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Introduction
The IB ACIO Exam offers one of the most prestigious entry points into India's Intelligence Bureau. As a gateway to impactful roles, including surveillance, counter‑intelligence, cybersecurity, and covert operations, it attracts thousands of aspirants every cycle.
This comprehensive 1,900‑word guide covers:
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What the IB ACIO role entails
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Key dates and eligibility
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Selection process and pattern
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Syllabus breakdown
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Preparation strategies
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Career prospects and perks
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FAQs
The goal? To equip you with clarity, confidence, and positivity as you prepare for this exciting journey.
1. Role and Responsibilities of an IB ACIO
An Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) in the Intelligence Bureau is generally a Grade-II Executive officer. Their core duties include:
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Gathering actionable intelligence within and outside the country
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Monitoring internal security threats and high-profile cases
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Supporting domain-specific cells such as cyber security, political intelligence, and counter‑espionage
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Conducting field surveillance with technical and human resource tools
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Preparing concise intelligence reports for decision-makers
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Coordinating with domestic and foreign intelligence and law enforcement agencies
This role offers a combination of administrative, analytical, field-level, and technical tasks—perfect for candidates who seek purpose and challenge.
2. Overview of IB ACIO Recruitment 2025
Short Notification Highlights (July 14)
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Vacancies: 3,717 positions across categories
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Application Window: July 19 to August 10, 2025
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Post: ACIO Grade II / Executive
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Salary: ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 (Pay Level-7)
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Authority: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
Vacancy Breakdown
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Unreserved (UR): 1,537
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Other Backward Classes (OBC): 946
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Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 442
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Scheduled Castes (SC): 566
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Scheduled Tribes (ST): 226
Eligibility Criteria
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Education: Bachelor's degree from a recognized university
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Age (as on August 10, 2025): 18–27 years
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Age relaxations applicable for reserved categories and special cases
3. Important Dates You Should Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Short Notification Released | July 14, 2025 | | Online Registration Opens | July 19, 2025 | | Last Date to Apply | August 10, 2025 | | Tier-I (Objective Exam) | To be announced | | Tier-II (Descriptive Exam) | To be announced | | Tier-III (Interview) | To be announced |
Early planning is essential. Mark your calendar and prepare documents like education certificates, photo ID, photographs, signature scan, and payment methods in advance.
4. Exam Format and Selection Process
The IB ACIO selection includes three stages:
Tier I – Objective Test (100 marks)
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Subjects: General Awareness, Current Affairs, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical/Analytical Ability, English Language
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100 multiple-choice questions, 1 mark each
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Duration: 60 minutes
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Negative marking: 0.25 for each wrong answer
Tier II – Descriptive Test (50 marks)
Tier III – Interview (100 marks)
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Personal interview to evaluate personality, intelligence, communication, critical thinking, and domain knowledge
Final selection depends on aggregate scores from all three stages.
5. Detailed Syllabus Breakdown
Tier I – Topics and Strategy
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Current Affairs (20 Qs): Focus on national security, defense, international relations, government policies, economy, and science trends.
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General Studies (20 Qs): Cover Indian polity, history, geography, freedom struggle, awards, culture, and basic law.
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Quantitative Aptitude (20 Qs): Test data interpretation, percentages, ratios, mensuration, probability, and algebra.
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Reasoning & Logical Ability (20 Qs): Practice puzzles, seating arrangement, coding-decoding, syllogisms, statements, conclusions.
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English Language (20 Qs): Emphasis on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, error spotting, and sentence correction.
Tier II – Writing Skills
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Essay: On topics relating to national security, governance, social issues
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Précis: Condensing given passages into clear, coherent summaries
Interview
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Questions on resume, current events, domain interest (like cyber topics), situational judgment scenarios, stress-response, integrity.
6. How to Prepare Effectively
A. Structured Study Routine
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Allocate daily slots for each subject area
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Balance reading, writing, testing, and revision
B. Current Affairs Daily Digest
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Create notes on headlines, context, and relevance
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Focus on intelligence and security-related updates
C. Mock Tests & Previous Papers
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Practice time-bound objective papers for speed and accuracy
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Attempt descriptive/corrected mock essays and précis
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Practice interviews with peers and mentors
D. Refining English & Writing
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Read national newspapers and analysis articles regularly
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Practice essay-writing, word usage, and editing
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Receive feedback from seniors or coaching faculty
E. Maintain Physical & Mental Fitness
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Ensure stress management with meditation, exercise, and adequate sleep
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Build stamina for written tests and interview preparation
7. Career Path & Perks
Designation and Posting
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Post: ACIO-II/Executive (non-gazetted, Group C)
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Initial assignments may involve assistance roles in intelligence, field stations, or appointed Delhi HQs
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With consistent performance, promotions to ACIO-I, DS (Deputy Superintendent), and higher management positions follow
Salary and Benefits
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Pay scale ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 includes DA, HRA, transport allowance
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Additional perks: medical coverage, pension, government housing (subject to availability), travel allowance, education support for children
Career Growth
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Fast promotions and enhanced responsibility with experience
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Specialization options in cyber intelligence, training roles, foreign intelligence operations
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Opportunities for deputation to world intelligence forums, central agencies, or state intelligence units
8. Why IB ACIO Gives You Purpose
Choosing a career as an IB ACIO aligns passion with national purpose:
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Meaningful Contribution: Help protect the country from internal and external threats
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Skill Enhancement: Advance abilities in analysis, technology, linguistics, and geopolitics
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Leadership Development: Manage complex operations, lead teams, and make strategic decisions
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Continuous Learning: Stay updated and trained through classified modules and courses
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Elite Badge: Represent one of the premier central agencies of India
9. Top Preparation Tips at a Glance
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Create a disciplined, compartmentalized study schedule
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Develop concise current affairs notes daily
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Regularly take mocks with speed and accuracy emphasis
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Dedicate time to writing practice under exam conditions
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Update knowledge of IB’s structure, role, and national security issues
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Simulate interviews to build confidence
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Join peer groups or online forums for strategy and support
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies for IB ACIO 2025?
A: There are 3,717 vacancies for the ACIO Grade II/Executive post.
Q2. What are the application start and end dates?
A: Applications open on July 19, 2025, and close on August 10, 2025.
Q3. What educational qualification is required?
A: You must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
Q4. What is the age limit and are there relaxations?
A: The age limit is 18–27 years as of Aug 10, 2025. Relaxations apply for OBC, SC/ST, departmental candidates, women, ex-servicemen, and special cases.
Q5. What is the selection process and marking scheme?
A: Three stages – Objective Test (100 marks), Descriptive Test (50 marks), and Interview (100 marks). Negative marking of 0.25 per wrong in Tier I.
Q6. What is the approximate salary?
A: ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 under Pay Level 7, plus allowances like DA, HRA, transport, pension, and medical coverage.
Q7. Is computer knowledge mandatory?
A: Not mandatory, but basic computer literacy gives you an edge.
Q8. When will Tier I exam be held?
A: Date will be announced later. Keep preparing; it typically follows a few months after application closure.
Final Thoughts: Your Path to Excellence
The IB ACIO Exam 2025 is more than a government job—it's a commitment to national service, intelligence, and integrity. With nearly 3,700 vacancies, now is a prime opportunity to embark on this prestigious journey. Start early, plan well, practice consistently, and maintain confidence. Your dedication today can shape your tomorrow—one that aligns with national-security roles, career growth, and the pride of serving your country.
Good luck, future officers! May your preparation be strong, your mindset resilient, and your aspirations boundless. |
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