.640     $13.726
Value at end of period              $  19.965       $   17.951       $  13.990     $14.640
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                    11.22%           28.31%          (4.44)%      6.66%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period          898,279          856,361         743,464     705,415
FIDELITY VIP II ASSET MANAGER PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period        $  10.912       $    9.447       $  10.000(5)
Value at end of period              $  12.349       $   10.912       $   9.447
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                    13.17%           15.51%          (5.53)%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period        1,384,927        1,316,916       1,254,504
FIDELITY VIP II CONTRAFUND PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period        $  11.763       $   10.000(14)
Value at end of period              $  14.092       $   11.763
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                    19.79%           17.63%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period        1,522,169          525,476
FIDELITY VIP II INDEX 500 PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period        $  11.740       $   10.000(14)
Value at end of period              $  14.240       $   11.740
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                    21.29%           17.40%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period        1,490,937          290,547
FIDELITY VIP EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period        $  11.617       $   10.000(14)
Value at end of period              $  13.110       $   11.617
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                    12.86%           16.17%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period        1,454,755          628,582
FRANKLIN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST
Value at beginning of period        $  16.495       $   14.190       $  14.929     $14.050
Value at end of period              $  16.952       $   16.495       $  14.190     $14.990
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit                        2.77%           16.24%          (4.95)%      6.26%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period          767,910          809,414         804,457     960,629
JANUS ASPEN AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period        $  15.323       $   12.169       $  10.000(7)
Value at end of period              $  16.334       $   15.323       $  12.169
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                     6.60%           25.91%          21.69%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period        1,893,718        1,280,953         393,553
JANUS ASPEN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period        $  11.859       $   10.000(13)
Value at end of period              $  13.872       $   11.859
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                    16.98%           18.59%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period          663,945          109,717
JANUS ASPEN SHORT-TERM BOND PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period        $  10.393       $   10.000(13)
Value at end of period              $  10.671       $   10.393
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                     2.68%            3.93%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period           54,215           18,473


<CAPTION>
                                    1992       1991       1990          1989         1988    1987
                                  ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------------- ------- ------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>       <C>           <C>          
CALVERT RESPONSIBLY INVESTED
BALANCED PORTFOLIO**
Value at beginning of period        $12.913    $11.233   $10.568       $   10.000(4)
Value at end of period              $13.726    $12.913   $11.233       $   10.568
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                   6.30%     14.96%    6.29%            5.68%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period        503,006    355,851   148,576           20,710
FIDELITY VIP II ASSET MANAGER PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period
Value at end of period
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period
FIDELITY VIP II CONTRAFUND PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period
Value at end of period
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period
FIDELITY VIP II INDEX 500 PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period
Value at end of period
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period
FIDELITY VIP EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period
Value at end of period
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period
FRANKLIN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST
Value at beginning of period        $13.219    $11.545   $10.581       $   10.000(6)
Value at end of period              $14.050    $13.219   $11.545       $   10.581
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit                      6.29%     14.50%    9.11%            5.81%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period        810,155    627,552   178,761           25,258
JANUS ASPEN AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period
Value at end of period
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period
JANUS ASPEN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period
Value at end of period
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period
JANUS ASPEN SHORT-TERM BOND PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period
Value at end of period
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period
</TABLE>
    


- --------------------------------------------------------------------

                                AUV HISTORY - 2

<PAGE>

                  CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     1996            1995              1994           1993
                                  ------------ ------------------ ---------------- -----------
<S>                                 <C>             <C>               <C>            <C>      
JANUS ASPEN WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period        $  12.158       $    10.000(13)
Value at end of period              $  15.493       $    12.158
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                    27.43%            21.58%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period        2,090,908           314,653
LEXINGTON EMERGING MARKETS FUND, INC.
Value at beginning of period        $   8.323       $     8.772       $   10.000(8)
Value at end of period              $   8.832       $     8.323       $    8.772
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                     6.12%            (5.12)%         (12.28)%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period          548,618           371,156          144,750
LEXINGTON NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST
Value at beginning of period        $  10.862       $     9.412       $   10.071     $   9.193
Value at end of period              $  13.611       $    10.862       $    9.412     $  10.071
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                    25.31%            15.41%           (6.54)%        9.55%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period          587,248           530,562          533,016       341,771
NEUBERGER & BERMAN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period        $  17.430       $    13.398       $   14.278     $  13.536
Value at end of period              $  18.786       $    17.430       $   13.398     $  14.278
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                     7.78%            30.09%           (6.16)%        5.48%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period        2,169,362         2,359,090        2,107,525     1,927,674
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO CLASS A SHARES***
Value at beginning of period        $  14.515       $    13.227       $   13.508     $   9.922
Value at end of period              $  16.453       $    14.515       $   13.227     $  13.508
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                    13.35%            9.74%            (2.08)%      36.14%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period        3,684,698         3,823,292        4,240,412     2,371,037


<CAPTION>
                                      1992          1991          1990           1989         1988    1987
                                  -------------- ------------ ------------- ---------------- ------- ------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>     <C>
JANUS ASPEN WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period
Value at end of period
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period
LEXINGTON EMERGING MARKETS FUND, INC.
Value at beginning of period
Value at end of period
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period
LEXINGTON NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST
Value at beginning of period         $   9.018      $ 9.608      $ 11.441        $   10.000(9)
Value at end of period               $   9.193      $ 9.018      $  9.608        $   11.441
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                      1.94%       (6.14)%      (16.02)%           14.41%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period           198,338      144,139        75,052            11,481
NEUBERGER & BERMAN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Value at beginning of period         $  12.511      $ 9.769      $ 10.772        $   10.000(10)
Value at end of period               $  13.536      $12.511      $  9.769        $   10.772
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                      8.19%       28.07%        (9.31)%            7.72%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period         1,346,898      971,985       482,220            68,885
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO CLASS A SHARES***
Value at beginning of period         $10.239**      $ 9.256      $ 10.306        $   10.000(11)
Value at end of period               $   9.922      $10.239      $  9.256        $   10.306
Increase (decrease) in value of
accumulation unit(1)                     (3.10)%     10.62%        (10.19)%            3.06%
Number of accumulation units
outstanding at end of period         1,161,007      779,667       317,829            32,902
</TABLE>
    

 (1) The above figures are calculated by subtracting the beginning Accumulation
     Unit value from the ending Accumulation Unit value during a calendar year,
     and dividing the result by the beginning Accumulation Unit value. These
     figures do not reflect the deferred sales charge or the fixed dollar annual
     maintenance fee, if any. Inclusion of these charges would reduce the
     investment results shown.

 (2) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 on June 23, 1989, the
     date on which the Fund commenced operations.

 (3) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 on September 17, 1993.
     The Portfolio became available under the Contract on March 15, 1994.

 (4) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 on May 31, 1989, the
     date on which the Fund became available under the Contract.

 (5) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 during March 1994, when
     funds were first received under this option.

 (6) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 on June 7, 1989, the
     date on which the Fund became available under the Contract.

 (7) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 during June 1994, when
     funds were first received in this option.

 (8) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 during October 1994,
     when funds were first received in this option.

 (9) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 on May 31, 1989, the
     date on which the Fund became available under the Contract.

(10) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 on May 31, 1989, the
     date on which the Portfolio became available under the Contract.

(11) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 on July 5, 1989, the
     date on which the Portfolio became available under the Contract.

(12) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 on September 21, 1992,
     the date on which the Portfolio became available under the Contract.

(13) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 during July 1995, when
     the Fund became available under the Contract.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------

                                AUV HISTORY - 3

<PAGE>

                  CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------

(14) Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. The initial
     Accumulation Unit value was established at $10.000 during May 1995, when
     the Fund became available under the Contract.

  * Formerly TCI Portfolios, Inc.--TCI Growth.

 ** Formerly Calvert Socially Responsible Series.

*** Formerly T. Rowe Price International Equity Fund. On April 27, 1992, the
    Fund's assets were liquidated and merged into Scudder Variable Life
    Investment Fund--Managed International Portfolio. The Accumulation Unit
    value following the merger was $10.051.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------

                                AUV HISTORY - 4

<PAGE>

                                  THE COMPANY

- --------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------

      Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company (the "Company") is the issuer of
the Contract, and as such, it is responsible for providing the insurance and
annuity benefits under the Contract. The Company is a stock life insurance
company organized under the insurance laws of the State of Connecticut in 1976.
Through a merger, it succeeded to the business of Aetna Variable Annuity Life
Insurance Company (formerly Participating Annuity Life Insurance Company, an
Arkansas life insurance company organized in 1954). The Company is engaged in
the business of issuing life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts
in all states of the United States. The Company's principal executive offices
are located at 151 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut 06156.

      The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings,
Inc., which is in turn a wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Services,
Inc. and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Inc.

                          VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT C

- --------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------

      The Company established Variable Annuity Account C (the "Separate
Account") in 1976 as a segregated asset account for the purpose of funding its
variable annuity contracts. The Separate Account is registered as a unit
investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), and
meets the definition of the "separate account" under federal securities laws.
The Separate Account is divided into "subaccounts" which do not invest directly
in stocks, bonds or other investments. Instead, each Subaccount buys and sells
shares of a corresponding Fund.

      Although the Company holds title to the assets of the Separate Account,
such assets are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other
business conducted by the Company. Income, gains or losses of the Separate
Account are credited or charged against the assets of the Separate Account
without regard to other income, gains or losses. All obligations arising under
the Contracts are our general corporate obligations.

                              INVESTMENT OPTIONS

- --------------------------------------------------------------------
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THE FUNDS

      Purchase Payments may be allocated to one or more of the Subaccounts as
designated on the enrollment form. In turn, the Subaccounts invest in the
corresponding Funds at net asset value. The total number of investment options
that you may select during the Accumulation Period is limited to 18. Each
Subaccount selected, the Fixed Plus Account and each guaranteed term of GAA
counts as one option, even if you no longer have amounts allocated to that
option.

      SUNY may decide to offer only a select number of Funds under its plan. In
addition, the Company may add, withdraw or substitute Funds, subject to the
conditions in the Contract and to compliance with regulatory requirements. The
availability of Funds may also be applicable to regulatory authorization. Not
all Funds may be available in all jurisdictions, under all Contracts or in all
Plans.

      The investment results of the Funds described below are likely to differ
significantly and there is no assurance that any of the Funds will achieve their
respective investment objectives. Except where otherwise noted, all of the Funds
are diversified, as defined in the 1940 Act.

[bullet] Aetna Variable Fund seeks to maximize total return through investments
         in a diversified portfolio of common stocks and securities convertible
         into common stock.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Income Shares seeks to maximize total return, consistent with
         reasonable risk, through investments in a diversified portfolio
         consisting primarily of debt securities.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Variable Encore Fund seeks to provide high current return,
         consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity, through
         investment in high-quality money market instruments. An investment in
         the Fund is neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government.(1)

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[bullet] Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc. is a managed fund which seeks to
         maximize investment return consistent with reasonable safety of
         principal by investing in one or more of the following asset classes:
         stocks, bonds and cash equivalents based on the Company's judgment of
         which of those sectors or mix thereof offers the best investment
         prospects.(1)

[bullet] Alger American Fund--Alger American Growth Portfolio seeks long-term
         capital appreciation by investing in a diversified, actively managed
         portfolio of equity securities. The Portfolio primarily invests in
         equity securities of companies which have a market capitalization of $1
         billion or greater.(2)

   
[bullet] Alger American Fund--Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio
         seeks long-term capital appreciation. Except during temporary defensive
         periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of its total assets in
         equity securities of companies that, at the time of purchase of such
         securities, have total market capitalization within the range of
         companies included on the Russell 2000 Growth Index ("Russell Index")
         and the S&P SmallCap 600 Index ("S&P Index"), updated quarterly. As of
         March 31, 1997, the range of market capitalization of the companies in
         the Russell Index was $10 million to $1.94 billion; the range of market
         capitalization of the companies in the S&P Index at that date was $32
         million to $2.58 billion. The combined range was $10 million to 
         $2.58 billion.(2)
    

[bullet] American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.--American Century VP Capital
         Appreciation (formerly TCI Portfolios, Inc.--TCI Growth) seeks capital
         growth. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing in common
         stocks (including securities convertible into common stocks) and other
         securities that meet certain fundamental and technical standards of
         selection and, in the opinion of the Fund's investment manager, have
         better than average potential for appreciation.(3)

   
[bullet] Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Portfolio is a nondiversified
         portfolio that seeks to achieve a total return above the rate of
         inflation through an actively managed, nondiversified portfolio of
         common and preferred stocks, bonds and money market instruments which
         offer income and capital growth opportunity and which satisfy the
         social criteria established for the Portfolio.(4)
    

[bullet] Fidelity Investments' Variable Insurance Products Fund II--Asset
         Manager Portfolio seeks high total return with reduced risk over the
         long-term by allocating its assets among stocks, bonds and short-term
         fixed-income instruments.(5)

[bullet] Fidelity Investments' Variable Insurance Products Fund II--Contrafund
         Portfolio seeks maximum total return over the long term by investing
         mainly in equity securities of companies that are undervalued or
         out-of-favor.(5)

[bullet] Fidelity Investments' Variable Insurance Products Fund II--Index 500
         Portfolio seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the
         total return of common stocks publicly traded in the United States by
         duplicating the composition and total return of the Standard & Poor's
         Composite Index of 500 stocks.(5)

[bullet] Fidelity Investments' Variable Insurance Products Fund--Equity-Income
         Portfolio seeks reasonable income by investing primarily in
         income-producing equity securities. In selecting investments, the Fund
         also considers the potential for capital appreciation.(5)

[bullet] Franklin Government Securities Trust seeks income through investments
         in obligations of the U.S. Government or its agencies or
         instrumentalities, primarily GNMA obligations.(6)

   
[bullet] Janus Aspen Series--Aggressive Growth Portfolio is a nondiversified
         portfolio that seeks long-term growth of capital in a manner consistent
         with the preservation of capital. The Portfolio pursues its investment
         objective by normally investing at least 50% of its equity assets in
         securities issued by medium-sized companies. Medium sized companies are
         those whose market capitalizations fall within the range of companies
         in the S&P MidCap 400 Index, which as of December 30, 1996 included
         companies with capitalizations of between approximately $192 million
         and $6.5 billion, but which is expected to change on a regular
         basis.(7)
    

[bullet] Janus Aspen Series--Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital
         in a manner consistent with the preservation of capital. The Portfolio
         pursues its investment objective by investing in common stocks of
         companies of any size.(7)

[bullet] Janus Aspen Series--Short-Term Bond Portfolio seeks as high a level of
         current income as is consistent with preservation of capital. The
         Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing primarily in
         short- and intermediate-term fixed income securities.(7)

[bullet] Janus Aspen Series--Worldwide Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth
         of capital in a manner consistent with preservation of capital. The
         Portfolio pursues its

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         investment objective primarily through investments in common stocks of
         foreign and domestic issuers.(7)

[bullet] Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc. seeks long-term growth of capital
         primarily through investment in equity securities of companies
         domiciled in, or doing business in emerging countries and emerging
         markets. Investments in emerging markets involve risks not present in
         domestic markets. See the Fund's prospectus for information on risks
         inherent in this investment.(8)

[bullet] Lexington Natural Resources Trust is a nondiversified portfolio that
         seeks long-term growth of capital through investment primarily in
         common stocks of companies which own or develop natural resources and
         other basic commodities or supply goods and services to such
         companies.(8)

   
[bullet] Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust-- Growth Portfolio seeks
         capital growth without regard to income through investments in common
         stocks of companies believed to be undervalued and have above- average
         potential for capital appreciation. The Portfolio is heavily
         diversified among a number of stocks to limit risk.(9)
    

[bullet] Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund--International Portfolio Class A
         Shares seeks long-term growth of capital primarily through diversified
         holdings of marketable foreign equity investments.(10)

Investment Advisers for each of the Funds:

  (1) Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company (adviser); Aeltus Investment
      Management, Inc. (sub-adviser)

  (2) Fred Alger Management, Inc.

  (3) American Century Investment Management, Inc.

  (4) Calvert Asset Management Company, Inc.

  (5) Fidelity Management & Research Company, Inc.

  (6) Franklin Advisers, Inc.

  (7) Janus Capital Corporation

  (8) Lexington Management Corporation (adviser); Market Systems Research
      Advisors, Inc. (subadviser-Natural Resources Trust only)

  (9) Neuberger & Berman Management Inc. (Investment Manager); Neuberger &
      Berman, L.P. (Sub-Adviser)

 (10) Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.

      Risks Associated with Investment in the Funds. Some of the Funds may use
instruments known as derivatives as part of their investment strategies. The use
of certain derivatives may involve high risk of volatility to a Fund, and the
use of leverage in connection with such derivatives can also increase risk of
losses. Some of the Funds may also invest in foreign or international securities
which involve greater risks than U.S. investments.

   
      More comprehensive information, including a discussion of potential risks,
is found in the current prospectuses for each Fund which is distributed 
with and accompanies this Prospectus. You should read the Fund prospectuses 
and consider carefully, and on a continuing basis, which Fund or combination 
of Funds is best suited to your long-term investment objectives. Additional 
prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for this Prospectus and 
for each of the Funds can be obtained from the Company's Home Office at the 
address and telephone number listed under the "Inquiries" section of the 
Prospectus summary.
    

      Conflicts of Interest (Mixed and Shared Funding). Shares of the Funds are
sold to each of the Subaccounts for funding the variable annuity contracts
issued by the Company. Shares of the Funds may also be sold to other insurance
companies for the same purpose. This is referred to as "shared funding." Shares
of the Funds may also be used for funding variable life insurance contracts
issued by the Company or by third parties. This is referred to as "mixed
funding."

      Because the Funds available under the Contract are sold to fund variable
annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by us or by other
companies, certain conflicts of interest could arise. If a conflict of interest
were to occur, one of the separate accounts might withdraw its investment in a
Fund, which might force that Fund to sell portfolio securities at
disadvantageous prices, causing its per share value to decrease. Each Fund's
Board of Directors or Trustees has agreed to monitor events in order to identify
any material irreconcilable conflicts which might arise and to determine what
action, if any, should be taken to address such conflict.

CREDITED INTEREST OPTIONS

      Purchase Payments may be allocated to one or more of the Credited Interest
Options available under the Contract, as described below. SUNY may elect not to
offer all Credited Interest Options under its Plan.

[bullet] The Guaranteed Accumulation Account (GAA) is a credited interest option
         through which we guarantee stipulated rates of interest for stated
         periods of time. Amounts must remain in the GAA for the full guaranteed
         term to received the quoted interest rates, or a market value
         adjustment (which may be positive or negative) will be applied. (See
         Appendix I.)

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[bullet] The Fixed Plus Account is also a part of the Company's general account
         and guarantees a minimum interest rate, as specified in the Contract.
         The Company may credit higher interest rates in its discretion.
         Withdrawals and transfers from the Fixed Plus Account are limited. (See
         Appendix II.)

                                   PURCHASE

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CONTRACT AVAILABILITY

      The Contracts are designed to fund the SUNY Plan and to accept transfers
of amounts made to the predecessor program which is qualified under Section
403(b) of the Code. Two Contracts have been issued: one for transferred assets
from the predecessor Section 403(b) SUNY optional retirement program ("Rollover
Contract"), and one for ongoing contributions and transferred assets from a plan
qualified under Sections 401(a) and 414(h) of the Code ("Modal Contract").

      Contracts are issued in allocated form which means that one or more
individual accounts are established for each Participant. Two accounts will be
established under each Contract: an Employer Account and an Employee Account.

      Under a Rollover Contract, Purchase Payments attributable to a transfer of
after-tax employee contributions made to the predecessor 403(b) SUNY optional
retirement program are allocated to the Employee Account, and Purchase Payments
attributable to a transfer of employer contributions made to the predecessor
Section 403(b) SUNY optional retirement program are allocated to the Employer
Account.

      Under a Modal Contract, ongoing Purchase Payments made pursuant to Section
414(h) of the Code and transferred funds attributable to Code Section 414(h)
contributions from another investment provider under the SUNY Plan are allocated
to the Employee Account, and ongoing Purchase Payments made pursuant to Section
401(a) of the Code and transferred funds attributable to Code Section 401(a)
contributions from another investment provider under the SUNY Plan are allocated
to the Employer Account. (See also "Tax Status.")

CONTRACT PURCHASE

      Employees of SUNY may fill out an enrollment form (or forms) and return it
to the Company for review, acceptance or rejection. The Company must accept or
reject the enrollment form within two business days of receipt. If the
enrollment materials are incomplete, the Company may hold any forms and
accompanying Purchase Payments for five days. Purchase Payments may be held for
longer periods pending acceptance of the forms only with consent of the
Participant, or under limited circumstances, with the consent of the Contract
Holder. If we agree to hold Purchase Payments for longer than the five business
days based on the consent of the Contract Holder, the Purchase Payments will be
deposited in the Aetna Variable Encore Fund Subaccount until the forms are
completed.

PURCHASE PAYMENTS

      As discussed above, Purchase Payments can be applied to the Contracts
either through a lump-sum transfer of existing plan assets, or through ongoing
contributions. For Modal Contracts, the Code imposes a maximum limit on annual
Purchase Payments that may be contributed to a 401(a) Plan on your behalf. (See
"Tax Status.")

      Allocation of Purchase Payments. Purchase Payments will initially be
allocated to the Subaccounts or Credited Interest Options as specified by the
Participant on the enrollment form. Changes in such allocation may be made in
writing or by telephone transfer. Allocations must be in whole percentages. (See
"Transfers.")

RIGHTS UNDER THE CONTRACT

      You have a nonforfeitable right to the value of your Employee Account and
Employer Account, as determined by the Plan Administrator in accordance with the
terms of the Plan. You may select the investment options to be used for
allocations to both your Employee and Employer Accounts. You may elect an
Annuity Option, subject to Plan Administrator certification that you are
eligible for a distribution and that the form of annuity is permitted under the
terms of the Plan.

RIGHT TO CANCEL

      Participation under the Contract may be cancelled without penalty by
returning the certificate to the Aetna Processing Office with a written notice
of your intent to cancel. You have ten days to exercise this right. We will
produce a refund of the Purchase Payment (plus or minus any increase or decrease
in value) not later than seven days after we receive the certificate and the
written notice at the Aetna Processing Office.

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                            CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS

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DAILY DEDUCTIONS FROM THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT

      Mortality and Expense Risk Charge. The Company makes a daily deduction
from each of the Subaccounts for the mortality and expense risk charge. The
charge is equal, on an annual basis, to 1.25% of the daily net assets of the
Subaccounts and compensates the Company for the assumption of the mortality and
expense risks under the Contract. The mortality risks are those assumed for our
promise to make lifetime payments according to annuity rates specified in the
Contract. The expense risk is the risk that the actual expenses for costs
incurred under the Contract will exceed the maximum costs that can be charged
under the Contract.

      If the amount deducted for mortality and expense risks is not sufficient
to cover the mortality costs and expense shortfalls, the loss is borne by the
Company. If the deduction is more than sufficient, the excess may be used to
recover distribution expenses relating to the Contracts and as a source of
profit to the Company. The Company expects to make a profit from the mortality
and expense risk charge.

      Administrative Expense Charge. The Company reserves the right to make a
deduction from each of the Subaccounts for an administrative expense charge. The
administrative expense charge compensates the Company for its administrative
expenses incurred in connection with the Contract. The charge is set at a level
which does not exceed the average expected cost of the administrative services
to be provided while the Contract is in force. The Company does not expect to
make a profit from this charge.

      Under the Contract, the amount of the administrative expense charge may be
an amount equal, on an annual basis, to a maximum of 0.25% of the daily net
assets of the Subaccounts. There is currently no administrative expense charge
during the Accumulation Period or Annuity Period. Once an Annuity Option is
elected, the charge will be established and will be effective during the entire
Annuity Period.

FUND EXPENSES

      Each Fund incurs certain expenses which are paid out of its net assets.
These expenses include, among other things, the investment advisory or
"management" fee. The expenses of the Funds are set forth in the Fee Table in
this Prospectus and described more fully in the accompanying Fund prospectuses.

PREMIUM AND OTHER TAXES

      Several states and municipalities impose a premium tax on Annuities. These
taxes currently range from 0% to 4%; however, there is currently no premium tax
on annuity contracts issued in the state of New York. In states that do impose a
premium tax, the Company reserves the right to deduct the tax from Purchase
Payments or Account Values at any time, but no earlier than when we have a tax
liability under state law. The Company's current practice is to deduct for
premium taxes at the time of complete withdrawal or annuitization. In addition
to the premium tax, the Company reserves the right to assess a charge for any
state or federal taxes due against the Contract or the Separate Account assets.
(See "Tax Status.")

                              CONTRACT VALUATION

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ACCOUNT VALUE

      Until the Annuity Date, the Account Value is the total dollar value of
amounts held in your Account as of any Valuation Date. The Account Value at any
given time is based on the value of the units held in each Subaccount, plus the
value of amounts held in any of the Credited Interest Options.

ACCUMULATION UNITS

      The value of your interests in a Subaccount is expressed as the number of
"Accumulation Units" that you hold multiplied by an "Accumulation Unit Value"
(or "AUV") for each unit. The AUV on any Valuation Date is determined by
multiplying the value on the immediately preceding Valuation Date by the net
investment factor of that Subaccount for the period between the immediately
preceding Valuation Date and the current Valuation Date. (See "Net Investment
Factor" below.) The Accumulation Unit Value will be affected by the investment
performance, expenses and charges of the applicable Fund and is reduced each day
by a percentage that accounts for the daily assessment of mortality and expense
risk charges and the administrative charge (if any).

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                                       5
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      Initial Purchase Payments will be credited to your Account at the AUV
computed on the next Valuation Date following our acceptance of the enrollment
materials, as described under "Purchase--Contract Purchase". Each subsequent
Purchase Payment (or amount transferred) received by the Company by the close of
business of the New York Stock Exchange will be credited to your Account at the
AUV computed on the next Valuation Date following our receipt of your payment or
transfer request. The value of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease.

NET INVESTMENT FACTOR

      The net investment factor is used to measure the investment performance of
a Subaccount from one Valuation Date to the next. The net investment factor for
a Subaccount for any valuation period is equal to the sum of 1.0000 plus the net
investment rate. The net investment rate equals:

      (a) the net assets of the Fund held by the Subaccount on the current
          Valuation Date, minus

      (b) the net assets of the Fund held by the Subaccount on the preceding
          Valuation Date, plus or minus

      (c) taxes or provisions for taxes, if any, attributable to the operation
          of the Subaccount;

      (d) divided by the total value of the Subaccount's Accumulation and
          Annuity Units the preceding Valuation Date;

      (e) minus a daily charge at the annual effective rate of 1.25% for
          mortality and expense risks and up to 0.25% as an administrative
          expense charge (currently 0%).

      The net investment rate may be either positive or negative.

                                   TRANSFERS

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      At any time prior to the Annuity Date, you can transfer amounts held under
your Accounts from one Subaccount to another. Transfers between the Credited
Interest Options and the Subaccounts are subject to certain restrictions (See
Appendices I and II). A request for transfer can be made either in writing or by
telephone. The telephone transfer privilege is available automatically; no
special election is necessary. All transfers must be in accordance with the
terms of the Contract and your Plan, as applicable.

      The Company currently allows unlimited transfers of accumulated amounts to
available investment options without charge, provided that the transfer amount
is not less than $500. The total number of investment options in which you may
invest during the Accumulation Period is limited. (See "Investment Options--The
Funds.") Any transfer will be based on the Accumulation Unit Value next
determined after the Company receives a valid transfer request at its Home
Office. Transfers are not available during the Annuity Period.

                                  WITHDRAWALS

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      You may withdraw all or a portion of the Account Value during the
Accumulation Period, subject to Plan Administrator certification in writing that
you are eligible, both as to the timing and form of distribution. Payments for
withdrawal requests will be made in accordance with SEC requirements, but
normally not later than seven calendar days following our receipt of a
disbursement form.

      Withdrawals may be requested in one of the following forms:

[bullet] Full Withdrawal of an Account: The amount paid for a full withdrawal
         will be the Account Value allocated to the Subaccounts and the,
         Guaranteed Accumulation Account (plus or minus a market value
         adjustment) (see Appendix I), plus the amount available for withdrawal
         from the Fixed Plus Account (see Appendix II).

[bullet] Partial Withdrawals: The amount paid will be the percentage or dollar
         amount of the Account Value requested; however, the amount available
         for withdrawal from the Fixed Plus Account is limited (see Appendix
         II).

      For any partial withdrawal, amounts will be withdrawn proportionately from
the Subaccounts or Credited Interest Option in which the Account is invested,
unless you request otherwise. All amounts paid will be based on Account Values
as of the next Valuation Date after we receive a request for withdrawal at our
Home Office, or on such later

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                                       6

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date as the disbursement form may specify. A 20% federal income tax may be
withheld from amounts paid directly to you. (See "Tax Status--Contracts Used
with Certain Retirement Plans.")

REINVESTMENT PRIVILEGE

      You may elect to reinvest all or a portion of the proceeds received from a
full withdrawal of your Account within 30 days after such withdrawal has been
made. Accumulation Units will be credited to the Account for the amount
reinvested. Reinvested amounts will be reallocated to the applicable investment
options in the same proportion as they were allocated at the time of withdrawal.
Accumulation Units will be credited to your Account based on the Accumulation
Unit Value next computed following our receipt of your request along with the
amount to be reinvested. The reinvestment privilege may be used only once. See
Appendix I for a discussion of amounts withdrawn from GAA and then reinvested.
If you are contemplating reinvestment, you should seek competent advice
regarding the tax consequences associated with such a transaction.

                         ADDITIONAL WITHDRAWAL OPTIONS

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     Subject to state regulatory approval, the Company offers certain withdrawal
options under the Contract that are not considered annuity options ("Additional
Withdrawal Options"). To exercise these options, your Account Value must meet
the minimum dollar amounts and age criteria applicable to that option. In
addition, for Employer and certain Employee Accounts, the Contract Holder must
provide written certification that the distribution is in accordance with the
terms of the Plan. The Additional Withdrawal Options that may be available under
the Contract include the following:
    

[bullet] SWO--Systematic Withdrawal Option. SWO is a series of partial
         withdrawals from your Account based on a payment method you select. It
         is designed for those who want a periodic income while retaining
         investment flexibility for amounts accumulated under a Contract. (This
         option may not be elected if you have an outstanding contract loan.)

[bullet] ECO--Estate Conservation Option. ECO offers the same investment
         flexibility as SWO but is designed for those who want to receive only
         the minimum distribution that the Code requires each year. Under ECO,
         the Company calculates the minimum distribution amount required by law
         at the later of age 701/2 or retirement, or for 5% owners at age 701/2
         and pays you that amount once a year. (See "Tax Status.")

      Other Additional Withdrawal Options may be added from time to time.
Information relating to any of the Additional Withdrawal Options may be obtained
from your local representative or from the Company at its Home Office.

      If you select one of the Additional Withdrawal Options, you will retain
all of the rights and flexibility permitted under the Contract during the
Accumulation Period. Your Account Value will continue to be subject to the
charges and deductions described in this Prospectus. Taking a withdrawal under
one of these Additional Withdrawal Options may have tax consequences. Any person
concerned about tax implications should consult a competent tax advisor prior to
electing an option.

      Once you elect an Additional Withdrawal Option, you may revoke it any time
by submitting a written request to our Home Office. Once an option is revoked,
it may not be elected again, nor may any other Additional Withdrawal Option be
elected unless permitted by the Code. The Company reserves the right to
discontinue the availability of one or all of these Additional Withdrawal
Options at any time, and/or to change the terms of future elections.

                   DEATH BENEFIT DURING ACCUMULATION PERIOD

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      The Contract provides that a death benefit is payable to the
Beneficiary(ies) upon the death of the Participant before the Annuity Date. The
amount of the death benefit will be equal to the Account Value. Death benefit
proceeds may be paid to the Beneficiary:

[bullet] in a lump sum; or

[bullet] in accordance with any of the Annuity Options available under the
         Contract; or

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                                       7

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[bullet] under any Additional Withdrawal Options available under the Contract
         (if the Beneficiary is your spouse).

      The Beneficiary may instead elect one of the following two options;
however, the Code limits how long the death benefit proceeds may be left in
these options (see below):

[bullet] to leave the Account Value invested in the Contract; or

[bullet] to leave the Account Value on deposit in the Company's general account,
         and to receive monthly, quarterly, semi- annual or annual interest
         payments at the interest rate then being credited on such deposits. The
         balance on deposit can be withdrawn at any time or applied to an
         Annuity Option.

      When paying the Beneficiary, we will determine the Account Value on the
Valuation Date following the date on which the Aetna Processing Office receives
proof of death acceptable to the Company. Interest, if any, will be paid from
the date of death at a rate no less than required by law. We will mail payment
to the Beneficiary within seven days after we receive proof of death and the
request for payment.

      The Code requires that distribution of death proceeds begin within a
certain period of time. Generally, either payments must begin by December 31 of
the year following the year of your death, or the entire value of your benefits
must be distributed by December 31 of the fifth year following the year of your
death. If your Beneficiary is your spouse, he or she is not required to begin
distributions until the year you would have attained age 701/2. In no event may
payments extend beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary or any period
certain greater than the Beneficiary's life expectancy. If no elections are
made, no distributions will be made. Failure to commence distributions within
the above time periods can result in tax penalties. Regardless of the method of
payment, death benefit proceeds will generally be taxed to the Beneficiary in
the same manner as if you had received those payments. (See "Tax Status.")

                                ANNUITY PERIOD

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ANNUITY PERIOD ELECTIONS

      The Code generally requires that minimum annual distributions of the
Account Value must begin by April 1st of the calendar year following the
calendar year in which you attain age 701/2 or retire, whichever is later. In
addition, distributions must be in a form and amount sufficient to satisfy the
Code requirements. These requirements may be satisfied by the election of
certain Annuity Options or Additional Withdrawal Options. (See "Tax Status.")

      At least 30 days prior to the Annuity Date, you must notify the Aetna
Processing Office in writing of the following:

[bullet] the date on which you would like to start receiving annuity payments;

[bullet] the Annuity Option under which you want your payments to be calculated
         and paid;

[bullet] whether the payments are to be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually
         or annually; and

[bullet] the investment option(s) used to provide annuity payments (i.e., a
         fixed annuity using the general account or any of the Subaccounts
         available at the time of annuitization). As of the date of this
         Prospectus, Aetna Variable Fund, Aetna Income Shares and Aetna
         Investment Advisers Fund, Inc. are the only Subaccounts available. (See
         "Annuity Options.")

      Annuity payments will not begin until you have selected an Annuity Option.
Until a date and option are elected, the Account will continue in the
Accumulation Period. Once Annuity payments begin, the Annuity Option may not be
changed, nor may transfers be made among the investment option(s) selected.

ANNUITY OPTIONS

      You may choose one of the following Annuity Options:

Lifetime Annuity Options:

[bullet] Option 1--Life Annuity--An annuity with payments ending on the
         Annuitant's death.

[bullet] Option 2--Life Annuity with Guaranteed Payments--An annuity with
         payments guaranteed for 5, 10, 15 or 20 years, or such other periods as
         the Company may offer at the time of annuitization.

[bullet] Option 3--Life Income based Upon the Lives of Two Payees--An annuity
         will be paid during the lives of the Annuitant and a second Annuitant,
         with 100%, 662/3% or 50% of the payment to continue after the first
         death, or 100% of the payment to continue at the death of the second
         Annuitant and 50% of the payment to continue at the death of the
         Annuitant.

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[bullet] Option 4--Life Income based Upon the Lives of Two Payees--An annuity
         with payments for a minimum of 120 months, with 100% of the payment to
         continue after the first death.

      If Option 1 or 3 is elected, it is possible that only one Annuity Payment
will be made if the Annuitant under Option 1, or the surviving Annuitant under
Option 3, should die prior to the due date of the second Annuity Payment. Once
lifetime Annuity payments begin, the Annuitant cannot elect to receive a
lump-sum settlement.

Nonlifetime Annuity Options:

[bullet] Option 1--Payments for a Specified Period--payments will continue for a
         specified period of time, as provided for under your Contract.

      Under the nonlifetime option, the type of annuity (fixed or variable) and
the number of years that may be selected are determined by the investment
options used prior to annuitization. For amounts held in the Fixed Plus Account,
the Annuity must be paid on a fixed basis and payments may be made for 6-30
years. For amounts held in the Subaccounts or the Guaranteed Accumulation
Account, an annuity may be selected on a fixed or variable basis and payments
may be made for 3-30 years. If this option is elected on a variable basis, the
Annuitant may request at any time during the payment period that the present
value of all or any portion of the remaining variable payments be paid in one
sum.

      We may also offer additional Annuity Options under your Contract from time
to time.

ANNUITY PAYMENTS

      Duration of Annuity Payments. Annuity Payments may not extend beyond (a)
the life of the Annuitant, (b) the joint lives of the Annuitant and Beneficiary,
(c) a period certain greater than the Annuitant's life expectancy, or (d) a
period certain greater than the joint life expectancies of the Annuitant and
Beneficiary.

      Amount of Each Annuity Payment. The amount of each payment depends on how
you allocate your Account Value between fixed and variable payouts. No election
may be made that would result in the first Annuity Payment of less than $20, or
total yearly Annuity Payments of less than $100. If your Account Value on the
Annuity Date is insufficient to elect an option for the minimum amount
specified, a lump-sum payment must be elected.

      If Annuity Payments are to be made on a variable basis, the first and
subsequent payments will vary depending on the assumed net investment rate
selected (31/2% or 5% per annum). Selection of a 5% rate causes a higher first
payment, but Annuity Payments will increase thereafter only to the extent that
the net investment rate exceeds 5% on an annualized basis. Annuity Payments
would decline if the rate were below 5%. Use of the 31/2% assumed rate causes a
lower first payment, but subsequent payments would increase more rapidly or
decline more slowly as changes occur in the net investment rate. (See the
Statement of Additional Information for further discussion on the impact of
selecting an assumed net investment rate.)

CHARGES DEDUCTED DURING THE ANNUITY PERIOD

      We make a daily deduction for mortality and expense risks from any amounts
held on a variable basis. Therefore, electing the nonlifetime option on a
variable basis will result in a deduction being made even though we assume no
mortality risk. We may also deduct a daily administrative expense charge from
amounts held under the variable options. (See "Charges and Deductions.")

DEATH BENEFIT PAYABLE DURING THE ANNUITY PERIOD

      If an Annuitant dies after Annuity Payments have begun, any death benefit
payable will depend on the terms of the Contract and the Annuity Option
selected. If Option 1 or Option 3 was elected, Annuity Payments will cease on
the death of the Annuitant under Option 1 or the death of the surviving
Annuitant under Option 3.

      If Lifetime Option 2 or Option 4 was elected and the death of the
Annuitant under Option 2, or the surviving Annuitant under Option 4, occurs
prior to the end of the guaranteed minimum payment period, we will pay to the
Beneficiary in a lump sum, unless otherwise requested, the present value of the
guaranteed annuity payments remaining.

      If the nonlifetime option was elected, and the Annuitant dies before all
payments are made, the value of any remaining payments may be paid in a lump-sum
to the beneficiary (unless otherwise requested).

      If the Annuitant dies after Annuity payments have begun and if there is a
death benefit payable under the Annuity option elected, the remaining value must
be distributed to the beneficiary at least as rapidly as under the original
method of distribution.

      Any lump-sum payment paid under the applicable lifetime or nonlifetime
Annuity options will be made within seven calendar days after proof of death
acceptable to us, and a request for payment are received at the Aetna Processing
Office. Under Options 2 and 4, the value of any death benefit proceeds will be
determined as of the next Valuation Date after we receive acceptable proof of
death and a request for payment. Such value will be reduced by any payments made
after the date of death.

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                                       9

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                                  TAX STATUS

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INTRODUCTION

      The following provides a general discussion and is not intended as tax
advice. This discussion reflects the Company's understanding of current federal
income tax law. Such laws may change in the future, and it is possible that any
change could be retroactive (i.e., effective prior to the date of the change).
The Company makes no guarantee regarding the tax treatment of any contract or
transaction involving a Contract. The ultimate effect of federal income taxes on
the amounts held under a Contract, on Annuity Payments, and on the economic
benefit to the Contract Holder, Participant or Beneficiary may depend upon the
tax status of the individual concerned. Any person concerned about these tax
implications should consult a competent tax adviser before initiating any
transaction.

TAXATION OF THE COMPANY

      The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under the Code. Since the
Separate Account is not an entity separate from the Company, it will not be
taxed separately as a "regulated investment company" under the Code. Investment
income and realized capital gains are automatically applied to increase reserves
under the Contracts. Under existing federal income tax law, the Company believes
that the Separate Account investment income and realized net capital gains will
not be taxed to the extent that such income and gains are applied to increase
the reserves under the Contracts.

      Accordingly, the Company does not anticipate that it will incur any
federal income tax liability attributable to the Separate Account and,
therefore, the Company does not intend to make provisions for any such taxes.
However, if changes in the federal tax laws or interpretation thereof result in
the Company being taxed on income or gains attributable to the Separate Account,
then the Company may impose a charge against the Separate Account (with respect
to some or all Contracts) in order to set aside provisions to pay such taxes.

CONTRACTS USED WITH CERTAIN RETIREMENT PLANS

      In General.  The Contracts are designed to provide retirement benefits to
Participants of the SUNY Plan. Purchase Payments made under Sections 401(a),
414(h) and 403(b) of the Code are permitted under the Contracts.

      The Company makes no attempt to provide more than general information
about use of the Contracts with the various types of retirement plans.
Participants as well as beneficiaries are cautioned that the rights of any
person to any benefits under the Contracts may be subject to the terms and
conditions of the plans themselves, in addition to the terms and conditions of
the Contracts issued in connection with such plans. Some retirement plans are
subject to limitations on distribution and other requirements that are not
incorporated in the Contracts. Purchasers are responsible for determining that
contributions, distributions and other transactions with respect to the
Contracts satisfy applicable laws, and should consult their legal counsel and
tax adviser regarding the suitability of the Contract.

      Minimum Distribution Requirements.  The Code has required distribution
rules for Section 403(b) and 401(a) plans. Under 403(b) plans, distributions of
amounts held as of December 31, 1986 must generally begin by the end of the
calendar year in which you attain age 75 or retire, if later. However, special
rules require that some or all of that balance be distributed earlier if any
distributions are taken in excess of the minimum required amount. For
Participants other than 5% owners, distributions under 401(a) plans, and
distributions attributable to contributions under Section 403(b) plans made on
or after January 1, 1987 (including any earnings on the entire Account Value
after that date), must generally begin by April 1 of the calendar year following
the calendar year in which you attain age 701/2 or retire, whichever occurs
later. For 5% owners, such distributions must begin April 1st of the calendar
year following the calendar year in which you attain age 701/2.

      In general, annuity payments must be distributed over your life or the
joint lives of you and your beneficiary, or over a period not greater than your
life expectancy or the joint life expectancies of you and your beneficiary.

      If you die after the required minimum distribution has commenced,
distributions to your beneficiary must be made at least as rapidly as under the
method of distribution in effect at the time of your death. However, if the
minimum required distribution is calculated each year based on your single life
expectancy or the joint life expectancies of you and your beneficiary, the
regulations for Code Section 401(a)(9) provide specific rules for calculating
the minimum required distributions at your death. For example, if you have
elected ECO with the calculation based on your single life expectancy, and the
life expectancy is recalculated each year, your recalculated life expectancy
becomes zero in the calendar year following

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                                       10

<PAGE>

your death and the entire remaining interest must be distributed to your
beneficiary by December 31 of the year following your death. However, a spousal
beneficiary has certain rollover rights which can only be exercised in the year
of your death. The rules are complex and you should consult your tax adviser
before electing the method of calculation to satisfy the minimum distribution
requirements.

      If you die before the required minimum distribution has commenced, your
entire interest must be distributed by December 31 of the calendar year
containing the fifth anniversary of the date of your death. Alternatively,
payments may be made over the life of the beneficiary or over a period not
extending beyond the life expectancy of the beneficiary provided the
distribution begins by December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar
year of your death. If the Beneficiary is your spouse, distribution must begin
by the later of December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year of
your death or December 31 of the calendar year in which you would have attained
age 701/2.

      If you fail to receive the minimum required distribution for any tax year,
a 50% excise tax is imposed on the required amount that was not distributed.

      Taxation of Distributions.  All distributions will be taxed as they are
received unless you made a rollover contribution of the distribution to another
plan of the same type or to an individual retirement annuity/account ("IRA") in
accordance with the Code, or unless you have made after-tax contributions to the
plan, which are not taxed upon distribution. The Code has specific rules that
apply, depending on the type of distribution received, if after-tax
contributions were made.

      In general, payments received by your beneficiaries after your death are
taxed in the same manner as if you have received those payments, except that a
limited death benefit exclusion may apply to payments made for deaths occuring
on or before August 20, 1996.

      Pension and annuity distributions generally are subject to withholding for
the recipient's federal income tax liability at rates that vary according to the
type of distribution and the recipient's tax status. Recipients may be provided
the opportunity to elect not to have tax withheld from distributions; however,
certain distributions from annuities are subject to mandatory federal income tax
withholding. We will report to the IRS the taxable portion of all distributions.

      The Code imposes a 10% penalty tax on the taxable portion of any
distribution unless made when (a) you have attained age 591/2, (b) you have
become disabled, (c) you have died, (d) you have separated from service with the
plan sponsor at or after age 55, (e) the distribution amount is rolled over into
another plan of the same type in accordance with the terms of the Code, or (f)
the distribution amount is made in substantially equal periodic payments (at
least annually) over your life or life expectancy or the joint lives or joint
life expectancies of you and your plan beneficiary, provided you have separated
from service with the plan sponsor. In addition, the penalty tax does not apply
for the amount of a distribution equal to unreimbursed medical expenses incurred
by you that qualify for deduction as specified in the Code. The Code may impose
other penalty taxes in other circumstances.

      Section 403(b) Plans. Under Section 403(b), contributions made by public
school systems to purchase annuity contracts for their employees are generally
excludable from the gross income of the employee.

      Generally, no amounts accumulated under the Contract will be taxable prior
to the time of actual distribution. However, the IRS has stated in published
rulings that a variable contract owner, including participants under Section
403(b) Plans, will be considered the owner of separate account assets if the
owner possesses incidents of investment control over the assets. In these
circumstances, income and gains from the separate account assets would be
currently includable in the variable contract owner's gross income. The Treasury
announced that guidance would be issued in the future regarding the extent to
which owners could direct their investments among Subaccounts without being
treated as owners of the underlying assets of the Separate Account. It is
possible that the Treasury's position, when announced, may adversely affect the
tax treatment of existing contracts. The Company therefore reserves the right to
modify the Contract as necessary to attempt to prevent the owner from being
considered the federal tax owner of the assets of the Separate Account.

      Section 401(a) Plans. Section 401(a) permits corporate employers to
establish various types of retirement plans for employees, and permits
self-employed individuals to establish various types of retirement plans for
themselves and for their employees. These retirement plans may permit the
purchase of the Contracts to accumulate retirement savings under the plans.
Adverse tax consequences to the plan, to the participant or to both

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                                       11

<PAGE>

may result if this Contract is assigned or transferred to any individual except
to a participant as a means to provide benefit payments.

      The Code imposes a maximum limit on annual Purchase Payments that may be
excluded from a Participant's gross income. Such limit must be calculated under
the Plan by the employer in accordance with Section 415 of the Code. This limit
is generally the lesser of 25% of your compensation or $30,000. In addition,
Purchase Payments will be excluded from a Participant's gross income only if the
401(a) plan meets certain nondiscrimination requirements.

      Section 414(h) Plans.  Under Section 414(h) of the Code, where a
governmental employer "picks up" plan contributions otherwise designated as
employee contributions, the contributions are treated as employer contributions.
The 414(h) contributions are excluded from the employee's taxable income and are
not subject to federal income tax withholding.

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

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DISTRIBUTION

      The Company will serve as the Principal Underwriter for the securities
sold by this Prospectus. The Company is registered as a broker-dealer with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member of the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD). As Underwriter, the Company will contract
with one or more registered broker-dealers ("Distributors"), including at least
one affiliate of the Company, to offer and sell the Contracts. All persons
offering and selling the Contracts must be registered representatives of the
Distributors and must also be licensed as insurance agents to sell variable
annuity contracts. These registered representatives may also provide services to
Participants in connection with establishing their Accounts under the Contract.

      Payment of Commissions.  Persons offering and selling the Contracts may
receive commissions in connection with the sale of the Contracts. The maximum
percentage amount that the Company will ever pay as commission with respect to
any given Purchase Payment is with respect to those made during the first year
of Purchase Payments under an Account. The percentage amount will range from 1%
to 4% of those Purchase Payments. The Company may also pay renewal commissions
on Purchase Payments made after the first year and asset-based service fees. The
average of all payments made by the Company is estimated to equal approximately
3% of the total Purchase Payments made over the life of an average Contract. In
addition, some sales personnel may receive various types of non-cash
compensation as special sales incentives, including trips and educational and/or
business seminars. Supervisory and other management personnel of the Company may
receive compensation that will vary based on the relative profitability to the
Company of the funding options you select. Funding options that invest in Funds
advised by the Company or its affiliates are generally more profitable to the
Company. The Company may also reimburse the Distributor for certain expenses.
The name of the Distributor and the registered representative responsible for
your Account are set forth in your enrollment materials. Commissions and sales
related expenses are paid by the Company and are not deducted from Purchase
Payments. (See "Charges and Deductions.")

      Third Party Compensation Arrangements. Occasionally, we may pay
commissions and fees to Distributors which are affiliated or associated with the
Contract Holder or the Participants. We may also enter into agreements with some
entities associated with the Contract Holder or Participants in which we would
agree to pay the association for certain services in connection with
administering the Contracts. In both these circumstances there may be an
understanding that the Distributor or association would endorse the Company as a
provider of the Contract. You will be notified if you are purchasing a Contract
that is subject to these arrangements.

DELAY OR SUSPENSION OF PAYMENTS

      The Company reserves the right to suspend or postpone the date of payment
for any benefit or values (a) on any Valuation Date on which the New York Stock
Exchange ("Exchange") is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday
closings) or when trading on the Exchange is restricted; (b) when an emergency
exists, as determined by the SEC, so that disposal of securities held in the
Subaccounts is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable
for the Company fairly to determine the value of the Subaccount's assets; or (c)
during such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of
investors. The conditions under which restricted trading or an emergency exists
shall be determined by the rules and regulations of the SEC.

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<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE REPORTING

      From time to time, the Company may advertise different types of historical
performance for the Subaccounts of the Separate Account. The Company may
advertise the "standardized average annual total returns" of the Subaccounts,
calculated in a manner prescribed by the SEC, as well as the "non-standardized
returns." "Standardized average annual total returns" and "non-
standardized average annual total returns" are computed according to a formula
in which a hypothetical investment of $1,000 is applied to the Subaccount and
then related to the ending redeemable values over the most recent one, five and
ten-year periods (or since inception, if less than ten years). Standardized and
non-standardized returns will reflect the reduction of all recurring charges
during each period (e.g., mortality and expense risk charges and any
administrative expense charge). The non-standardized figures may also include
monthly, quarterly, year-to-date or three-year periods.

      The Company may also advertise certain ratings, rankings or other
information related to the Company, the Subaccounts or the Funds. Further
details regarding performance reporting and advertising are described in the
Statement of Additional Information.

VOTING RIGHTS

      In accordance with the Company's view of present applicable law, it will
vote the shares of each of the Funds held by the Separate Account at regular and
special meetings of Fund shareholders in accordance with instructions received
from persons having a voting interest in the Separate Account. Participants and
Annuitants have a fully vested (100%) interest in the benefits provided under
the Contract and may instruct the Contract Holder how to direct the Company to
cast the votes for the portion of the Account Value or valuation reserve
attributable to their Accounts. Currently, the Company obtains participant
voting instructions directly from the participants, subject to the receipt of
authorization from the Contract Holder to accept such instructions. The Company
will vote shares for which it has not received instructions in the same
proportion as it votes shares for which it has received instructions.

      Each person having a voting interest in the Separate Account will receive
periodic reports relating to the Fund(s) in which he or she has an interest, as
well as any proxy materials and a form on which to give voting instructions.
Voting instructions will be solicited by written communication at least 14 days
before such meeting. The number of votes to which each person may give direction
will be determined as of the record date set by the Fund.

      The number of votes which the Contract Holder or the Participant, as
applicable, may cast during the Accumulation Period is equal to the portion of
the Account Value to that Fund, divided by the net asset value of one share of
that Fund. During the Annuity Period, the number of votes is equal to the
valuation reserve applicable to the portion of the Contract attributable to that
Fund, divided by the net asset value of one share of that Fund. In determining
the number of votes, fractional votes will be recognized.

MODIFICATION OF THE CONTRACT

      The Company may change the Contract as required by federal or state law.
In addition, the Company may, upon 30 days written notice to the Contract
Holder, make other changes to the Contracts that would apply only to individuals
who become Participants under that Contract after the effective date of such
changes. If the Contract Holder does not agree to a change, no new Participants
will be covered under the Contract. Certain changes will require the approval of
appropriate state or federal regulatory authorities.

TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP; ASSIGNMENT

      No assignment of a Contract will be binding on us unless made in writing
and sent to us at our Aetna Processing Office. The Company will use reasonable
procedures to confirm that the assignment is authentic, including verification
of signature. If the Company fails to follow its procedures, it would be liable
for any losses to you directly resulting from the failure. Otherwise, we are not
responsible for the validity of any assignment. The rights of the Contract
Holder and the interest of the Annuitant and any Beneficiary will be subject to
the rights of any assignee of record.

LEGAL MATTERS AND PROCEEDINGS

      The Company knows of no material legal proceedings pending to which the
Separate Account or the Company is a party or which would materially affect the
Separate Account. The validity of the securities offered by this Prospectus has
been passed upon by Counsel to the Company.

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                                       13

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                                CONTENTS OF THE
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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The Statement of Additional Information contains more specific information on
the Separate Account and the Contract, as well as the financial statements of
the Separate Account and the Company. A list of the contents of the SAI is set
forth below:

      General Information and History
      Variable Annuity Account C
      Offering and Purchase of Contracts
      Performance Data
       General
       Average Annual Total Return Quotations
      Annuity Payments
      Sales Material and Advertising
      Independent Auditors
      Financial Statements of the Separate Account
      Financial Statements of the Company

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                                   APPENDIX I
                        GUARANTEED ACCUMULATION ACCOUNT

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The Guaranteed Accumulation Account ("GAA") is a credited interest option
available during the Accumulation Period under the Contracts discussed in this
Prospectus. Amounts allocated to Long-Term Classifications of GAA are held in a
noninsulated, nonunitized separate account. Amounts allocated to Short-Term
Classifications of GAA are held in the Company's general account. This Appendix
is a summary of GAA and is not intended to replace the GAA prospectus. You
should read the accompanying GAA prospectus carefully before investing.

GAA is a credited interest option in which we guarantee stipulated rates of
interest for stated periods of time on amounts directed to GAA. The interest
rate stipulated is an annual effective yield; that is, it reflects a full year's
interest. Interest is credited daily at a rate that will provide the guaranteed
annual effective yield for one year. This option guarantees the minimum interest
rate specified in the Contract.

During a specified period of time (the "deposit period"), amounts may be applied
to any or all available Guaranteed Terms within the Short-Term and Long-Term
classifications. Short-Term GAA has Guaranteed Terms from one to three years,
and Long-Term GAA has Guaranteed Terms from three to ten years.

Purchase Payments must remain in GAA for the full Guaranteed Term to receive the
quoted interest rates. Withdrawals or transfers from a Guaranteed Term before
the end of that Guaranteed Term may be subject to a market value adjustment
("MVA"). An MVA reflects the change in the value of the investments due to
changes in interest rates since the date of deposit. When interest rates
increase after the date of deposit, the value of the investment decreases and
the MVA is negative. Conversely, when interest rates decrease after the date of
deposit, the value of the investment increases, and the MVA is positive. It is
possible that a negative MVA could result in the Participant receiving an amount
which is less than the amount paid into GAA.

As a Guaranteed Term matures, assets accumulating under GAA may be (a)
transferred to a new Guaranteed Term, (b) transferred to other available
investment options, or (c) withdrawn. Amounts withdrawn may be subject to
federal tax penalties or mandatory income tax withholding.

By notifying us at least 30 days prior to the Annuity Date, you may elect a
variable annuity and have amounts that have been accumulating under GAA
transferred to one or more of the Subaccounts available during the Annuity
Period. GAA cannot be used as an investment option during the Annuity Period.

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGES

     We make no deductions from the credited interest rate for mortality and
expense risks; these risks are considered in determining the credited rate.

TRANSFERS

     Transfers are permitted among Guaranteed Terms. However, amounts applied to
GAA may not be transferred to another Guaranteed Term of GAA, or to any other
Subaccount or credited interest option available under the Contract, during the
deposit period or the 90 days after the close of the deposit period. We will
apply an MVA to transfers made before the end of a Guaranteed Term, unless such
transfer is due to the maturity of the Guaranteed Term.

REINVESTMENT PRIVILEGE

     If amounts are withdrawn from GAA and reinvested, they will be applied to
the current deposit period. Amounts are proportionately reinvested in the same
manner as they were allocated before the withdrawal. Any negative MVA amount
applied to a withdrawal is not included in the reinvestment.

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                                  APPENDIX II
                               FIXED PLUS ACCOUNT

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The following summarizes material information concerning the Fixed Plus Account.
Amounts allocated to the Fixed Plus Account are held in the Company's general
account that supports general insurance and annuity obligations. Interests in
the Fixed Plus Account have not been registered with the SEC in reliance on
exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Disclosure in the
Prospectus regarding the Fixed Plus Account, may, however, be subject to certain
generally applicable provisions of the federal securities laws relating to the
accuracy and completeness of such statements. Disclosure in this Appendix
regarding the Fixed Plus Account has not been reviewed by the SEC.

The Fixed Plus Account guarantees the minimum Fixed Plus interest rate specified
in the Contract. The Company may credit a higher interest rate from time to
time. The current rate is subject to change at any time, but will never fall
below the guaranteed minimum. The Company's determination of interest rates
reflects the investment income earned on invested assets and the amortization of
any capital gains and/or losses realized on the sale of invested assets. Under
the Fixed Plus Account, the Company assumes the risk of investment gain or loss
by guaranteeing Account Values and promising a minimum interest rate and Annuity
Payment.

The Fixed Plus Account will reflect a compound interest rate credited by us. The
interest rate quoted is an annual effective yield. Amounts applied to the Fixed
Plus Account will earn the Fixed Plus interest rate in effect when actually
applied to the Fixed Plus Account. We make no deductions from the credited
interest rate for mortality and expense risks; these risks are considered in
determining the credited rate.

Beginning in the tenth Account Year, we will credit amounts held in the Fixed
Plus Account with an interest rate that is at least 0.25% higher than the
then-declared interest rate for the Fixed Plus Account for Accounts that have
not reached their tenth anniversary.

FIXED PLUS ACCOUNT WITHDRAWALS

     The amount eligible for partial withdrawal is 20% of the amount held in the
Fixed Plus Account on the day a written request is received at the Aetna
Processing Office. Such amount will be reduced by any Fixed Plus Account
withdrawals, transfers or annuitizations made during the prior 12 months. In
calculating the 20% limit, we reserve the right to include payments made due to
the election of any Additional Withdrawal Options.

     If a full withdrawal is requested, we will pay any amounts held in the
Fixed Plus Account, with interest, in five annual payments equal to:

1. One-fifth of the Fixed Plus Account Value on the day the request is received,
   reduced by any Fixed Plus Account withdrawals, transfers or annuitizations
   made during the prior 12 months;

2. One-fourth of the remaining Fixed Plus Account Value 12 months later;

3. One-third of the remaining Fixed Plus Account Value 12 months later;

4. One-half of the remaining Fixed Plus Account Value 12 months later; and

5. The balance of the Fixed Plus Account Value 12 months later.

   
     Once we receive a request for a full withdrawal, no further withdrawals or
transfers will be permitted from the Fixed Plus Account. A full withdrawal from
the Fixed Plus Account may be cancelled at any time before the end of the
five-payment period. We will waive the Fixed Plus Account full withdrawal
provision and pay the Account Value in a lump sum if a full withdrawal is made
(a) due to the Participant's death before the Annuity Date; (b) due to the
election of a fixed lifetime or non-lifetime Annuity option or a variable
lifetime Annuity option; or (c) if the Fixed Plus Account value is $3,500 or
less and the amount withdrawn is to be transferred to another investment program
under the SUNY Plan and no withdrawals, transfers or annuitizations have been
made from the Account within the prior 12 months; or (d) when the Account Value
is $4,000 or less and the amount withdrawn is paid to the Participant in a lump
sum.
    

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                                       16

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ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT OF CONTRACT SURRENDER VALUE

     As an alternative to the payment of Fixed Plus Account Values described
above, the Contract Holder may elect the following. If the Contract Holder
intends to surrender the entire Contract, the Company must be notified of such
intent no less than 60 days prior to the proposed withdrawal date. Within 30
days of its receipt of such notice, the Company will supply the Contract Holder
with the specific period and interest rate that would apply to a complete
surrender of the Contract under option (b) below. The Contract Holder must then
irrevocably elect, in writing, to receive the total of all current Account
Values invested in the Fixed Plus Account in either (a) the manner described
under "Fixed Plus Account Withdrawals" above; or (b) level, annual payments for
a period not to exceed ten years.

     If alternative (b) is elected, the interest credited to the Fixed Plus
Account may be reduced up to 1.5% from the interest rate being credited upon the
date of withdrawal. This interest rate will remain constant throughout the
payment period.

TRANSFERS AMONG INVESTMENT OPTIONS

     The amount eligible for transfer from the Fixed Plus Account is 20% of the
amount held in the Fixed Plus Account on the day we receive a written request,
reduced by any Fixed Plus Account withdrawals, transfers or annuitizations made
during the prior 12 months. In calculating the 20% limit, we reserve the right
to include payments made due to the election of one of the Additional Withdrawal
Options. The 20% limit on transfers will be waived when the value in the Fixed
Plus Account is $1,000 or less.

     By notifying us at the Aetna Processing Office at least 30 days before the
Annuity Date, you may elect to have amounts which have been accumulating under
the Fixed Plus Account transferred to one or more of the Subaccounts available
during the Annuity Period to provide lifetime variable Annuity Payments.

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                                       17

<PAGE>

                         For Master Applications Only

I hereby acknowledge receipt of an Account C State University of New York "SUNY"
Group Deferred Variable Annuity prospectus dated May 1, 1997, as well as all
current prospectuses pertaining to the variable investment options available
under the Contracts.

- ---  Please send an Account C Statement of Additional Information (Form No.
     SAI.81216-97) dated May 1, 1997.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------
                          CONTRACT HOLDER'S SIGNATURE

- --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     DATE
PROS.81216-97

- --------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT C
                                       OF

                    AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

              Statement of Additional Information dated May 1, 1997

                   Group Variable Annuity Contracts issued to
 The State University of New York ("SUNY") Defined Contribution Retirement Plan

This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should be read
in conjunction with the current prospectus for Variable Annuity Account C (the
"Separate Account") dated May 1, 1997 describing contracts issued in connection
with the Defined Contribution Plan for the State University of New York.

A free prospectus is available upon request from the local Aetna Life Insurance
and Annuity Company office or by writing to or calling:

                             Aetna Processing Office
                                 P.O. Box 12894
                           Albany, New York 12212-2894
                                 1-800-677-4636

Read the prospectus before you invest. Unless otherwise indicated, terms used in
this Statement of Additional Information shall have the same meaning as in the
prospectus.

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                        Page

General Information and History...........................................2
Variable Annuity Account C................................................2
Offering and Purchase of Contracts........................................3
Performance Data..........................................................3
     General..............................................................3
     Average Annual Total Return Quotations...............................5
Annuity Payments..........................................................6
Sales Material and Advertising............................................7
Independent Auditors......................................................7
Financial Statements of the Separate Account............................S-1
Financial Statements of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company........F-1


<PAGE>

                         GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY
   
Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company (the "Company") is a stock life
insurance company which was organized under the insurance laws of the State of
Connecticut in 1976. Through a merger, it succeeded to the business of Aetna
Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (formerly Participating Annuity Life
Insurance Company organized in 1954). As of December 31, 1996, the Company had
$30.1 billion invested through its products, including $15.0 billion in its
separate accounts (of which the Company oversees the management of $10.5
billion) and $1.1 billion in its mutual funds offered outside of its separate
accounts. As of December 31, 1995, it ranked among the top 2% of all U.S. life
insurance companies based on assets. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc., which is in turn a wholly owned subsidiary of
Aetna Retirement Services, Inc., and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Aetna Inc. The Company is engaged in the business of issuing life insurance
policies and annuity contracts in all states of the United States. The Company's
Home Office is located at 151 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut 06156.
     
In addition to serving as the principal underwriter and the depositor for the
Separate Account, the Company is also a registered investment adviser under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and a registered broker-dealer under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company provides investment advice to
several of the registered management investment companies offered as variable
investment options under the Contracts funded by the Separate Account (see
"Variable Annuity Account C" below).

The Company has established the Aetna Processing Office to provide
administrative support to the Contract Holder and Participants of the State
University of New York Defined Contribution Retirement Plan ("SUNY"). This
office will handle enrollments, billing, transfers, redemptions, and inquiries
for all SUNY Contract Holders and Participants. All forms and correspondence
should be sent to the address listed on the cover of this Statement of
Additional Information.

Other than the mortality and expense risk charges and administrative expense
charge, if any, described in the prospectus, all expenses incurred in the
operations of the Separate Account are borne by the Company. (See "Charges and
Deductions" in the prospectus.) The Company receives reimbursement for certain
administrative costs from some unaffiliated sponsors of the Funds used as
funding options under the Contract. These fees generally range up to 0.25%.

The assets of the Separate Account are held by the Company. The Separate Account
has no custodian. However, the Funds in whose shares the assets of the Separate
Account are invested each have custodians, as discussed in their respective
prospectuses.

                           VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT C
   
Variable Annuity Account C (the "Separate Account") is a separate account
established by the Company for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts
issued by the Company. The Separate Account is registered with the Securities
and Exchange Commission as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended. Purchase Payments made under the Contract may be
allocated to one or more of the Subaccounts. Each Subaccount invests in the
shares of only one of the Funds listed below. The Company may make additions to,
deletions from or substitutions of available investment options as permitted by
law and subject to the conditions in the Contract. The availability of the Funds
is subject to applicable regulatory authorization.
    

                                       2
<PAGE>

The Funds currently available under the Contract are as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>          
Aetna Variable Fund                                             Fidelity VIP II Index 500 Portfolio
Aetna Income Shares                                             Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio
Aetna Variable Encore Fund                                      Franklin Government Securities Trust
Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.                            Janus Aspen Aggressive Growth Portfolio
Alger American Growth Portfolio                                 Janus Aspen Growth Portfolio
Alger American Small Cap Portfolio                              Janus Aspen Short-Term Bond Portfolio
American Century VP Capital Appreciation                        Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolio
  (formerly TCI Growth)                                         Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.
Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Portfolio                 Lexington Natural Resources Trust
Fidelity VIP II Asset Manager Portfolio                         Neuberger & Berman Growth Portfolio
Fidelity VIP II Contrafund Portfolio                            Scudder International Portfolio Class A Shares
</TABLE>

Complete descriptions of each of the Funds, including their investment
objectives, policies, risks and fees and expenses, is contained in the
prospectuses and statements of additional information for each of the Funds.

                       OFFERING AND PURCHASE OF CONTRACTS

The Company is both the depositor and the principal underwriter for the
securities sold by the prospectus. The Company offers the Contracts through life
insurance agents licensed to sell variable annuities who are registered
representatives of the Company or of other registered broker-dealers who have
sales agreements with the Company. The offering of the Contracts is continuous.
A description of the manner in which Contracts are purchased may be found in the
prospectus under the sections titled "Purchase" and "Contract Valuation."

                                PERFORMANCE DATA

General

From time to time, the Company may advertise different types of historical
performance for the Subaccounts of the Separate Account available under the
Contracts issued by the Company in connection with Plans described in the
prospectus. The Company may advertise the "standardized average annual total
returns," calculated in a manner prescribed by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "standardized return"), as well as "non-standardized returns,"
calculated in an identical manner but including additional periods.

   
The standardized and non-standardized total return figures are computed
according to a formula in which a hypothetical initial Purchase Payment of
$1,000 is applied to the various Subaccounts under the Contract, and then
related to the ending redeemable values over one, five and ten year periods (or
fractional periods thereof). The redeemable value is then divided by the initial
investment and this quotient is taken to the Nth root (N represents the number
of years in the period) and 1 is subtracted from the result which is then
expressed as a percentage, carried to at least the nearest hundredth of a
percent. The standardized and non-standardized figures use the actual returns of
the Fund since inception and then adjust them to reflect the deduction of all
recurring charges under the Contracts during each period (e.g., mortality and
expense risk charges and any applicable administrative expense charges). These
charges will be deducted on a pro rata basis in the case of fractional periods.
The non-standardized figures may be 


                                       3

<PAGE>

computed to include monthly, quarterly, year-to-date and three-year periods. The
total return figures shown below may be different from the Condensed Financial
Information shown in the prospectus because for periods prior to 1994, the
Subaccount's investment performance was based on the performance of the
underlying Fund plus any cash held by the Subaccount.

    
Investment results of the Subaccounts will fluctuate over time, and any
presentation of the Subaccounts' total return quotations for any prior period
should not be considered as a representation of how the Subaccounts will perform
in any future period. Additionally, the Account Value upon redemption may be
more or less than your original cost.


                                       4
<PAGE>

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN QUOTATIONS - Standardized and Non-Standardized
   
The table below reflects the average annual standardized and non-standardized
total return quotation figures for the period ended December 31, 1996 for the
Subaccounts under the Contract issued by the Company. For those Subaccounts
where results are not available for the full calendar period indicated, the
percentage shown is an average annual return since inception (denoted with an
*).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                             FUND
                                                    STANDARDIZED                          NON-STANDARDIZED                INCEPTION
                                                                                                                             DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               SUBACCOUNT                1  Year    5 Years    10 Years     1 Year     3 Years    5 Years    10 Years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                                      <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
                                          22.91%     11.76%      12.81%      22.91%     16.22%      11.76%     12.81%
 Aetna Variable Fund                                                                                                      05/01/75
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           2.30%      5.44%       7.48%       2.30%      4.28%       5.44%      7.48%
 Aetna Income Shares                                                                                                      05/15/73
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           4.05%      3.16%       4.77%       4.05%      3.84%       3.16%      4.77%
 Aetna Variable Encore Fund                                                                                               08/01/75
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          13.73%      9.89%       9.91%*     13.73%     12.00%       9.89%      9.91%*
 Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.                                                                                     04/03/89
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          11.93%     15.19%      17.21%*     11.93%     14.74%      15.19%     17.21%*
 Alger American Growth Portfolio                                                                                          01/09/89
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           2.88%      9.64%      18.74%*      2.88%     11.46%       9.64%     18.74%*
 Alger American Small Cap Portfolio                                                                                       09/21/88
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 American Century VP Capital              (5.52%)     4.86%       9.44%*     (5.52%)     6.09%       4.86%      9.44%*
   Appreciation                                                                                                           11/20/87
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced    11.22%      9.08%       9.74%      11.22%     10.86%       9.08%      9.74%
   Portfolio                                                                                                              09/02/86
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          13.17%      9.88%      10.32%*     13.17%      6.63%       9.88%     10.32%*
 Fidelity VIP II Asset Manager                                                                                            09/06/89
 Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          19.71%     28.68%*       n/a       19.71%     28.68%*       n/a        n/a
 Fidelity VIP II Contrafund Portfolio                                                                                     01/03/95
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          21.29%     15.66%*       n/a       21.29%     17.93%      15.66%*      n/a
 Fidelity VIP II Index 500 Portfolio                                                                                      08/27/92
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          12.86%     16.52%      12.33%      12.86%     16.78%      16.52%     12.33%
 Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio                                                                                     10/09/86
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           2.77%      5.11%       7.15%*      2.77%      4.33%       5.11%      7.15%*
 Franklin Government Securities Trust                                                                                     02/17/89
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           6.60%     19.78%*       n/a        6.60%     15.53%      19.78%*      n/a
 Janus Aspen Aggressive Growth                                                                                             9/13/93
 Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          16.98%     14.74%*       n/a       16.98%     15.14%      14.74%*      n/a
 Janus Aspen Growth Portfolio                                                                                             09/13/93
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           2.68%      3.11%*       n/a        2.68%      3.45%       3.11%*      n/a
 Janus Aspen Short-Term Bond Portfolio                                                                                    09/13/93
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          27.43%     21.63%*       n/a       27.43%     17.14%      21.63%*      n/a
 Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolio                                                                                   09/13/93
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           6.12%      0.18%*       n/a        6.12%      0.18%*       n/a        n/a
 Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.                                                                                    03/30/94
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          25.31%      8.58%       8.65%*     25.31%     10.56%       8.58%      8.65%*
 Lexington Natural Resources Trust                                                                                        10/14/91
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           7.78%      8.47%      10.06%       7.78%      9.58%       8.47%     10.06%
 Neuberger & Berman Growth Portfolio                                                                                      09/10/84
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Scudder International Portfolio          13.35%      9.68%       8.57%*     13.35%      6.80%       9.68%      8.57%*
   Class A Shares                                                                                                         05/01/87
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
Please refer to the discussion preceding the Tables for an explanation of the
charges included in the Standardized and Non-Standardized figures. These figures
represent historical performance and should not be considered a projection of
future performance.

                                        5

<PAGE>

                                ANNUITY PAYMENTS

When Annuity payments are to begin, the value of the Account is determined using
Accumulation Unit values as of the tenth Valuation Date before the first Annuity
payment is due. Such value (less any applicable premium tax) is applied to
provide an Annuity in accordance with the Annuity and investment options
elected.

The Annuity option tables found in the Contract show, for each form of Annuity,
the amount of the first Annuity payment for each $1,000 of value applied.
Thereafter, variable Annuity payments fluctuate as the Annuity Unit value(s)
fluctuates with the investment experience of the selected investment option(s).
The first payment and subsequent payments also vary depending on the assumed net
investment rate selected (3.5% or 5% per annum). Selection of a 5% rate causes a
higher first payment, but Annuity payments will increase thereafter only to the
extent that the net investment rate increases by more than 5% on an annual
basis. Annuity payments would decline if the rate failed to increase by 5%. Use
of the 3.5% assumed rate causes a lower first payment, but subsequent payments
would increase more rapidly or decline more slowly as changes occur in the net
investment rate.

When the Annuity Period begins, the Annuitant is credited with a fixed number of
Annuity Units (which does not change thereafter) in each of the designated
investment options. This number is calculated by dividing (a) by (b), where (a)
is the amount of the first Annuity payment based on a particular investment
option, and (b) is the then current Annuity Unit value for that investment
option. As noted, Annuity Unit values fluctuate from one Valuation Date to the
next; such fluctuations reflect changes in the net investment factor for the
appropriate Subaccount(s) (with a ten Valuation Date lag which gives the Company
time to process Annuity payments) and a mathematical adjustment which offsets
the assumed net investment rate of 3.5% or 5% per annum.

The operation of all these factors can be illustrated by the following
hypothetical example. These procedures will be performed separately for the
investment options selected during the Annuity Period.

EXAMPLE: 
Assume that, at the date Annuity payments are to begin, there are 3,000
Accumulation Units credited under a particular Contract or Account and that the
value of an Accumulation Unit for the tenth Valuation Date prior to retirement
was $13.650000. This produces a total value of $40,950.

Assume also that no premium tax is payable and that the Annuity table in the
Contract provides, for the option elected, a first monthly variable Annuity
payment of $6.68 per $1000 of value applied; the Annuitant's first monthly
payment would thus be 40.950 multiplied by $6.68, or $273.55.

Assume then that the value of an Annuity Unit for the Valuation Date on which
the first payment was due was $13.400000. When this value is divided into the
first monthly payment, the number of Annuity Units is determined to be 20.414.
The value of this number of Annuity Units will be paid in each subsequent month.

If the net investment factor with respect to the appropriate Subaccount is
1.0015000 as of the tenth Valuation Date preceding the due date of the second
monthly payment, multiplying this factor by

                                        6
<PAGE>

 .9999058* (to neutralize the assumed net investment rate of 3.5% per annum built
into the number of Annuity Units determined above) produces a result of
1.0014057. This is then multiplied by the Annuity Unit value for the prior
Valuation Date (assume such value to be $13.504376) to produce an Annuity Unit
value of $13.523359 for the Valuation Date on which the second payment is due.

The second monthly payment is then determined by multiplying the number of
Annuity Units by the current Annuity Unit value, or 20.414 times $13.523359,
which produces a payment of $276.07.

*If an assumed net investment rate of 5% is elected, the appropriate factor to
neutralize such assumed rate would be .9998663.

                         SALES MATERIAL AND ADVERTISING

The Company may include hypothetical illustrations in its sales literature that
explain the mathematical principles of dollar cost averaging, compounded
interest, tax deferred accumulation, and the mechanics of variable annuity
contracts. The Company may also discuss the difference between variable annuity
contracts and other types of savings or investment products, including, but not
limited to, personal savings accounts and certificates of deposit.

We may distribute sales literature that compares the percentage change in
Accumulation Unit values for any of the Subaccounts to established market
indices such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the Dow Jones
Industrial Average or to the percentage change in values of other management
investment companies that have investment objectives similar to the Subaccount
being compared.

We may publish in advertisements and reports, the ratings and other information
assigned to us by one or more independent rating organizations such as A.M. Best
Company, Duff & Phelps, Standard & Poor's Corporation and Moody's Investors
Services, Inc. The purpose of the ratings is to reflect our financial strength
and/or claims-paying ability. We may also quote ranking services such as
Morningstar's Variable Annuity/Life Performance Report and Lipper's Variable
Insurance Products Performance Analysis Service (VIPPAS), which rank variable
annuity or life subaccounts or their underlying funds by performance and/or
investment objective. We may illustrate in advertisements the performance of the
underlying funds, if accompanied by performance which also shows the performance
of such funds reduced by applicable charges under the Separate Account. We may
also show in advertisements the portfolio holdings of the underlying funds,
updated at various intervals. From time to time, we will quote articles from
newspapers and magazines or other publications or reports, but not limited to
The Wall Street Journal, Money magazine, USA Today and The VARDS Report.

The Company may provide in advertising, sales literature, periodic publications
or other materials information on various topics of interest to current and
prospective Contract Holders or Participants. These topics may include the
relationship between sectors of the economy and the economy as a whole and its
effect on various securities markets, investment strategies and techniques (such
as value investing, market timing, dollar cost averaging, asset allocation,
constant ratio transfer and account rebalancing), the advantages and
disadvantages of investing in tax-deferred and taxable investments, customer
profiles and hypothetical purchase and investment scenarios, financial
management and tax and retirement planning, and investment alternatives to
certificates of deposit and other financial instruments, including comparison
between the Contracts and the characteristics of and market for such financial
instruments.

                              INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


                                        7
<PAGE>

KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, CityPlace II, Hartford, Connecticut 06103-4103, are the
independent auditors for the Separate Account and for the Company. The services
provided to the Separate Account include primarily the examination of the
Separate Account's financial statements and the review of filings made with the
SEC.

                                        8
<PAGE>

                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                           VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT C


                                      Index


Statement of Assets and Liabilities....................................... S-2
Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets........................ S-5
Notes to Financial Statements ............................................ S-6
Independent Auditors' Report.............................................. S-12


                                       S-1


<PAGE>

Variable Annuity Account C

Statement of Assets and Liabilities - December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                            <C>
ASSETS:
Investments, at net asset value: (Note 1)
  Aetna Variable Fund; 151,485,109 shares (cost $4,579,080,272) .............................  $4,906,825,216
  Aetna Income Shares;  28,507,123 shares (cost $369,163,545)................................     359,849,312
  Aetna Variable Encore Fund; 18,592,739 shares (cost $246,054,502) .........................     245,304,466
  Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.; 53,928,968 shares (cost $718,075,860) ...............     815,295,428
  Aetna GET Fund, Series B; 4,575,463 shares (cost $47,775,458) .............................      65,062,153
  Aetna GET Fund, Series C; 19,458,746 shares (cost $196,074,278) ...........................     199,058,163
  Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio; 1,716,448 shares (cost $19,943,767) ......................      21,660,591
  Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio; 1,232,084 shares (cost $13,920,592) ..................      14,758,921
  Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio; 805,622 shares (cost $8,954,520) .........................       9,067,002
  Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio; 976,838 shares (cost $10,573,112) ....................      10,653,437
  Alger American Funds:
    Growth Portfolio; 3,054,826 shares (cost $98,141,364) ...................................     104,872,172
    Small Capitalization Portfolio; 7,916,675 shares (cost $284,506,629) ....................     323,871,170
  Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Fund; 22,541,903 shares (cost $37,025,408) ..........      39,989,335
  Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund:
    Equity-Income Portfolio; 5,062,740 shares (cost $95,793,557) ............................     106,469,428
    Growth Portfolio; 2,583,239 shares (cost $75,185,783) ...................................      80,442,047
    Overseas Portfolio; 448,481 shares (cost $7,799,758) ....................................       8,449,388
  Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund II:
    Asset Manager Portfolio; 1,010,226 shares (cost $14,600,538) ............................      17,103,129
    Contrafund Portfolio; 7,179,138 shares (cost $103,725,028) ..............................     118,886,521
    Index 500 Portfolio; 238,202 shares (cost $18,926,038) ..................................      21,230,903
 Franklin Government Securities Trust; 1,774,843 shares (cost $22,950,984) ..................      23,356,943
 Janus Aspen Series:
    Aggressive Growth Portfolio; 9,477,882 shares (cost $155,207,650) .......................     172,876,567
    Balanced Portfolio; 1,034,616 shares (cost $14,529,701) .................................      15,281,267
    Flexible Income Portfolio; 748,885 shares (cost $8,276,798) .............................       8,417,464
    Growth Portfolio; 2,630,613 shares (cost $38,608,238) ...................................      40,800,809
    Short-Term Bond Portfolio; 169,569 shares (cost $1,697,074) .............................       1,690,606
    Worldwide Growth Portfolio; 8,868,224 shares (cost $155,687,884) ........................     172,398,274
  Lexington Emerging Markets Fund; 480,702 shares (cost $4,742,490) .........................       4,845,481
  Lexington Natural Resources Trust Fund; 1,668,604 shares (cost $19,847,176) ...............      23,844,347
  Neuberger and Berman Advisers Management Trust -
    Growth Portfolio; 3,688,195 shares (cost $85,622,163) ...................................      95,081,684
  Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund -
    International Portfolio; 14,454,018 shares (cost $162,216,238) ..........................     191,515,746
TCI Portfolios Inc. - Growth Fund; 33,812,929 shares (cost $338,104,873) ....................     346,244,393
                                                                                               --------------
NET ASSETS  (cost $7,952,811,278)............................................................  $8,565,202,363
                                                                                               ==============
Net assets represented by:

Reserves for annuity contracts in accumulation and payment period: (Notes 1 and 5)

Aetna Variable Fund:
  Annuity contracts in accumulation..........................................................  $4,694,078,344
  Annuity contracts in payment period........................................................     212,746,872
Aetna Income Shares:
  Annuity contracts in accumulation..........................................................     354,233,289
  Annuity contracts in payment period........................................................       5,616,023
Aetna Variable Encore Fund:
  Annuity contracts in accumulation..........................................................     245,304,466
Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.:
  Annuity contracts in accumulation..........................................................     800,532,626
  Annuity contracts in payment period........................................................      14,762,802
</TABLE>

                                      S-2
<PAGE>

Variable Annuity Account C

Statement of Assets and Liabilities - December 31, 1996 (continued):

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                               <C>
 Aetna GET Fund, Series B:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................     $65,062,153
 Aetna GET Fund, Series C:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................     199,058,163
 Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................      21,660,591
 Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................      14,758,921
 Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................       9,067,002
 Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................      10,653,437
 Alger American Funds:
   Growth Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................     104,872,172
   Small Capitalization Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................     323,871,170
 Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Fund:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................      39,989,335
 Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund:
   Equity-Income Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................     106,469,428
   Growth Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................      80,442,047
   Overseas Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................       8,449,388
 Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund II:
   Asset Manager Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................      17,103,129
   Contrafund Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................     118,886,521
   Index 500 Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................      21,230,903
 Franklin Government Securities Trust Fund:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................      23,356,943
 Janus Aspen Series:
   Aggressive Growth Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................     172,876,567
   Balanced Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................      15,281,267
   Flexible Income Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................       8,417,464
   Growth Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................      40,800,809
   Short-Term Bond Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................       1,690,606
   Worldwide Growth Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................     172,398,274
 Lexington Emerging Markets Fund:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................       4,845,481
 Lexington Natural Resources Trust Fund:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................      23,844,347
 Neuberger and Berman Advisers Management Trust -
   Growth Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................      95,081,684
 Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund - International Portfolio:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................     191,515,746
</TABLE>

                                      S-3
<PAGE>

Variable Annuity Account C

Statement of Assets and Liabilities - December 31, 1996 (continued):

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                            <C>
 TCI Portfolios, Inc. - Growth Fund:
   Annuity contracts in accumulation.........................................................    $346,244,393
                                                                                               --------------
                                                                                               $8,565,202,363
                                                                                               ==============
</TABLE>


See Notes to Financial Statements

                                      S-4
<PAGE>

Variable Annuity Account C

Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Year Ended December 31,
                                                                          1996                1995
                                                                          ----                ----
<S>                                                                  <C>                 <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Income: (Notes 1, 3 and 5)
   Dividends .....................................................     $712,854,599        $730,430,612
Expenses: (Notes 2 and 5)
   Valuation Period Deductions ...................................      (93,446,331)        (71,090,542)
                                                                     --------------      --------------
Net investment income ............................................      619,408,268         659,340,070
                                                                     --------------      --------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
  ON INVESTMENTS:
Net realized gain on sales of investments: (Notes 1, 4 and 5)
  Proceeds from sales ............................................    2,060,808,031         570,154,582
  Cost of investments sold .......................................    1,547,239,509         409,480,615
                                                                     --------------      --------------
    Net realized gain ............................................      513,568,522         160,673,967
Net unrealized gain on investments: (Note 5)
  Beginning of year ..............................................      594,083,184          73,479,233
  End of year ....................................................      612,391,085         594,083,184
                                                                     --------------      --------------
    Net change in unrealized gain ................................       18,307,901         520,603,951
                                                                     --------------      --------------
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments ..................      531,876,423         681,277,918
                                                                     --------------      --------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations .............    1,151,284,691       1,340,617,988
                                                                     --------------      --------------
FROM UNIT TRANSACTIONS:
Variable annuity contract purchase payments ......................      951,293,520         771,594,245
Sales and administrative charges deducted by the Company .........          (61,783)            (98,694)
                                                                     --------------      --------------
    Net variable annuity contract purchase payments...............      951,231,737         771,495,551
Transfer from the Company for mortality guarantee adjustments ....        3,247,064           3,678,430
Transfers (to) from the Company's fixed account options ..........      187,508,331         (44,377,350)
Redemptions by contract holders ..................................     (339,383,183)       (287,945,984)
Annuity Payments .................................................      (20,948,181)        (14,807,537)
Other ............................................................          144,245           1,144,770
                                                                     --------------      --------------
    Net increase in net assets from unit transactions (Note 5) ...      781,800,013         429,187,880
                                                                     --------------      --------------
Change in net assets .............................................    1,933,084,704       1,769,805,868
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year ................................................    6,632,117,659       4,862,311,791
                                                                     --------------      --------------
End of year ......................................................   $8,565,202,363      $6,632,117,659
                                                                     ==============      ==============
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements


                                      S-5
<PAGE>

Variable Annuity Account C

Notes to Financial Statements - December 31, 1996

1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     Variable Annuity Account C ("Account") is a separate account established by
     Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and is registered under the
     Investment Company Act of 1940 as a unit investment trust. The Account is
     sold exclusively for use with variable annuity contracts that are qualified
     under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
     accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
     assumptions that affect amounts reported therein. Although actual results
     could differ from these estimates, any such differences are expected to be
     immaterial to the net assets of the Account.

     a.  Valuation of Investments
     Investments in the following Funds are stated at the closing net asset
     value per share as determined by each Fund on December 31, 1996:


     Aetna Variable Fund                           
     Aetna Income Shares
     Aetna Variable Encore Fund
     Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.
     Aetna GET Fund, Series B
     Aetna GET Fund, Series C
     Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio
     Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio
     Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio
     Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio
     Alger American Funds:
     [bullet]  Growth Portfolio
     [bullet]  Small Capitalization Portfolio
     Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Portfolio
     Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund:
     [bullet]  Equity-Income Portfolio
     [bullet]  Growth Portfolio
     [bullet]  Overseas Portfolio
     Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund II:
     [bullet]  Asset Manager Portfolio
     [bullet]  Contrafund Portfolio
     [bullet]  Index 500 Portfolio



     Franklin Government Securities Trust
     Janus Aspen Series:
     [bullet]  Aggressive Growth Portfolio
     [bullet]  Balanced Portfolio
     [bullet]  Flexible Income Portfolio
     [bullet]  Growth Portfolio
     [bullet]  Short-Term Bond Portfolio
     [bullet]  Worldwide Growth Portfolio 
     Lexington Fund Emerging Markets Fund
     Lexington Natural Resources Trust Fund
     Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust - 
       Growth Portfolio
     Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund - 
       International Portfolio
     TCI Portfolios, Inc. - Growth Fund



     b.  Other
     Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis and
     dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. The cost of
     investments sold is determined by specific identification.

     c.  Federal Income Taxes
     The operations of the Account form a part of, and are taxed with, the total
     operations of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company ("Company") which is
     taxed as a life insurance company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
     as amended.

                                      S-6
<PAGE>

Variable Annuity Account C

Notes to Financial Statements - December 31, 1996 (continued):

     d.  Annuity Reserves
     Annuity reserves held in the Separate Accounts are computed for currently
     payable contracts according to the Progressive Annuity, a49, 1971
     Individual Annuity Mortality, 1971 Group Annuity Mortality, 83a, and 1983
     Group Annuity Mortality tables using various assumed interest rates not to
     exceed seven percent. Mortality experience is monitored by the Company.
     Charges to annuity reserves for mortality experience are reimbursed to the
     Company if the reserves required are less than originally estimated. If
     additional reserves are required, the Company reimburses the Account.

2.   Valuation Period Deductions

     Deductions by the Account for mortality and expense risk charges are made
     in accordance with the terms of the contracts and are paid to the Company.

3.   Dividend Income

     On an annual basis, the Funds distribute substantially all of their taxable
     income and realized capital gains to their shareholders. Distributions to
     the Account are automatically reinvested in shares of the Funds. The
     Account's proportionate share of each Fund's undistributed net investment
     income (distributions in excess of net investment income) and accumulated
     net realized gain (loss) on investments is included in net unrealized gain
     (loss) in the Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets.

4.   Purchases and Sales of Investments

     The cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments other than
     short-term investments for the years ended December 31, 1996 and December
     31, 1995 aggregated $3,462,016,312 and $2,060,808,031; $1,658,682,532 and
     $570,154,582, respectively.

                                       S-7
<PAGE>


Variable Annuity Account C

Notes to Financial Statements - December 31, 1996 (continued):

5.   Supplemental Information to Statements of Operations and Changes in 
     Net Assets - Year Ended December 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                     Net Unrealized
                                                           Valuation       Proceeds         Cost of         Net         Gain (Loss)
                                                             Period          from          Investments    Realized       Beginning 
                                            Dividends      Deductions        Sales            Sold       Gain (Loss)      of Year  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>           <C>          <C>          
Aetna Variable Fund:                       $515,238,366   ($54,321,686)  $1,237,963,630   $841,837,896  $396,125,734 $267,567,573 
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
Annuity contracts in payment period                                                                                                
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Income Shares:                         23,144,319     (4,611,478)     155,474,786    153,469,788     2,004,998    3,230,862  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
Annuity contracts in payment period                                                                                                
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Variable Encore Fund:                  14,058,252     (2,878,790)     175,207,017    167,163,639     8,043,378    9,204,418  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.:        72,699,670     (9,562,496)     223,353,174    160,905,519    62,447,655  122,622,603  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
Annuity contracts in payment period                                                                                                
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna GET Fund, Series B:                     5,304,368     (1,100,778)      25,117,816     18,596,857     6,520,959   13,423,804  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna GET Fund, Series C:                       969,084       (280,865)         229,569        224,240         5,329            0  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio:                963,171       (137,931)         514,612        443,710        70,902      105,405  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio:            797,511       (106,179)         755,620        679,118        76,502       68,967  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio:                595,666        (63,355)       1,206,903      1,119,490        87,413       36,214  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio:             57,328        (16,537)         356,603        338,531        18,072            0  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alger American Funds:
 Growth Portfolio:                            2,138,198       (966,404)       3,326,813      3,149,890       176,923     (285,937) 
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Small Capitalization Portfolio:              1,173,212     (3,731,877)      24,333,106     17,577,100     6,756,006   38,038,924  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Fund:   3,000,539       (425,159)       1,793,014      1,429,393       363,621    2,175,908  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund:
  Equity-Income Portfolio:                    2,269,871       (994,896)       3,851,613      3,166,678       684,935    2,759,687  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Growth Portfolio:                            2,304,888       (707,334)         623,639        453,561       170,078      505,388  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Overseas Portfolio:                            115,737        (82,498)       2,280,928      2,065,136       215,792      163,196  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund II:
 Asset Manager Portfolio:                       955,910       (196,386)       2,016,939      1,797,456       219,483    1,530,985  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Contrafund Portfolio:                          357,388       (910,633)       1,299,964      1,078,898       221,066      285,166  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Index 500 Portfolio:                           219,199       (139,391)       1,105,697        943,071       162,626      223,865  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franklin Government Securities Trust:         1,223,061       (290,354)       5,788,894      5,646,267       142,627      831,241  
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       S-8
<PAGE>
Variable Annuity Account C

Notes to Financial Statements - December 31, 1996 (continued):


5.   Supplemental Information to Statements of Operations and Changes in 
     Net Assets - Year Ended December 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Net
                                             Net Unrealized         Net          Increase(Decrease)
                                               Gain (Loss)        Change in          In Net Assets              Net Assets
                                                  End            Unrealized          from Unit         Beginning          End
                                                of Year          Gain (Loss)        Transactions        of Year         of Year
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>                <C>                 <C>             <C>             <C>
Aetna Variable Fund:                         $327,744,944       $60,177,371         $39,664,335
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                   $3,805,891,355  $4,694,078,344
Annuity contracts in payment period                                                                    144,049,741     212,746,872
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Income Shares:                           (9,314,233)      (12,545,095)        (34,151,027)
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                      380,937,626     354,233,289
Annuity contracts in payment period                                                                      5,069,969       5,616,023
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Variable Encore Fund:                      (750,036)       (9,954,454)          5,744,394
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                      230,291,686     245,304,466
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.:          97,219,569       (25,403,034)         (7,904,062)
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                      713,304,833     800,532,626
Annuity contracts in payment period                                                                      9,712,862      14,762,802
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna GET Fund, Series B:                      17,286,695         3,862,891         (22,661,545)
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                       73,136,258      65,062,153
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna GET Fund, Series C:                       2,983,885         2,983,885         195,380,730
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                0     199,058,163
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio:                1,716,824         1,611,419          14,244,294
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                        4,908,736      21,660,591
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio:              838,329           769,362           9,552,968
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                        3,668,757      14,758,921
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio:                  112,482            76,268           6,451,330
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                        1,919,680       9,067,002
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio:               80,325            80,325          10,514,249
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                0      10,653,437
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alger American Funds:
 Growth Portfolio:                              6,730,808         7,016,745          58,052,710
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                       38,454,000     104,872,172
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Small Capitalization Portfolio:               39,364,541         1,325,617          77,101,765
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                      241,246,447     323,871,170
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced Fund:     2,963,927           788,019           7,573,554
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                       28,688,761      39,989,335
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund:
  Equity-Income Portfolio:                     10,675,870         7,916,183          58,569,396
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                       38,023,939     106,469,428
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Growth Portfolio:                              5,256,264         4,750,876          46,205,811
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                       27,717,728      80,442,047
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Overseas Portfolio:                              649,630           486,434           3,994,936
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                        3,718,987       8,449,388
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund II:
 Asset Manager Portfolio:                       2,502,591           971,606             782,358
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                       14,370,158      17,103,129
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Contrafund Portfolio:                         15,161,493        14,876,327          73,985,256
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                       30,357,117     118,886,521
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Index 500 Portfolio:                           2,304,865         2,081,000          15,496,325
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                        3,411,144      21,230,903
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franklin Government Securities Trust:             405,959          (425,282)            664,776
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                       22,042,115      23,356,943
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       S-9
<PAGE>
Variable Annuity Account C

Notes to Financial Statements - December 31, 1996 (continued):


5.   Supplemental Information to Statements of Operations and Changes in 
     Net Assets - Year Ended December 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                    
                                                              Valuation         Proceeds          Cost of            Net            
                                                                Period            from          Investments        Realized         
                                             Dividends        Deductions         Sales             Sold           Gain (Loss)       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>              <C>            <C>               <C>                 <C>              
Janus Aspen Series:
 Aggressive Growth Portfolio:                $1,589,459      ($1,739,222)      $4,803,682        $3,702,615        $1,101,067       
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Balanced Portfolio:                            238,807          (87,725)       1,671,701         1,511,274           160,427       
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Flexible Income Portfolio:                     499,929          (72,736)       1,541,843         1,429,353           112,490       
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Growth Portfolio:                              630,364         (245,877)       1,130,979           963,703           167,276       
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Short-Term Bond Portfolio:                      61,378          (14,453)         726,351           729,002            (2,651)      
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Worldwide Growth Portfolio:                  1,725,690       (1,035,043)       1,942,344         1,492,553           449,791       
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lexington Emerging Markets Fund:                      0          (55,554)         905,228           870,164            35,064       
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lexington Natural Resources Trust Fund:          80,144         (231,100)       7,649,108         6,026,027         1,623,081       
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger and  Berman Advisers Management Trust -
 Growth Portfolio:                            8,437,018       (1,199,983)      15,336,623        13,853,081         1,483,542       
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund -
 International Portfolio:                     4,063,525       (2,264,627)      26,981,873        22,523,390         4,458,483       
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCI Portfolios, Inc. - Growth Fund:          47,942,547       (4,974,984)     131,517,962       112,052,109        19,465,853       
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Variable Annuity Account C           $712,854,599     ($93,446,331)  $2,060,808,031    $1,547,239,509      $513,568,522       
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Net                                  Net
                                                  Unrealized              Net      Increase (Decrease)
                                                 Gain (Loss)           Change in      In Net Assets             Net Assets
                                          Beginning         End       Unrealized       from Unit        Beginning          End
                                           of Year        of Year     Gain (Loss)     Transactions       of Year         of Year
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>           
Janus Aspen Series:
 Aggressive Growth Portfolio:            $13,091,398    $17,668,916    $4,577,518     $79,952,029
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                       $87,395,716    $172,876,567
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Balanced Portfolio:                          60,530       751,567        691,037      12,773,551
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                         1,505,170      15,281,267
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Flexible Income Portfolio:                  167,581       140,666        (26,915)      4,046,573
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                         3,858,123       8,417,464
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Growth Portfolio:                           145,978     2,192,571      2,046,593      33,135,966
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                         5,066,487      40,800,809
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Short-Term Bond Portfolio:                     (354)       (6,468)        (6,114)      1,108,236
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                           544,210       1,690,606

                                      S-10
<PAGE>


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Worldwide Growth Portfolio:                 786,497    16,710,390     15,923,893     139,287,080
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                        16,046,863     172,398,274
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lexington Emerging Markets Fund:             (46,118)      102,991        149,109       1,627,816
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                         3,089,046       4,845,481
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lexington Natural Resources Trust Fund:    1,277,740     3,997,171      2,719,431       5,442,307
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                        14,210,484      23,844,347
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger and  Berman Advisers Management Trust -
 Growth Portfolio:                        11,656,721     9,459,521     (2,197,200)       (937,272)
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                        89,495,579      95,081,684
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund -
 International Portfolio:                 12,783,439    29,299,509     16,516,070       4,017,712
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                       164,724,583     191,515,746
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCI Portfolios, Inc. - Growth Fund:       91,671,503     8,139,519    (83,531,984)    (57,916,538)
Annuity contracts in accumulation                                                                       425,259,499     346,244,393
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Variable Annuity Account C        $594,083,184  $612,391,085    $18,307,901    $781,800,013    $6,632,117,659  $8,565,202,363
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


                                      S-11
<PAGE>

                          Independent Auditors' Report


The Board of Directors of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and Contract
    Owners of Variable Annuity Account C:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Aetna
Life Insurance and Annuity Company Variable Annuity Account C (the "Account") as
of December 31, 1996, and the related statements of operations and changes in
net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended and condensed
financial information for the year ended December 31, 1996. These financial
statements and condensed financial information are the responsibility of the
Account's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and condensed financial information based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and condensed
financial information are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities
owned as of December 31, 1996, by correspondence with the custodian. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and condensed financial information
referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company Variable Annuity Account C
as of December 31, 1996, the results of its operations and the changes in its
net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended and condensed
financial information for the year ended December 31, 1996 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.



                                                        KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Hartford, Connecticut
February 14, 1997

                                      S-12



<PAGE>



            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBIDIARIES

                   Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                                                            Page

Independent Auditors' Report                                                 F-2

Consolidated Financial Statements:

   Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended
     December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                                        F-3

   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996
     and 1995                                                                F-4

   Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
     for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                    F-5

   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years
     Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                                  F-6

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                F-7



                                      F-1
<PAGE>







                          Independent Auditors' Report

The Shareholder and Board of Directors
Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Aetna Life
Insurance and Annuity Company and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholder's
equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Aetna Life Insurance
and Annuity Company and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.


                                                       /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Hartford, Connecticut
February 4, 1997


                                      F-2
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

                    Consolidated Statements of Income
                               (millions)

                                                Years Ended December 31,
                                           --------------------------------
                                              1996        1995       1994
                                              ----        ----       ----

Revenue:
  Premiums                                   $133.6      $212.7     $191.6
  Charges assessed against policyholders      396.5       318.9      279.0
  Net investment income                     1,045.6     1,004.3      917.2
  Net realized capital gains                   19.7        41.3        1.5
  Other income                                 45.4        42.0       10.3
                                            -------     -------    -------
    Total revenue                           1,640.8     1,619.2    1,399.6
                                            -------     -------    -------

Benefits and expenses:
  Current and future benefits                 968.6       997.2      921.5
  Operating expenses                          342.2       310.8      225.7
  Amortization of deferred policy
   acquisition costs                           69.8        48.0       31.5
  Severance and facilities charges             61.3        --         --
                                            -------     -------    -------
    Total benefits and expenses             1,441.9     1,356.0    1,178.7
                                            -------     -------    -------

Income before income taxes                    198.9       263.2      220.9

Income taxes                                   57.8        87.3       75.6
                                            -------     -------    -------
Net income                                   $141.1      $175.9     $145.3
                                            =======     =======    =======




See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



                                      F-3
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

                         Consolidated Balance Sheets
                        (millions, except share data)


                                                         December 31,
                                                    -------------------------
                                                      1996             1995
                                                      ----             ----
Assets
- ------

Investments:
  Debt securities, available for sale:
   (amortized cost: $12,539.1 and $11,923.7)        $12,905.5        $12,720.8
  Equity securities, available for sale:
   Non-redeemable preferred stock
    (cost: $107.6 and $51.3)                            119.0             57.6
   Investment in affiliated mutual funds
    (cost: $77.3 and $173.4)                             81.1            191.8
   Common stock (cost: $0.0 and $6.9)                     0.3              8.2
   Short-term investments                                34.8             15.1
   Mortgage loans                                        13.0             21.2
   Policy loans                                         399.3            338.6
                                                    ---------        ---------
       Total investments                             13,553.0         13,353.3

  Cash and cash equivalents                             459.1            568.8
  Accrued investment income                             159.0            175.5
  Premiums due and other receivables                     26.6             37.3
  Deferred policy acquisition costs                   1,515.3          1,341.3
  Reinsurance loan to affiliate                         628.3            655.5
  Other assets                                           33.7             26.2
  Separate Account assets                            15,318.3         10,987.0
                                                    ---------        ---------
       Total assets                                 $31,693.3        $27,144.9
                                                    =========        =========

Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
- -------------------------------------

Liabilities:
  Future policy benefits                             $3,617.0          $3,594.6
  Unpaid claims and claim expenses                       28.9              27.2
  Policyholders' funds left with the Company         10,663.7          10,500.1
                                                    ---------         ---------
      Total insurance reserve liabilities            14,309.6          14,121.9
  Other liabilities                                     354.7             257.2
  Income taxes:
    Current                                              20.7              26.2
    Deferred                                             80.5             169.6
  Separate Account liabilities                       15,318.3          10,987.0
                                                    ---------         ---------
      Total liabilities                              30,083.8          25,561.9
                                                    ---------         ---------

Shareholder's equity:
  Common stock, par value $50 (100,000 shares
   authorized; 55,000 shares issued and
   outstanding)                                           2.8               2.8
  Paid-in capital                                       418.0             407.6
  Net unrealized capital gains                           60.5             132.5
  Retained earnings                                   1,128.2           1,040.1
                                                    ---------         ---------

      Total shareholder's equity                      1,609.5           1,583.0
                                                    ---------         ---------

       Total liabilities and shareholder's equity   $31,693.3         $27,144.9
                                                    =========         =========


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



                                      F-4
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

          Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
                                 (millions)


                                                  Years Ended December 31,
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                  1996       1995      1994
                                                  ----       ----      ----

Shareholder's equity, beginning of year         $1,583.0   $1,088.5   $1,246.7

Capital contributions                               10.4      --         --

Net change in unrealized capital gains (losses)    (72.0)     321.5     (303.5)

Net income                                         141.1      175.9      145.3

Other changes                                      (49.5)     --         --

Common stock dividends declared                     (3.5)      (2.9)     --
                                                --------   --------   --------
Shareholder's equity, end of year               $1,609.5   $1,583.0   $1,088.5
                                                ========   ========   ========



See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



                                      F-5
<PAGE>




            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

                   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                 (millions)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                  Years Ended December 31,
                                                           -------------------------------------
                                                               1996        1995         1994
                                                               ----        ----         ----
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>   
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
  Net income                                                  $141.1       $175.9       $145.3
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
   cash (used for) provided by operating activities:
  Decrease (increase) in accrued investment income              16.5        (33.3)       (17.5)
  Decrease in premiums due and other receivables                 1.6         25.4          1.3
  Increase in policy loans                                     (60.7)       (89.9)       (46.0)
  Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs               (174.0)      (177.0)      (105.9)
  Decrease in reinsurance loan to affiliate                     27.2         34.8         27.8
  Net increase in universal life account balances              243.2        393.4        164.7
  (Decrease) increase in other insurance
   reserve liabilities                                        (211.5)        79.0         75.1
  Net increase in other liabilities and other assets             3.1         13.0         52.5
  Decrease in income taxes                                     (26.7)        (4.5)       (10.3)
  Net accretion of discount on investments                     (68.0)       (66.4)       (77.9)
  Net realized capital gains                                   (19.7)       (41.3)        (1.5)
  Other, net                                                     1.1          --          (1.0)
                                                            --------     --------     --------
    Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities      (126.8)       309.1        206.6
                                                            --------     --------     --------

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
  Proceeds from sales of:
   Debt securities available for sale                        5,182.2      4,207.2      3,593.8
   Equity securities                                           190.5        180.8         93.1
   Mortgage loans                                                8.7         10.7         --
   Limited partnership                                          --           26.6         --
  Investment maturities and collections of:
   Debt securities available for sale                          885.2        583.9      1,289.2
   Short-term investments                                       35.0        106.1         30.4
  Cost of investment purchases in:
   Debt securities available for sale                       (6,534.3)    (6,034.0)    (5,621.4)
   Equity securities                                          (118.1)      (170.9)      (162.5)
   Short-term investments                                      (54.7)       (24.7)      (106.1)
   Mortgage loans                                               --          (21.3)        --
   Limited partnership                                          --           --          (25.0)
  Other, net                                                   (17.6)        --           --
                                                            --------     --------     --------
    Net cash used for investing activities                    (423.1)    (1,135.6)      (908.5)
                                                            --------     --------     --------

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
  Deposits and interest credited for investment contracts    1,579.5      1,884.5      1,737.8
  Withdrawals of investment contracts                       (1,146.2)    (1,109.6)      (948.7)
  Additional capital contributions                              10.4         --           --
  Dividends paid to shareholder                                 (3.5)        (2.9)        --
                                                            --------     --------     --------
    Net cash provided by financing activities                  440.2        772.0        789.1
                                                            --------     --------     --------

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents          (109.7)       (54.5)        87.2
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year                   568.8        623.3        536.1
                                                            --------     --------     --------

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year                        $459.1       $568.8       $623.3
                                                            ========     ========     ========

Supplemental cash flow information:
  Income taxes paid, net                                       $85.5        $92.8        $85.9
                                                            ========     ========     ========

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE>



                                      F-6
<PAGE>








            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries
     (collectively, the "Company") is a provider of financial services and life
     insurance products in the United States. The Company has two business
     segments: financial services and individual life insurance.

     Financial services products include annuity contracts that offer a variety
     of funding and payout options for individual and employer-sponsored
     retirement plans qualified under Internal Revenue Code Sections 401, 403,
     408 and 457, and non-qualified annuity contracts. These contracts may be
     deferred or immediate ("payout annuities"). Financial services also include
     investment advisory services, financial planning and pension plan
     administrative services.

     Individual life insurance products include universal life, variable
     universal life, traditional whole life and term insurance.

     Basis of Presentation

     The consolidated financial statements include Aetna Life Insurance and
     Annuity Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Aetna Insurance Company
     of America and Aetna Private Capital, Inc. Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity
     Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.
     ("HOLDCO"). HOLDCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement
     Services, Inc., whose ultimate parent is Aetna Inc. ("Aetna").

     The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles. Certain reclassifications have
     been made to 1995 and 1994 financial information to conform to the 1996
     presentation.

     Future Application of Accounting Standards

     Financial Accounting Standard ("FAS") No. 125, Accounting for Transfers and
     Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, was
     issued in June 1996. This statement provides accounting and reporting
     standards for transfers of financial assets and extinguishments of
     liabilities. Transactions covered by this statement would include
     securitizations, sales of partial interests in assets, repurchase
     agreements and securities lending. This statement requires that after a
     transfer of financial assets, an entity would recognize any assets it
     controls and liabilities it has incurred. An entity would not recognize
     assets when control has been surrendered or liabilities have been
     satisfied. Portions of this statement are effective for each of 1997 and
     1998 financial statements and early adoption is not permitted. The Company
     does not expect adoption of this statement to have a material effect on its
     financial position or results of operations.



                                      F-7
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

     Use of Estimates

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
     accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
     assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements
     and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from reported results
     using those estimates.

     Cash and Cash Equivalents

     Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, money market instruments
     and other debt issues with a maturity of 90 days or less when purchased.

     Investments

     All of the Company's debt and equity securities are classified as available
     for sale and carried at fair value. These securities are written down (as
     realized capital losses) for other than temporary declines in value.
     Unrealized capital gains and losses related to available for sale other
     than amounts allocable to experience rated contractholders, are reflected
     in shareholder's equity, net of related taxes.

     Fair values for debt and equity securities are based on quoted market
     prices or dealer quotations. Where quoted market prices or dealer
     quotations are not available, fair values are measured utilizing quoted
     market prices for similar securities or by using discounted cash flow
     methods. Cost for mortgage-backed securities is adjusted for unamortized
     premiums and discounts, which are amortized using the interest method over
     the estimated remaining term of the securities, adjusted for anticipated
     prepayments.

     Purchases and sales of debt and equity securities are recorded on the trade
     date.

     The investment in affiliated mutual funds primarily represents an
     investment in the Aetna Series Fund, Inc., a retail mutual fund which has
     been seeded by the Company, and is carried at fair value.

     Mortgage loans and policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances,
     net of impairment reserves. Sales of mortgage loans are recorded on the
     closing date.

     Short-term investments, consisting primarily of money market instruments
     and other debt issues purchased with a maturity of 91 days to one year, are
     considered available for sale and are carried at fair value, which
     approximates amortized cost.



                                      F-8
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

     Futures contracts are carried at fair value and require daily cash
     settlement. Changes in the fair value of futures contracts that qualify as
     hedges are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to the hedged asset or
     liability. Deferred gains or losses on such futures contracts are amortized
     over the life of the acquired asset or liability as a yield adjustment or
     through net realized capital gains or losses upon disposal of an asset.
     Changes in the fair value of futures contracts that do not qualify as
     hedges are recorded in net realized capital gains or losses. Hedge
     designation requires specific asset or liability identification, a
     probability at inception of high correlation with the position underlying
     the hedge, and that high correlation be maintained throughout the hedge
     period. If a hedging instrument ceases to be highly correlated with the
     position underlying the hedge, hedge accounting ceases at that date and
     excess gains and losses on the hedging instrument are reflected in net
     realized capital gains or losses.

     Swap agreements which are designated as interest rate risk management
     instruments at inception are accounted for using the accrual method.
     Accordingly, the difference between amounts paid and received on such
     agreements is reported in net investment income. There is no recognition in
     the Consolidated Balance Sheets for changes in the fair value of the
     agreement.

     Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

     Certain costs of acquiring insurance business are deferred. These costs,
     all of which vary with and are primarily related to the production of new
     and renewal business, consist principally of commissions, certain expenses
     of underwriting and issuing contracts, and certain agency expenses. For
     fixed ordinary life contracts, such costs are amortized over expected
     premium-paying periods (up to 20 years). For universal life and certain
     annuity contracts, such costs are amortized in proportion to estimated
     gross profits and adjusted to reflect actual gross profits over the life of
     the contracts (up to 20 years).

     Deferred policy acquisition costs are written off to the extent that it is
     determined that future policy premiums and investment income or gross
     profits are not adequate to cover related losses and expenses.

     Insurance Reserve Liabilities

     Future Policy Benefits include reserves for universal life, immediate
     annuities with life contingent payouts and traditional life insurance
     contracts. Reserves for universal life contracts are equal to cumulative
     deposits less charges and withdrawals plus credited interest thereon.
     Reserves for immediate annuities with life contingent payouts and
     traditional life insurance contracts are computed on the basis of assumed
     investment yield, mortality, and expenses, including a margin for adverse
     deviations. Such assumptions generally vary by plan, year of issue and
     policy duration. Reserve interest rates range from 2.25% to 12.00%.
     Investment yield is based on the Company's experience. Mortality and
     withdrawal rate assumptions are based on relevant Aetna experience and are
     periodically reviewed against both industry standards and experience.



                                      F-9
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

     Policyholders' Funds Left With the Company include reserves for deferred
     annuity investment contracts and immediate annuities without life
     contingent payouts. Reserves on such contracts are equal to cumulative
     deposits less charges and withdrawals plus credited interest thereon (rates
     range from 4.00% to 7.00%), net of adjustments for investment experience
     that the Company is entitled to reflect in future credited interest.
     Reserves on contracts subject to experience rating reflect the rights of
     contractholders, plan participants and the Company.

     Unpaid claims for all lines of insurance include benefits for reported
     losses and estimates of benefits for losses incurred but not reported.

     Premiums, Charges Assessed Against Policyholders, Benefits and Expenses

     For universal life and certain annuity contracts, charges assessed against
     policyholders' funds for the cost of insurance, surrender charges,
     actuarial margin and other fees are recorded as revenue in charges assessed
     against policyholders. Other amounts received for these contracts are
     reflected as deposits and are not recorded as revenue. Life insurance
     premiums, other than premiums for universal life and certain annuity
     contracts, are recorded as premium revenue when due. Related policy
     benefits are recorded in relation to the associated premiums or gross
     profit so that profits are recognized over the expected lives of the
     contracts. When annuity payments begin under contracts with life contingent
     payouts that were initially investment contracts, the accumulated balance
     in the account is treated as a single premium for the purchase of an
     annuity, reflected as an offsetting amount in both premiums and current and
     future benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

     Separate Accounts

     Assets held under variable universal life and variable annuity contracts
     are segregated in Separate Accounts and are invested, as designated by the
     contractholder or participant under a contract, in shares of Aetna Variable
     Fund, Aetna Income Shares, Aetna Variable Encore Fund, Aetna Investment
     Advisers Fund, Inc., Aetna GET Fund, the Aetna Series Fund Inc., or the
     Aetna Generation Funds (collectively, "Funds"), which are managed by the
     Company, or other selected mutual funds not managed by the Company.

     Separate Accounts assets and liabilities are carried at fair value except
     for those relating to a guaranteed interest option. Since the Company bears
     the investment risk where the contract is held to maturity, the assets of
     the Separate Account supporting the guaranteed interest option are carried
     at an amortized cost of $515.6 million for 1996 (fair value $523.0 million)
     and $322.2 million for 1995 (fair value $343.9 million). Reserves relating
     to the guaranteed interest option are maintained at fund value and reflect
     interest credited at rates ranging from 4.10% to 8.00% in 1996 and 4.50% to
     8.38% in 1995.



                                      F-10
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

     Separate Accounts assets and liabilities are shown as separate captions in
     the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deposits, investment income and net
     realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the Separate Accounts
     are not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income (with the
     exception of realized capital gains and losses on the sale of assets
     supporting the guaranteed interest option). The Consolidated Statements of
     Cash Flows do not reflect investment activity of the Separate Accounts.

     Income Taxes

     The Company is included in the consolidated federal income tax return of
     Aetna. The Company is taxed at regular corporate rates after adjusting
     income reported for financial statement purposes for certain items.
     Deferred income tax expenses/benefits result from changes during the year
     in cumulative temporary differences between the tax basis and book basis of
     assets and liabilities.



                                      F-11
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2.   Investments

     Debt securities available for sale as of December 31, 1996 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          Gross       Gross
                                            Amortized  Unrealized   Unrealized    Fair
                                              Cost        Gains       Losses     Value
                                              ----        -----       ------     -----
                                                       (millions)
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>      
U.S. government and government
   agencies and authorities                $ 1,072.4   $    20.5   $     4.5   $ 1,088.4

States, municipalities and political
   subdivisions                                  6.0         1.2        --           7.2

U.S. corporate securities:
     Financial                               2,143.4        43.1         9.7     2,176.8
     Food & fiber                              198.2         4.6         1.3       201.5
     Healthcare & consumer products            735.9        20.2         6.3       749.8
     Media & broadcast                         274.9         7.0         2.8       279.1
     Natural resources                         187.7         4.5         0.4       191.8
     Transportation & capital goods            521.9        22.0         1.8       542.1
     Utilities                                 448.8        14.8         2.8       460.8
     Other                                     141.5         3.0        --         144.5
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total U.S. corporate securities           4,652.3       119.2        25.1     4,746.4

Foreign Securities:
     Government                                758.6        36.0         5.7       788.9
     Utilities                                 187.8        16.1        --         203.9
     Other                                     945.5        30.9         6.3       970.1
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total foreign securities                  1,891.9        83.0        12.0     1,962.9

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
     Pass-throughs                             792.2        78.3         3.1       867.4
     Collateralized mortgage obligations     2,227.8        94.9        13.7     2,309.0
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Total residential mortgage-
   backed securities                         3,020.0       173.2        16.8     3,176.4

Commercial/Multifamily mortgage-
   backed securities                         1,008.7        24.8         5.6     1,027.9

Other asset-backed securities                  887.8        10.7         2.2       896.3
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------

Total Debt Securities                      $12,539.1   $   432.6   $    66.2   $12,905.5
                                           =========   =========   =========   =========
</TABLE>



                                      F-12
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2.   Investments (Continued)

     Debt securities available for sale as of December 31, 1995 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          Gross       Gross
                                            Amortized  Unrealized   Unrealized    Fair
                                              Cost        Gains       Losses     Value
                                              ----        -----       ------     -----
                                                       (millions)
<S>                                          <C>           <C>           <C>     <C>    
U.S. government and government
   agencies and authorities                $   539.5   $    47.5   $    --     $   587.0

States, municipalities and political
   subdivisions                                 41.4        12.4        --          53.8

U.S. Corporate securities:
     Financial                               2,764.4       110.3         2.1     2,872.6
     Food & fiber                              310.8        20.8         0.6       331.0
     Healthcare & consumer products            766.0        59.2         0.2       825.0
     Media & broadcast                         191.7        10.0        --         201.7
     Natural resources                         186.9        12.6         0.2       199.3
     Transportation & capital goods            602.4        46.7         0.2       648.9
     Utilities                                 454.4        27.8         1.0       481.2
     Other                                     119.9        10.2        --         130.1
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total U.S. corporate securities           5,396.5       297.6         4.3     5,689.8

Foreign securities:
     Government                                316.4        26.1         2.0       340.5
     Utilities                                 236.3        32.9                   269.2
     Other                                     749.9        60.5         3.5       806.9
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total foreign securities                  1,302.6       119.5         5.5     1,416.6

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
     Pass-throughs                             556.7        99.2         1.8       654.1
     Collateralized mortgage obligations     2,383.9       167.6         2.2     2,549.3
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Total residential mortgage-
   backed securities                         2,940.6       266.8         4.0     3,203.4

Commercial/multifamily mortgage-
   backed securities                           741.9        32.3         0.2       774.0

Other asset-backed securities                  961.2        35.5         0.5       996.2
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------

Total Debt Securities                      $11,923.7   $   811.6   $    14.5   $12,720.8
                                           =========   =========   =========   =========

</TABLE>


                                      F-13
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2.   Investments (Continued)

     At December 31, 1996 and 1995, net unrealized appreciation of $366.4
     million and $797.1 million, respectively, on available for sale debt
     securities included $288.5 million and $619.1 million, respectively,
     related to experience rated contracts, which were not reflected in
     shareholder's equity but in Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Funds
     Left With the Company.

     The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities for the year ended
     December 31, 1996 are shown below by contractual maturity. Actual
     maturities may differ from contractual maturities because securities may be
     restructured, called, or prepaid.

                                                      Amortized          Fair
                                                         Cost            Value
                                                      ---------          -----
                                                               (millions)
      Due to mature:
        One year or less                              $   424.4        $   425.7
        After one year through five years               2,162.4          2,194.2
        After five years through ten years              2,467.4          2,509.6
        After ten years                                 2,568.4          2,675.4
        Mortgage-backed securities                      4,028.7          4,204.3
        Other asset-backed securities                     887.8            896.3
                                                      ---------        ---------
               Total                                  $12,539.1        $12,905.5
                                                      =========        =========

     The Company engages in securities lending whereby certain securities from
     its portfolio are loaned to other institutions for short periods of time.
     Collateral, primarily cash, which is in excess of the market value of the
     loaned securities, is deposited by the borrower with a lending agent, and
     retained and invested by the lending agent to generate additional income
     for the Company. The market value of the loaned securities is monitored on
     a daily basis with additional collateral obtained or refunded as the market
     value fluctuates. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company had loaned
     securities (which are reflected as invested assets) with a market value of
     approximately $444.7 million and $264.5 million, respectively.

     At December 31, 1996 and 1995, debt securities carried at $7.6 million and
     $7.4 million, respectively, were on deposit as required by regulatory
     authorities.

     The carrying value of non-income producing investments was $0.9 million and
     $0.1 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     The Company did not have any investments in a single issuer, other than
     obligations of the U.S. government, with a carrying value in excess of 10%
     of the Company's shareholder's equity at December 31, 1996.



                                      F-14
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2.   Investments (Continued)

     Included in the Company's total debt securities were residential
     collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") supporting the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         1996                   1995
                                                         ----                   ----
                                                    Fair     Amortized     Fair      Amortized
                                                   Value        Cost      Value         Cost
                                                   -----        ----      -----         ----
                                                                  (millions)
<S>                                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>     
     Total residential CMOs (1)                  $2,309.0    $2,227.8    $2,549.4    $2,383.9
                                                 ========    ========    ========    ========
     Percentage of total:
       Supporting experience rated products          84.2%                   85.3%
       Supporting remaining products                 15.8%                   14.7%
                                                 --------                --------
                                                    100.0%                  100.0%
                                                 ========                ========
</TABLE>

     (1)  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, approximately 71% and 81%,
          respectively, of the Company's residential CMO holdings were backed by
          government agencies such as GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC.

     There are various categories of CMOs which are subject to different degrees
     of risk from changes in interest rates and, for nonagency-backed CMOs,
     defaults. The principal risks inherent in holding CMOs are prepayment and
     extension risks related to dramatic decreases and increases in interest
     rates resulting in the repayment of principal from the underlying mortgages
     either earlier or later than originally anticipated.

     At December 31, 1996 and 1995, approximately 68% and 79%, respectively, of
     the Company's CMO holdings were in planned amortization class ("PAC") and
     sequential structure tranches, which are subject to less prepayment and
     extension risk than other types of CMO instruments. At December 31, 1996
     and 1995, approximately 3% of the Company's CMO holdings were in the
     interest-only ("IOs") and principal-only ("POs") tranches, which are
     subject to more prepayment and extension risks than other types of CMO
     instruments. Remaining CMO holdings are in other tranches that have
     prepayment and extension risks which fall between the degree of risk
     associated with PACs and sequentials, and IOs and POs.



                                      F-15
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2.   Investments (Continued)

     Investments in available for sale equity securities were as follows:

                                             Gross         Gross
                              Amortized      Unrealized    Unrealized   Fair
                                 Cost        Gains         Losses       Value
                                 ----        ----------    ----------   -----
                                                  (millions)
       1996
       Equity Securities       $ 184.9       $  16.3       $   0.8      $ 200.4
                               =======       =======       =======      =======
       1995
       Equity Securities       $ 231.6       $  27.2       $   1.2      $ 257.6
                               =======       =======       =======      =======

3.   Financial Instruments

     Estimated Fair Value

     The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of the Company's
     financial instruments at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    1996                    1995
                                             ------------------       -----------------
                                             Carrying     Fair        Carrying    Fair
                                             Value        Value       Value       Value
                                             -----        -----       -----       -----
                                                         (millions)
<S>                                          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>      
Assets:
    Mortgage loans                           $    13.0    $    13.2   $    21.2   $    21.9
Liabilities:
    Investment contract liabilities:
          With a fixed maturity              $ 1,014.1    $ 1,028.8   $   989.1   $ 1,001.2
          Without a fixed maturity             9,649.6      9,427.6     9,511.0     9,298.4
</TABLE>

     Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on
     available market information and judgments about the financial instrument,
     such as estimates of timing and amount of future cash flows. Such estimates
     do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for
     sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial
     instrument, nor do they consider the tax impact of the realization of
     unrealized gains or losses. In many cases, the fair value estimates cannot
     be substantiated by comparison to independent markets, nor can the
     disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. In
     evaluating the Company's management of interest rate, price and liquidity
     risks, the fair values of all assets and liabilities should be taken into
     consideration, not only those presented above.



                                      F-16
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

3.   Financial Instruments (Continued)

     The following valuation methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
     estimating the fair value of the above financial instruments:

     Mortgage loans: Fair values are estimated by discounting expected mortgage
     loan cash flows at market rates which reflect the rates at which similar
     loans would be made to similar borrowers. The rates reflect management's
     assessment of the credit quality and the remaining duration of the loans.

     Investment contract liabilities (included in Policyholders' Funds Left With
     the Company):

     With a fixed maturity: Fair value is estimated by discounting cash flows at
     interest rates currently being offered by, or available to, the Company for
     similar contracts.

     Without a fixed maturity: Fair value is estimated as the amount payable to
     the contractholder upon demand. However, the Company has the right under
     such contracts to delay payment of withdrawals which may ultimately result
     in paying an amount different than that determined to be payable on demand.

     Off-Balance-Sheet and Other Financial Instruments (including Derivative
     Financial Instruments)

     The Company uses off-balance-sheet and other financial instruments
     primarily to manage portfolio risks, including interest rate,
     prepayment/call, credit, price, and liquidity risks. In 1996, Treasury
     futures contracts were used to manage interest rate risk in the Company's
     bond portfolio and stock index futures contracts were used to manage price
     risk in the Company's equity portfolio. In 1996 and 1995, interest rate
     swaps and forward commitments to enter into interest rate swaps,
     respectively, were also used to manage interest rate risk in the Company's
     bond portfolio.

     Futures Contracts:

     Futures contracts represent commitments to either purchase or sell
     underlying assets at a specified future date. Futures contracts trade on
     organized exchanges and, therefore, have minimal credit risk. Cash
     settlements are made daily based on changes in the prices of the underlying
     assets. There were no futures contracts open as of December 31, 1996 and
     1995.



                                      F-17
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

3.   Financial Instruments (Continued)

     Interest Rate Swaps:

     Under interest rate swaps, the Company agrees with other parties to
     exchange interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed notional
     principal amount. Generally, no cash is exchanged at the outset of the
     contract and no principal payments are made. A single net payment is
     usually made by one counterparty at each due date or upon termination of
     the contract. The Company would be exposed to credit-related losses in the
     event of nonperformance by counterparties to financial instruments,
     however, the Company controls its exposure to credit risk through credit
     approvals, credit limits and regular monitoring procedures. The credit
     exposure of interest rate swaps is represented by the fair value (market
     value) of contracts with a positive fair value (market value) at the
     reporting date. There were no interest rate swap agreements open as of
     December 31, 1996. At December 31, 1995, the Company had an open forward
     swap agreement with a notional amount of $100.0 million and a fair value of
     $0.1 million.

     During 1995, the Company received $0.4 million for writing call options on
     underlying securities. The Company did not write any call options in 1996.
     As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, there were no option contracts
     outstanding.

     The Company also had investments in certain debt instruments with
     derivative characteristics, including those whose market value is at least
     partially determined by, among other things, levels of or changes in
     domestic and/or foreign interest rates (short or long term), exchange
     rates, prepayment rates, equity markets or credit ratings/spreads. The
     amortized cost and fair value of these securities, included in the debt
     securities portfolio, as of December 31, 1996 was as follows:

                                                          Amortized      Fair
                                                             Cost        Value
                                                             ----        -----
                                                                 (millions)

       Residential collateralized mortgage obligations    $ 2,227.8    $ 2,309.0
            Principal-only strips (included above)             44.5         53.3
            Interest-only strips (included above)              10.3         22.8
       Other structured securities with derivative
            characteristics (1)                               126.3        129.2

     (1)  Represents non-leveraged instruments whose fair values and credit risk
          are based on underlying securities, including fixed income securities
          and interest rate swap agreements.



                                      F-18
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4.   Net Investment Income

     Sources of net investment income were as follows:
                                                1996         1995         1994
                                                ----         ----         ----
                                                          (millions)

     Debt securities                         $  945.3     $  891.5     $  823.9
     Preferred stock                              5.9          4.2          3.9
     Investment in affiliated mutual funds       14.3         14.9          5.2
     Mortgage loans                               2.2          1.4          1.4
     Policy loans                                18.4         13.7         11.5
     Reinsurance loan to affiliate               44.1         46.5         51.5
     Cash equivalents                            29.4         38.9         29.5
     Other                                        2.1          8.4          6.7
                                             --------     --------     --------
     Gross investment income                  1,061.7      1,019.5        933.6
     Less investment expenses                   (16.1)       (15.2)       (16.4)
                                             --------     --------     --------
     Net investment income                   $1,045.6     $1,004.3     $  917.2
                                             ========     ========     ========

     Net investment income includes amounts allocable to experience rated
     contractholders of $787.6 million, $744.2 million and $677.1 million for
     the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Interest
     credited to contractholders is included in Current and Future Benefits.

5.  Dividend Restrictions and Shareholder's Equity

     The Company paid $3.5 million in cash dividends to HOLDCO in 1996. In 1995,
     the Company dividended $2.9 million in the form of two of its subsidiaries,
     Systematized Benefits Administrators, Inc. and Aetna Investment Services,
     Inc., to Aetna Retirement Services, Inc. (the Company's former parent).

     The amount of dividends that may be paid to the shareholder in 1997 without
     prior approval by the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Connecticut is
     $71.1 million.

     The Insurance Department of the State of Connecticut (the "Department")
     recognizes as net income and shareholder's capital and surplus those
     amounts determined in conformity with statutory accounting practices
     prescribed or permitted by the Department, which differ in certain respects
     from generally accepted accounting principles. Statutory net income was
     $57.8 million, $70.0 million and $64.9 million for the years ended December
     31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Statutory capital and surplus was
     $713.6 million and $670.7 million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
     respectively.

     As of December 31, 1996 the Company does not utilize any statutory
     accounting practices which are not prescribed by state regulatory
     authorities that, individually or in the aggregate, materially affect
     statutory capital and surplus.



                                      F-19
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

6.   Capital Gains and Losses on Investment Operations

     Realized capital gains or losses are the difference between the carrying
     value and sale proceeds of specific investments sold.

     Net realized capital gains on investments were as follows:

                                                  1996        1995        1994
                                                  ----        ----        ----
                                                           (millions)

       Debt securities                         $   11.1     $  32.8     $   1.0
       Equity securities                            8.6         8.3         0.2
       Mortgage loans                               --          0.2         0.3
                                               --------     --------    -------
       Pretax realized capital gains           $   19.7     $  41.3     $   1.5
                                               ========     =======     =======
       After tax realized capital gains        $   13.0     $  25.8     $   1.0
                                               ========     =======     =======

     Net realized capital gains of $53.1 million and $61.1 million for 1996 and
     1995, respectively, and net realized capital losses of $29.1 million for
     1994, allocable to experience rated contracts, were deducted from net
     realized capital gains (losses) and an offsetting amount was reflected in
     policyholder funds' left with the Company. Net unamortized gains were $53.3
     million and $7.3 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     Changes to the mortgage loan valuation reserve and writedowns on debt
     securities for other than temporary declines in value are included in net
     realized capital gains (losses) and amounted to $(3.3) million, $3.1
     million and $1.1 million, of which $(3.2) million, $2.2 million and $0.8
     million were allocable to experience rated contractholders, for the years
     ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. There was no
     valuation reserve for mortgage loans at December 31, 1996 or at December
     31, 1995.

     Proceeds from the sale of available for sale debt securities and the
     related gross gains and losses were as follows:

                                           1996          1995            1994
                                           ----          ----            ----
                                                      (millions)

     Proceeds on Sales                   $5,182.2      $4,207.2       $3,593.8
     Gross gains                             24.3          44.6           26.6
     Gross losses                            13.2          11.8           25.6



                                      F-20
<PAGE>




            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

6.   Capital Gains and Losses on Investment Operations (Continued)

     Changes in shareholder's equity related to changes in unrealized capital
     gains (losses), (excluding those related to experience rated
     contractholders), were as follows:

                                                 1996         1995        1994
                                                 ----         ----        ----
                                                         (millions)

     Debt securities                          $ (100.1)    $  255.9    $ (242.1)
     Equity securities                           (10.5)        27.3       (13.3)
     Limited partnership                           --           1.8        (1.8)
                                              --------     --------    --------
                                                (110.6)       285.0      (257.2)

     Deferred income taxes (See Note 8)          (38.6)       (36.5)       46.3
                                              --------     --------    --------
     Net change in unrealized
        capital gains (losses)                $  (72.0)    $  321.5    $ (303.5)
                                              ========     ========    ========

     Net unrealized capital gains allocable to experience rated contracts of
     $245.2 million and $43.3 million at December 31, 1996 and $515.0 million
     and $104.1 million at December 31, 1995 are reflected on the Consolidated
     Balance Sheets in Policyholders' Funds Left With the Company and Future
     Policy Benefits, respectively, and are not included in shareholder's
     equity.

     Shareholder's equity included the following unrealized capital gains
     (losses), which are net of amounts allocable to experience rated
     contractholders, at December 31:

                                               1996         1995          1994
                                               ----         ----          ----
                                                          (millions)
     Debt securities
       Gross unrealized capital gains         $101.7       $179.3       $  27.4
       Gross unrealized capital losses         (23.8)        (1.3)       (105.2)
                                              ------       ------       --------
                                                77.9        178.0         (77.8)
     Equity securities
       Gross unrealized capital gains           16.3         27.2           6.5
       Gross unrealized capital losses          (0.8)        (1.2)         (7.9)
                                              ------       ------       --------
                                                15.5         26.0          (1.4)
     Limited Partnership                        --           --            --
       Gross unrealized capital gains           --           --            --
       Gross unrealized capital losses          --           --            (1.8)
                                              ------       ------       --------
                                                --           --            (1.8)

     Deferred income taxes (See Note 8)         32.9         71.5         108.0
                                              ------       ------       --------

     Net unrealized capital gains (losses)    $ 60.5       $132.5       $(189.0)
                                              ======       ======       ========



                                      F-21
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

7.   Severance and Facilities Charges

     Severance and facilities charges during 1996, as described below, included
     the following (pretax):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    Vacated
                                          Asset      Leased             Corporate
(Millions)                   Severance  Write-Off   Property     Other  Allocation    Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>   
Financial Services             $ 29.1     $  1.0     $  1.3     $  1.7     $ --       $ 33.1
Individual Life Insurance        12.5        0.4        0.5        0.8       --         14.2
Corporate Allocation             --         --         --         --         14.0       14.0
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------
   Total Company               $ 41.6     $  1.4     $  1.8     $  2.5     $ 14.0     $ 61.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     In the third quarter of 1996, the Company recorded a $30.7 million after
     tax ($47.3 million pretax) charge principally related to actions taken or
     expected to be taken to improve its cost structure relative to its
     competitors. The severance portion of the charge is based on a plan to
     eliminate 702 positions (primarily customer service, sales and information
     technology support staff). The facilities portion of the charge is based on
     a plan to consolidate sales/service field offices.

     In addition to the above charge, Aetna recorded a facilities and severance
     charge in the second quarter of 1996, primarily as a result of actions
     taken or expected to be taken to reduce the level of corporate expenses and
     other costs previously absorbed by Aetna's property-casualty operations.
     The cost allocated to the Company associated with this charge was $9.1
     million after tax ($14.0 million pretax).

     The activity during 1996 within the severance and facilities reserve
     (pretax, in millions) and the number of positions eliminated related to
     such actions were as follows:

                                                    Reserve            Positions
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Beginning of year                           $   --                 --
       Severance and facilities charges               47.3                702
       Corporate Allocation                           14.0                --
       Actions taken (1)                             (13.4)              (178)
                                                 -------------------------------
          End of year                              $  47.9                524
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (1)  Includes $8.0 million of severance-related actions and $4.1 million of
          corporate allocation-related actions.

     The Company's severance actions are expected to be substantially completed
     by March 31, 1998. The corporate allocation actions and the vacating of the
     leased office space are expected to be substantially completed in 1997.



                                      F-22
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

8.   Income Taxes

     The Company is included in the consolidated federal income tax return and
     combined Connecticut and New York state income tax returns of Aetna. Aetna
     allocates to each member an amount approximating the tax it would have
     incurred were it not a member of the consolidated group, and credits the
     member for the use of its tax saving attributes used in the consolidated
     returns.

     Income taxes for the years ended December 31, consist of:

                                                      1996      1995      1994
                                                      ----      ----      ----
                                                             (millions)
     Current taxes (benefits):
     Income Taxes:
       Federal                                       $ 50.9    $ 82.9    $ 78.7
       State                                            3.7       3.2       4.4
       Net realized capital gains (losses)             25.3      28.5     (33.2)
                                                     ------    ------    ------
                                                       79.9     114.6      49.9
                                                     ------    ------    ------
     Deferred taxes (benefits):
     Income Taxes:
       Federal                                         (3.5)    (14.4)     (8.0)
       Net realized capital gains (losses)            (18.6)    (12.9)     33.7
                                                     ------    ------    ------
                                                      (22.1)    (27.3)     25.7
                                                     ------    ------    ------
          Total                                      $ 57.8    $ 87.3    $ 75.6
                                                     ======    ======    ======


     Income taxes were different from the amount computed by applying the
     federal income tax rate to income before income taxes for the following
     reasons:

                                                      1996      1995      1994
                                                      ----      ----      ----
                                                            (millions)

     Income before income taxes                      $198.9    $263.2    $220.9
     Tax rate                                            35%       35%       35%
                                                     ------    ------    ------
     Application of the tax rate                       69.6      92.1      77.3
                                                     ------    ------    ------
     Tax effect of:
          State income tax, net of federal benefit      2.4       2.1       2.9
          Excludable dividends                         (8.7)     (9.3)     (8.6)
          Other, net                                   (5.5)      2.4       4.0
                                                     ------    ------    ------
            Income taxes                             $ 57.8    $ 87.3    $ 75.6
                                                     ======    ======    ======



                                      F-23
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

8.   Income Taxes (Continued)

     The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax
     assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31 are presented below:

                                                            1996          1995
                                                            ----          ----
                                                                (millions)
       Deferred tax assets:
            Insurance reserves                            $ 344.6       $ 290.4
            Unrealized gains allocable to
              experience rated contracts                    100.8         216.7
            Investment losses                                 7.5           7.3
            Postretirement benefits other
              than pensions                                  27.0           7.7
            Deferred compensation                            25.0          18.9
            Pension                                           7.6           5.7
            Other                                            29.3           9.2
                                                          -------       -------
       Total gross assets                                   541.8         555.9

       Deferred tax liabilities:
            Deferred policy acquisition costs               482.1         433.0
            Market discount                                   6.8           4.4
            Net unrealized capital gains                    133.7         288.2
            Other                                            (0.3)         (0.1)
                                                          -------       -------
       Total gross liabilities                              622.3         725.5
                                                          -------       -------
       Net deferred tax liability                         $  80.5       $ 169.6
                                                          =======       =======

     Net unrealized capital gains and losses are presented in shareholder's
     equity net of deferred taxes. Valuation allowances are provided when it is
     not considered more likely than not that deferred tax assets will be
     realized. As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, no valuation allowances were
     required for unrealized capital gains and losses.

     The "Policyholders' Surplus Account," which arose under prior tax law, is
     generally that portion of a life insurance company's statutory income that
     has not been subject to taxation. As of December 31, 1983, no further
     additions could be made to the Policyholders' Surplus Account for tax
     return purposes under the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984. The balance in
     such account was approximately $17.2 million at December 31, 1996. This
     amount would be taxed only under certain conditions. No income taxes have
     been provided on this amount since management believes the conditions under
     which such taxes would become payable are remote.



                                      F-24
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

8.   Income Taxes (Continued)

     The Internal Revenue Service ("Service") has completed examinations of the
     consolidated federal income tax returns of Aetna through 1990. Discussions
     are being held with the Service with respect to proposed adjustments.
     Management believes there are adequate defenses against, or sufficient
     reserves to provide for, any such adjustments. The Service has commenced
     its examinations for the years 1991 through 1994.

9.   Benefit Plans

     Employee Pension Plans - The Company, in conjunction with Aetna, has
     noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all
     employees. The plans provide pension benefits based on years of service and
     average annual compensation (measured over 60 consecutive months of highest
     earnings in a 120-month period). Contributions are determined using the
     Projected Unit Credit Method and, for qualified plans subject to ERISA
     requirements, are limited to the amounts that are tax-deductible. As of
     December 31, 1996, Aetna's accrued pension cost has been allocated to its
     subsidiaries, including the Company, under an allocation based on eligible
     salaries. Data on a separate company basis regarding the proportionate
     share of the projected benefit obligation and plan assets is not available.
     The accumulated benefit obligation and plan assets are recorded by Aetna.
     As of the measurement date (i.e., September 30), the accumulated plan
     assets exceeded accumulated plan benefits. Allocated pretax charges to
     operations for the pension plan (based on the Company's total salary cost
     as a percentage of Aetna's total salary cost) were $4.3 million, $6.1
     million and $5.5 million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
     1994, respectively.

     Employee Postretirement Benefits - In addition to providing pension
     benefits, Aetna currently provides health care and life insurance benefits,
     subject to certain caps, for retired employees. A comprehensive medical and
     dental plan is offered to all full-time employees retiring at age 50 with
     15 years of service or at age 65 with 10 years of service. Retirees are
     generally required to contribute to the plans based on their years of
     service with Aetna. The costs to the Company associated with the Aetna
     postretirement plans for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $1.8 million, $1.4
     million and $1.0 million, respectively.

     As of December 31, 1996, Aetna transferred to the Company approximately
     $77.7 million of accrued liabilities, primarily related to the pension and
     postretirement benefit plans described above, that had been previously
     recorded by Aetna. The after tax amount of this transfer (approximately
     $50.5 million) is reported as a reduction in retained earnings.

     Agent Pension Plans - The Company, in conjunction with Aetna, has a
     non-qualified pension plan covering certain agents. The plan provides
     pension benefits based on annual commission earnings. As of the measurement
     date (i.e., September 30), the accumulated plan assets exceeded accumulated
     plan benefits.



                                      F-25
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

9.   Benefit Plans (Continued)

     Agent Postretirement Benefits - The Company, in conjunction with Aetna,
     also provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance
     benefits for certain agents. The costs to the Company associated with the
     agents' postretirement plans for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $0.7 million,
     $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

     Incentive Savings Plan - Substantially all employees are eligible to
     participate in a savings plan under which designated contributions, which
     may be invested in common stock of Aetna or certain other investments, are
     matched, up to 5% of compensation, by Aetna. Pretax charges to operations
     for the incentive savings plan were $5.4 million, $4.9 million and $3.3
     million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

     Stock Plans - Aetna has a stock incentive plan that provides for stock
     options, deferred contingent common stock or equivalent cash awards or
     restricted stock to certain key employees. Executive and middle management
     employees may be granted options to purchase common stock of Aetna at or
     above the market price on the date of grant. Options generally become 100%
     vested three years after the grant is made, with one-third of the options
     vesting each year. Aetna does not recognize compensation expense for stock
     options granted at or above the market price on the date of grant under its
     stock incentive plans. In addition, executives may be granted incentive
     units which are rights to receive common stock or an equivalent value in
     cash. The incentive units may vest within a range from 0% to 175% at the
     end of a four year period based on the attainment of performance goals. The
     costs to the Company associated with the Aetna stock plans for 1996, 1995
     and 1994, were $8.1 million, $6.3 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
     As of December 31, 1996, Aetna transferred to the Company approximately
     $1.1 million of deferred tax benefits related to stock options. This amount
     is reported as an increase in retained earnings.

10.  Related Party Transactions

     The Company is compensated by the Separate Accounts for bearing mortality
     and expense risks pertaining to variable life and annuity contracts. Under
     the insurance contracts, the Separate Accounts pay the Company a daily fee
     which, on an annual basis, ranges, depending on the product, from .10% to
     1.90% of their average daily net assets. The Company also receives fees
     from the variable life and annuity mutual funds and The Aetna Series Fund
     for serving as investment adviser. Under the advisory agreements, the Funds
     pay the Company a daily fee which, on an annual basis, ranges, depending on
     the fund, from .25% to .85% of their average daily net assets. The Company
     also receives fees (expressed as a percentage of the average daily net
     assets) from the variable life and annuity mutual funds and The Aetna
     Series Fund for providing administration services, and from The Aetna
     Series Fund for providing shareholder services and promoting sales. The
     amount of compensation and fees received from the Separate Accounts and
     Funds, included in Charges Assessed Against Policyholders, amounted to
     $185.4 million, $128.1 million and $104.6 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
     respectively. The Company may waive advisory fees at its discretion.



                                      F-26
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

10.  Related Party Transactions (Continued)

     The Company acts as an investment adviser for its affiliated mutual funds.
     Since August 1996, Aeltus Investment Management, Inc. ("Aeltus"), a wholly
     owned subsidiary of HOLDCO and an affiliate of the Company, has been acting
     as Subadvisor of all affiliated mutual funds and of most of the General
     Account assets. Fees paid by the Company to Aeltus, included in both
     Charges Assessed Against Policyholders and Net Investment Income, on an
     annual basis, range from .06% to .55% of the average daily net assets under
     management. For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company paid $16.0
     million in such fees.

     The Company may, from time to time, make reimbursements to a Fund for some
     or all of its operating expenses. Reimbursement arrangements may be
     terminated at any time without notice.

     Since 1981, all domestic individual non-participating life insurance of
     Aetna and its subsidiaries has been issued by the Company. Effective
     December 31, 1988, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement with
     Aetna Life Insurance Company ("Aetna Life") in which substantially all of
     the non-participating individual life and annuity business written by Aetna
     Life prior to 1981 was assumed by the Company. A $108.0 million commission,
     paid by the Company to Aetna Life in 1988, was capitalized as deferred
     policy acquisition costs. An additional $6.1 million commission, paid by
     the Company to Aetna Life in 1996, was capitalized as deferred policy
     acquisition costs. The Company maintained insurance reserves of $628.3
     million and $655.5 million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
     relating to the business assumed. In consideration for the assumption of
     this business, a loan was established relating to the assets held by Aetna
     Life which support the insurance reserves. The loan is being reduced in
     accordance with the decrease in the reserves. The fair value of this loan
     was $625.3 million and $663.5 million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
     respectively, and is based upon the fair value of the underlying assets.
     Premiums of $25.3 million, $28.0 million and $32.8 million and current and
     future benefits of $39.5 million, $43.0 million and $43.8 million were
     assumed in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

     Investment income of $44.1 million, $46.5 million and $51.5 million was
     generated from the reinsurance loan to affiliate in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
     respectively. Net income of approximately $8.1 million, $18.4 million and
     $25.1 million resulted from this agreement in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
     respectively.

     On December 16, 1988, the Company assumed $25.0 million of premium revenue
     from Aetna Life for the purchase and administration of a life contingent
     single premium variable payout annuity contract. In addition, the Company
     also is responsible for administering fixed annuity payments that are made
     to annuitants receiving variable payments. Reserves of $28.9 million and
     $28.0 million were maintained for this contract as of December 31, 1996 and
     1995, respectively.

     Effective February 1, 1992, the Company increased its retention limit per
     individual life to $2.0 million and entered into a reinsurance agreement
     with Aetna Life to reinsure amounts in excess of this limit, up to a
     maximum of $8.0 million on any new individual life business, on a yearly
     renewable term basis. Premium amounts related to this agreement were $5.2
     million, $3.2 million and $1.3 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,
     respectively.



                                      F-27
<PAGE>



            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

10.  Related Party Transactions (Continued)

     The Company received a capital contribution of $10.4 million in cash from
     HOLDCO in 1996. The Company received no capital contributions in 1995 or
     1994.

     The Company paid $3.5 million in cash dividends to HOLDCO in 1996. In 1995,
     the Company dividended $2.9 million in the form of two of its subsidiaries,
     Systematized Benefits Administrators, Inc. and Aetna Investment Services,
     Inc., to Aetna Retirement Services, Inc. (the Company's former parent).

     Premiums due and other receivables include $2.8 million and $5.7 million
     due from affiliates in 1996 and 1995, respectively. Other liabilities
     include $10.7 million and $12.4 million due to affiliates for 1996 and
     1995, respectively.

     Substantially all of the administrative and support functions of the
     Company are provided by Aetna and its affiliates. The financial statements
     reflect allocated charges for these services based upon measures
     appropriate for the type and nature of service provided.

11.  Reinsurance

     The Company utilizes indemnity reinsurance agreements to reduce its
     exposure to large losses in all aspects of its insurance business. Such
     reinsurance permits recovery of a portion of losses from reinsurers,
     although it does not discharge the primary liability of the Company as
     direct insurer of the risks reinsured. The Company evaluates the financial
     strength of potential reinsurers and continually monitors the financial
     condition of reinsurers. Only those reinsurance recoverables deemed
     probable of recovery are reflected as assets on the Company's Consolidated
     Balance Sheets.



                                      F-28
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

11.  Reinsurance (Continued)

     The following table includes premium amounts ceded/assumed to/from
     affiliated companies as discussed in Note 10 above.

                                                Ceded to    Assumed
                                        Direct    Other    from Other      Net
                                        Amount  Companies   Companies     Amount
                                        ------  ---------   ---------     ------
                                                    (millions)
     1996
 Premiums:
   Life Insurance                      $  34.6   $  11.2     $  25.3     $  48.7
   Accident and Health Insurance           6.3       6.3        --          --
   Annuities                              84.3      --           0.6        84.9
                                       =======   =======     =======     =======
    Total earned premiums              $ 125.2   $  17.5     $  25.9     $ 133.6
                                       =======   =======     =======     =======
     1995
 Premiums:
   Life Insurance                      $  28.8   $   8.6     $  28.0     $  48.2
   Accident and Health Insurance           7.5       7.5        --          --
   Annuities                             164.0      --           0.5       164.5
                                       =======   =======     =======     =======
    Total earned premiums              $ 200.3   $  16.1     $  28.5     $ 212.7
                                       =======   =======     =======     =======
     1994
 Premiums:
   Life Insurance                      $  27.3   $   6.0     $  32.8     $  54.1
   Accident and Health Insurance           9.3       9.3        --          --
   Annuities                             137.3      --           0.2       137.5
                                       =======   =======     =======     =======
    Total earned premiums              $ 173.9   $  15.3     $  33.0     $ 191.6
                                       =======   =======     =======     =======

12.  Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

     Commitments

     Through the normal course of investment operations, the Company commits to
     either purchase or sell securities or money market instruments at a
     specified future date and at a specified price or yield. The inability of
     counterparties to honor these commitments may result in either higher or
     lower replacement cost. Also, there is likely to be a change in the value
     of the securities underlying the commitments. At December 31, 1996, the
     Company had commitments to purchase investments of $17.9 million. The fair
     value of the investments at December 31, 1996 approximated $18.3 million.



                                      F-29
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

12.  Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Continued)

     Litigation

     The Company is involved in numerous lawsuits arising, for the most part, in
     the ordinary course of its business operations. While the ultimate outcome
     of litigation against the Company cannot be determined at this time, after
     consideration of the defenses available to the Company and any related
     reserves established, it is not expected to result in liability for amounts
     material to the financial condition of the Company, although it may
     adversely affect results of operations in future periods.



                                      F-30
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

13.  Segment Information (1)

     The Company's operations are reported through two major business segments:
     Financial Services and Individual Life Insurance.

     Summarized financial information for the Company's principal operations was
     as follows:

    (Millions)                                    1996        1995        1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue:
    Financial Services                         $ 1,195.1   $ 1,211.3   $ 1,013.5
    Individual Life Insurance                      445.7       407.9       386.1
                                               ---------------------------------
      Total revenue                            $ 1,640.8   $ 1,619.2   $ 1,399.6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes: (2)
    Financial Services                         $   129.9   $   160.1   $   122.5
    Individual Life Insurance                       83.0       103.1        98.4
                                               ---------------------------------
     Total income before income taxes          $   212.9   $   263.2   $   220.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income: (2)
    Financial Services                         $    94.3   $   113.8   $    85.5
    Individual Life Insurance                       55.9        62.1        59.8
                                               ---------------------------------
Net income                                     $   150.2   $   175.9   $   145.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assets under management: (3)
    Financial Services                         $27,268.1   $22,534.4   $18,122.9
    Individual Life Insurance                    2,830.5     2,590.9     2,220.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total assets under management           $30,098.6   $25,125.3   $20,343.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1)  The 1996 results include severance and facilities charges of $30.7 million,
     after tax. Of this charge $21.5 million related to the Financial Services
     segment and $9.2 million related to the Individual Life Insurance segment.
(2)  Excludes any effect of the corporate facilities and severance charge
     recorded in 1996 which is not directly allocable to the Financial Services
     and Individual Life Insurance segments. (Refer to Note 7).
(3)  Excludes net unrealized capital gains (losses) of $366.4 million, $797.1
     million and $(386.4) million at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
     respectively.



                                      F-31


<PAGE>







Form No. SAI.81216-97                                        ALIAC Ed.  May 1997






<PAGE>


                           VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT C
                           PART C - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits

     (a) Financial Statements:

         (1)      Included in Part A:
                  Condensed Financial Information

         (2)      Included in Part B:
                  Financial Statements of Variable Annuity Account C:
                  
                  - Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1996

                  - Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets for the
                    years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995

                  - Notes to Financial Statements

                  - Independent Auditors' Report

                  Financial Statements of the Depositor:

                  - Independent Auditors' Report

                  - Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended
                    December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

                  - Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995

                  - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
                    for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

                  - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
                    December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

                  - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     (b) Exhibits

         (1)      Resolution of the Board of Directors of Aetna Life Insurance
                  and Annuity Company establishing Variable Annuity Account C(1)

         (2)      Not applicable

         (3.1)    Form of Broker-Dealer Agreement(2)

         (3.2)    Alternative Form of Wholesaling Agreement and Related Selling
                  Agreement(2) 

         (4.1)    Form of Variable Annuity Contract (G-401-IB(X/M))(3)

         (4.2)    Form of Variable Annuity Contract (G-CDA-IB(XC/SM))(3)

         (4.3)    Endorsement (EGET-IC(R)) to Contracts G-401-IB(X/M) and
                  G-CDA-IB(XC/SM)(4)

         (4.4)    Endorsement (ESUNYSDO97) to Contracts G-CDA-IB(XC/SM) and
                  G-401-IB(X/M)(5)

         (5)      Form of Variable Annuity Contract Application (300-MOP-IB)(6)

         (6.1)    Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of Aetna Life
                  Insurance and Annuity Company(7)

         (6.2)    Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Aetna Life
                  Insurance and Annuity Company(8)
<PAGE>

         (7)      Not applicable

         (8.1)    Fund Participation Agreement (Amended and Restated) between
                  Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company, Alger American Fund
                  and Fred Alger Management, Inc. dated March 31, 1995(2)

         (8.2)    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and
                  Annuity Company and Calvert Asset Management Company (Calvert
                  Responsibly Invested Balanced Portfolio, formerly Calvert
                  Socially Responsible Series) dated March 13, 1989 and amended
                  December 27, 1993(2)

         (8.3)    Second Amendment dated January 1, 1996 to Fund Participation
                  Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and
                  Calvert Asset Management Company (Calvert Responsibly Invested
                  Balanced Portfolio, formerly Calvert Socially Responsible
                  Series) dated March 13, 1989 and amended December 27, 1993(9)

         (8.4)    Third Amendment dated February 11, 1997 to Fund Participation
                  Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and
                  Calvert Asset Management Company (Calvert Responsibility
                  Invested Balanced Portfolio, formerly Calvert Socially
                  Responsible Series) dated March 13, 1989 and amended December
                  27, 1993 and January 1, 1996(10)

         (8.5)    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and
                  Annuity Company, Variable Insurance Products Fund and Fidelity
                  Distributors Corporation dated February 1, 1994 and amended on
                  December 15, 1994, February 1, 1995, May 1, 1995, January 1,
                  1996 and March 1, 1996(8)

         (8.6)    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and
                  Annuity Company, Variable Insurance Products Fund II and
                  Fidelity Distributors Corporation dated February 1, 1994 and
                  amended on December 15, 1994, February 1. 1995, May 1, 1995,
                  January 1, 1996 and March 1,1996(8)

         (8.7)    Service Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity
                  Company and Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations
                  Company dated as of November 1, 1995(9)

         (8.8)    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and
                  Annuity Company and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated January 31,
                  1989(2)

         (8.9)    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and
                  Annuity Company and Janus Aspen Series dated April 19, 1994
                  and amended March 1, 1996(2)

         (8.10)   Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and
                  Annuity Company and Lexington Management Corporation regarding
                  Natural Resources Trust dated December 1, 1988 and amended
                  February 11, 1991(2)

         (8.11)   Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and
                  Annuity Company, Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc. and
                  Lexington Management Corporation dated April 28, 1994(11)

         (8.12)   Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and
                  Annuity Company and Advisers 
<PAGE>

                  Management Trust (now Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management 
                  Trust) dated April 14, 1989 and as assigned and modified on 
                  May 1, 1995(2)

         (8.13)   Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and
                  Annuity Company and Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund
                  dated April 27, 1992 and amended February 19, 1993 and August
                  13, 1993(2)

         (8.14)   Amendment dated as of February 20, 1996 to Fund Participation
                  Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and
                  Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund dated April 27, 1992 as
                  amended February 19, 1993 and August 13, 1993(9)

         (8.15)   Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and
                  Annuity Company, Investors Research Corporation and TCI
                  Portfolios, Inc. dated July 29, 1992 and amended December 22,
                  1992 and June 1, 1994(2)

         (9)      Opinion of Counsel(12)

         (10.1)   Consent of Independent Auditors

         (10.2)   Consent of Counsel

         (11)     Not applicable

         (12)     Not applicable

         (13)     Schedule for Computation of Performance Data(13)

         (14)     Not applicable

         (15.1)   Powers of Attorney(14)

         (15.2)   Authorization for Signatures(2)

         (27)     Financial Data Schedule

1.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Registration
     Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-75986), as filed electronically on April
     22, 1996.

2.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration
     Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-75986), as filed electronically on April
     12, 1996.

3.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration
     Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-81216), as filed electronically on April
     17, 1996.

4.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration
     Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-91846), as filed electronically on April
     15, 1996.

5.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to Registration
     Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-81216), as filed electronically on
     February 12, 1997.

6.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration
     Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-91846), as filed on May 1, 1995.

7.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration
     Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-60477), as filed electronically on April
     15, 1996.

8.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to
     Registration Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-75964), as filed
     electronically on February 11, 1997.

9.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration
     Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-88720), as filed electronically on June
     28, 1996.

10.  Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration
     Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 333-01107), as filed electronically on
     February 26, 1997.
<PAGE>

11.  Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to
     Registration Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-34370), as filed
     electronically on April 22, 1996.

12.  Incorporated by reference to Registrant's 24f-2 Notice for fiscal year
     ended December 31, 1996 as filed electronically with the Securities and
     Exchange Commission on February 28, 1997.

13.  Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration
     Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-81216), as filed on April 28, 1995.

14.  Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration
     Statement on Form S-2 (File No. 33-60477), as filed electronically on 
     April 4, 1997.



<PAGE>



Item 25. Directors and Officers of the Depositor

Name and Principal
Business Address*          Positions and Offices with Depositor
- -----------------          ------------------------------------

Daniel P. Kearney          Director and President

Timothy A. Holt            Director, Senior Vice President
                           and Chief Financial Officer

Christopher J. Burns       Director and Senior Vice President

Laura R. Estes             Director and Senior Vice President

J. Scott Fox               Director and Senior Vice President

Gail P. Johnson            Director and Vice President

John Y. Kim                Director and Senior Vice President

Shaun P. Mathews           Director and Vice President

Glen Salow                 Director and Vice President

Creed R. Terry             Director and Vice President

Deborah Koltenuk           Vice President and Treasurer,
                           Corporate Controller

Frederick D. Kelsven       Vice President and Chief
                           Compliance Officer

Kirk P. Wickman            Vice President, General Counsel
                           and Secretary


*  The principal business address of all directors and officers listed is 151
   Farmington Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut 06156.

Item 26. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or
         Registrant

     Incorporated herein by reference to Item 26 of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-61897),
as filed electronically on April 11, 1997.

Item 27. Number of Contract Owners
<PAGE>

     As of February 28, 1997, there were 606,945 individuals holding interests
in variable annuity contracts funded through Variable Annuity Account C.

Item 28. Indemnification

Reference is hereby made to Section 33-771(f) of the Connecticut General
Statutes ("C.G.S.") regarding indemnification of directors and Section 33-776(4)
regarding indemnification of officers, employees and agents of Connecticut
corporations. These statutes provide in general that Connecticut corporations
incorporated prior to January 1, 1997 shall indemnify their officers, directors,
employees and agents against "liability" (defined as the obligation to pay a
judgment, settlement, penalty, fine, excise tax in the case of an employee
benefit plan or reasonable expenses incurred with respect to a proceeding). In
the case of a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation, indemnification
is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding
against the corporation to which the individual was named a party. The
corporation's obligation to provide such indemnification does not apply unless
(1) the individual has met the standard of conduct set forth in Section 33-771;
and (2) a determination is made (by majority vote of a quorum of the board of
directors who were not parties to the proceeding, or if a quorum cannot be
obtained, by a committee of the board selected as described in Section
33-775(b)(2); by special legal counsel selected by the board of directors or
members thereof as described in Section 33-775(b)(3); by shareholders) that the
individual met the standard set forth in Section 33-771; or (3) the court, upon
application by the individual, determines in view of all the circumstances that
such person is reasonably entitled to be indemnified. Also, unless limited by
its Certificate of Incorporation, a corporation must indemnify an individual who
was wholly successful on the merits or otherwise against reasonable expenses
incurred by him in connection with a proceeding to which he was a party because
of his relationship as director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation.

The statute does specifically authorize a corporation to procure indemnification
insurance on behalf of an individual who is or was a director, officer, employer
or agent of the corporation. Consistent with the statute, Aetna Inc. has
procured insurance from Lloyd's of London and several major United States excess
insurers for its directors and officers and the directors and officers of its
subsidiaries, including the Depositor.

Item 29. Principal Underwriter

     (a) In addition to serving as the principal underwriter and depositor for
         the Registrant, Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company (Aetna) also
         acts as the principal underwriter and investment adviser for Aetna
         Variable Encore Fund, Aetna Variable Fund, Aetna Series Fund, Inc.,
         Aetna Generation Portfolios, Inc., Aetna Income Shares, Aetna
         Investment Advisers Fund, Inc., Aetna GET Fund, and Aetna Variable
         Portfolios, Inc. (all management investment companies registered under
         the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act)). Additionally, Aetna
         acts as the principal underwriter and depositor for Variable Life
         Account B of Aetna, Variable Annuity Account B of Aetna and Variable
         Annuity Account G of Aetna (separate accounts of Aetna registered as
         unit investment trusts under the 1940 Act). Aetna is also the principal
         underwriter for Variable Annuity


<PAGE>

         Account I of Aetna Insurance Company of America (AICA) (a separate
         account of AICA registered as a unit investment trust under the 1940
         Act).

     (b) See Item 25 regarding the Depositor.

     (c) Compensation as of December 31, 1996:

   (1)             (2)              (3)               (4)             (5)

Name of      Net Underwriting  Compensation on
Principal    Discounts and     Redemption or       Brokerage
Underwriter  Commissions       Annuitization       Commissions   Compensation*
- -----------  ----------------  ----------------    -----------   -------------

Aetna Life Insurance            $1,325,661                       $96,924,599
and Annuity Company

* Compensation shown in column 5 includes deductions for mortality and
  expense risk guarantees and contract charges assessed to cover costs
  incurred in the sales and administration of the contracts issued under
  Variable Annuity Account C.

Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records

     All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules under it relating to the securities
described in and issued under this Registration Statement are located at the
home office of the Depositor as follows:

                      Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company
                      151 Farmington Avenue
                      Hartford, Connecticut  06156

                                    and

                      Aetna Processing Office
                      18 Corporate Woods Blvd., Fourth Floor
                      P.O. Box 12894
                      Albany, New York  12212-2894

Item 31. Management Services

     Not applicable

Item 32. Undertakings
<PAGE>

     Registrant hereby undertakes:

     (a) to file a post-effective amendment to this registration statement on
         Form N-4 as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the audited
         financial statements in the registration statement are never more than
         sixteen months old for as long as payments under the variable annuity
         contracts may be accepted;

     (b) to include as part of any application to purchase a contract offered by
         a prospectus which is part of this registration statement on Form N-4,
         a space that an applicant can check to request a Statement of
         Additional Information; and

     (c) to deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any financial
         statements required to be made available under this Form N-4 promptly
         upon written or oral request.

     (d) The Company hereby represents that it is relying upon and complies with
         the provisions of Paragraphs (1) through (4) of the SEC Staff's
         No-Action Letter dated November 22, 1988 with respect to language
         concerning withdrawal restrictions applicable to plans established
         pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. See American
         Counsel of Life Insurance; SEC No-Action Letter, [1989 Transfer Binder]
         Fed. SEC. L. Rep. (CCH) P. 78,904 at 78,523 (November 22, 1988).

     (e) Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities
         Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
         persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
         otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
         Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against
         public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
         In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
         (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid
         by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
         successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
         such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
         securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion
         of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
         submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether
         such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
         Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

     (f) Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company represents that the fees and
         charges deducted under the contracts covered by this registration
         statement, in the aggregate, are reasonable in relation to the services
         rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks assumed
         by the insurance company.



<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES

     As required by the Securities Act of 1933, and the Investment Company Act
of 1940, the Registrant, Variable Annuity Account C of Aetna Life Insurance and
Annuity Company, certifies that it meets the requirements of Securities Act Rule
485(b) for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to its
Registration Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-81216) and has duly caused this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to its Registration Statement on Form N-4 (File
No. 33-81216) to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Hartford, State of Connecticut, on the 11th day of
April, 1997.

                                   VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT C OF
                                   AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
                                      (Registrant)

                              By:  AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
                                      (Depositor)

                              By:  Daniel P. Kearney*
                                   ----------------------------------------
                                   Daniel P. Kearney
                                   President

     As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment
No. 8 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-81216) has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature                 Title                                  Date
- ---------                 -----                                  ----
                                                            )
Daniel P. Kearney*        Director and President            )
- ------------------------  (principal executive officer)     )
Daniel P. Kearney                                           )
                                                            )
Timothy A. Holt*          Director and                      )    April
- ------------------------  Chief Financial Officer           )
Timothy A. Holt                                             )    11, 1997
                                                            )
Christopher J. Burns*     Director                          )
- ------------------------                                    )
Christopher J. Burns                                        )
                                                            )
Laura R. Estes*           Director                          )
- ------------------------                                    )
Laura R. Estes                                              )
                                                            )
J. Scott Fox*             Director                          )
- ------------------------                                    )
J. Scott Fox                                                )


<PAGE>


Gail P. Johnson*           Director                         )
- ------------------------                                    )
Gail P. Johnson                                             )
                                                            )
John Y. Kim*               Director                         )
- ------------------------                                    )
John Y. Kim                                                 )
                                                            )
Shaun P. Mathews*          Director                         )
- ------------------------                                    )
Shaun P. Mathews                                            )
                                                            )
Glen Salow*                Director                         )
- ------------------------                                    )
Glen Salow                                                  )
                                                            )
Creed R. Terry*            Director                         )
- ------------------------                                    )
Creed R. Terry                                              )
                                                            )
Deborah Koltenuk*         Vice President                    )
- ------------------------  and Treasurer,                    )
Deborah Koltenuk          Corporate Controller              )

By:     /s/ Julie E. Rockmore
        -----------------------
          *Julie E. Rockmore
           Attorney-in-Fact


<PAGE>



                           VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT C
                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.  Exhibit                                                 Page
- -----------  -------                                                 ----

99-B.1       Resolution of the Board of Directors of Aetna            *
             Life Insurance and Annuity Company establishing
             Variable Annuity Account C

99-B.3.1     Form of Broker-Dealer Agreement                          *

99-B.3.2     Alternative Form of Wholesaling Agreement and            *
             Related Selling Agreement

99-B.4.1     Form of Variable Annuity Contract                        *
             (G-401-IB(X/M))

99-B.4.2     Form of Variable Annuity Contract                        *
             (G-CDA-IB(XC/SM))

99-B.4.3     Endorsement (EGET-IC(R)) to Contracts                    *
             G-401-IB(X/M) and G-CDA-IB(XC/SM)

99-B.4.4     Endorsement (ESUNYSDO97) to Contracts                    *
             G-CDA-IB(XC/SM) and G-401-IB(X/M)

99-B.5       Form of Variable Annuity Contract Application            *
             (300-MOP-IB)

99-B.6.1     Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of              *
             Depositor

99-B.6.2     Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of             *
             Depositor

99-B.8.1     Fund Participation Agreement (Amended and                *
             Restated) between Aetna Life Insurance and
             Annuity Company, Alger American Fund and Fred
             Alger Management, Inc. dated March 31, 1995

99-B.8.2     Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life          *
             Insurance and Annuity Company and Calvert Asset
             Management Company (Calvert Responsibly
             Invested Balanced Portfolio, formerly Calvert
             Socially Responsible Series) dated March 13,
             1989 and amended December 12, 1993

*Incorporated by reference


<PAGE>




Exhibit No.            Exhibit                                       Page
- -----------            -------                                       ----

99-B.8.3     Second Amendment dated January 1, 1996 to Fund           *
             Participation Agreement between Aetna Life
             Insurance and Annuity Company and Calvert Asset
             Management Company (Calvert Responsibly
             Invested Balanced Portfolio, formerly Calvert
             Socially Responsible Series) dated March 13,
             1989 and amended December 27, 1993

99-B.8.4     Third Amendment dated February 11, 1997 to Fund          *
             Participation Agreement between Aetna Life
             Insurance and Annuity Company and Calvert Asset
             Management Company (Calvert Responsibility
             Invested Balanced Portfolio, formerly Calvert
             Socially Responsible Series) dated March 13,
             1989 and amended December 27, 1993 and January
             1, 1996

99-B.8.5     Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life          *
             Insurance and Annuity Company, Variable
             Insurance Products Fund and Fidelity
             Distributors Corporation dated February 1, 1994
             and amended on December 15, 1994, February 1,
             1995, May 1, 1995, January 1, 1996 and March 1,
             1996

99-B.8.6     Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life          *
             Insurance and Annuity Company, Variable
             Insurance Products Fund II and Fidelity
             Distributors Corporation dated February 1, 1994
             and amended on December 15, 1994, February 1.
             1995, May 1, 1995, January 1, 1996 and March
             1,1996

99-B.8.7     Service Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance           *
             and Annuity Company and Fidelity Investments
             Institutional Operations Company dated as of
             November 1, 1995

99-B.8.8     Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life          *
             Insurance and Annuity Company and Franklin
             Advisers, Inc. dated January 31, 1989

99-B.8.9     Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life          *
             Insurance and Annuity Company and Janus Aspen
             Series dated April 19, 1994 and amended March
             1, 1996

*Incorporated by reference


<PAGE>




Exhibit No.            Exhibit                                      Page
- -----------            -------                                      ----

99-B.8.10    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life          *
             Insurance and Annuity Company and Lexington
             Management Corporation regarding Natural
             Resources Trust dated December 1, 1988 and
             amended February 11, 1991

99-B.8.11    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life          *
             Insurance and Annuity Company, Lexington
             Emerging Markets Fund, Inc. and Lexington
             Management Corporation dated April 28, 1994

99-B.8.12    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life          *
             Insurance and Annuity Company and Advisers
             Management Trust (now Neuberger & Berman
             Advisers Management Trust) dated April 14, 1989
             and as assigned and modified on May 1, 1995

99-B.8.13    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life          *
             Insurance and Annuity Company and Scudder
             Variable Life Investment Fund dated April 27,
             1992 and amended February 19, 1993 and August
             13, 1993

99-B.8.14    Amendment dated as of February 20, 1996 to Fund          *
             Participation Agreement between Aetna Life
             Insurance and Annuity Company and Scudder
             Variable Life Investment Fund dated April 27,
             1992 as amended February 19, 1993 and August
             13, 1993

99-B.8.15    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life          *
             Insurance and Annuity Company, Investors
             Research Corporation and TCI Portfolios, Inc.
             dated July 29, 1992 and amended December 22,
             1992 and June 1, 1994

99-B.9       Opinion of Counsel                                       *

99-B.10.1    Consent of Independent Auditors                      __________


99-B.10.2    Consent of Counsel                                   __________


99-B.13      Schedule for Computation of Performance Data             *

*Incorporated by reference

<PAGE>




Exhibit No.            Exhibit                                      Page
- -----------            -------                                      ----


99-B.15.1    Powers of Attorney                                       *

99-B.15.2    Authorization for Signatures                             *

27           Financial Data Schedule                                  *
                                                                 ___________

*Incorporated by reference





                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



The Board of Directors of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and Contract
Owners of Aetna Variable Annuity Account C:


We consent to the use of our reports dated February 4, 1997 and February 14,
1997 included herein and to the references to our Firm under the captions
"Condensed Financial Information" in the Prospectus and "Independent Auditors"
in the Statement of Additional Information.

                                            /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP



Hartford, Connecticut
April 11, 1997


[Aetna Letterhead]

[Aetna logo]                              151 Farmington Avenue
                                          Hartford, CT 06156

                                          Susan E. Bryant
                                          Counsel
                                          Law Division, RE4A
                                          Investments & Financial Services
                                          (860) 273-7834
                                          Fax:  (860) 273-0356
April 11, 1997

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC  20549

Re:    Variable Annuity Account C of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company
       Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to Registration Statement on Form N-4
       File No. 33-81216

Dear Sir or Madam:

As Counsel of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company (the "Company"), I hereby
consent to the use of my opinion dated February 28, 1997 (incorporated herein by
reference to the 24f-2 Notice for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 filed
on behalf of Variable Annuity Account C of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity
Company on February 28, 1997) as an exhibit to this Post-Effective Amendment No.
8 to Registration Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-81216).


Sincerely,
/s/ Susan E. Bryant


Susan E. Bryant
Counsel
Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company


<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     6
<CIK>                         0000103007
<NAME>                        Variable Annuity Account C
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                   DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                      JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                        DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>             7,952,811,278
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>            8,565,202,363
<RECEIVABLES>                                 0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                          0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                    8,565,202,363
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                      0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                     0
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                           0
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                               0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                      0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                         0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                         0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                     0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                        0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                       0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                      0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                      0
<NET-ASSETS>                      8,565,202,363
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                   712,854,599
<INTEREST-INCOME>                             0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                0
<EXPENSES-NET>                       93,446,331
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>             619,408,268
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>            513,568,522
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>            18,307,901
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>             1,151,284,691
<EQUALIZATION>                                0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                      0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                         0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                       0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                           0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                        0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                       0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                     0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                       0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                    0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                         0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                            0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                               0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                          0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                         0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                               0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                       0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                          0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                     0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                          0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                           0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                        0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                          0
        

</TABLE>


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