India’s Intelligence Bureau (IB) is one of the oldest and most prestigious internal security and intelligence agencies in the world. Working under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the IB plays a vital role in safeguarding national interests. One of the most coveted posts in this elite agency is the Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO).
The IB ACIO exam is a golden opportunity for candidates who aspire to serve the nation through intelligence, analysis, and field operations. In this blog, we will dive deep into everything you need to know about the IB ACIO Exam 2025 — eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, selection process, salary, and preparation strategy.
📌 What is the IB ACIO Exam?
The IB ACIO exam is conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to recruit officers at the Group ‘C’ (non-gazetted, non-ministerial) level. The role of an ACIO involves collecting intelligence, surveillance, risk analysis, and working in coordination with other intelligence agencies and law enforcement bodies.
It is one of the few government jobs that combines desk work with fieldwork and offers a unique career trajectory full of challenges and responsibilities.
🗓️ IB ACIO 2025: Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | September 2025 |
| Online Application Start | September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 2025 |
| Tier-I Exam Date | December 2025 |
| Tier-II Exam Date | February 2026 |
| Interview & Final Result | April–May 2026 |
👤 Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
- Must be a citizen of India.
2. Age Limit
- Minimum: 18 years
- Maximum: 27 years
- Age relaxation for reserved categories as per government norms (OBC: +3 yrs, SC/ST: +5 yrs).
3. Educational Qualification
- A graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Knowledge of computers is desirable.
💼 IB ACIO Job Profile
The job of an ACIO is both challenging and dynamic. Responsibilities include:
- Gathering secret intelligence from across the country
- Field surveillance and covert operations
- Analysis and report preparation
- Coordination with law enforcement agencies
- Handling sensitive internal security issues
Work locations could vary from metro cities to remote areas, depending on operational needs.
💰 Salary and Perks
The IB ACIO post falls under Pay Level 7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400).
Other Benefits:
- Special Security Allowance (20% of Basic Pay)
- DA, HRA, and TA as applicable
- Paid leaves and medical benefits
- Government accommodation (as per availability)
- Excellent career growth and promotions
📚 Exam Pattern
The IB ACIO selection process consists of three stages:
📝 Tier I: Objective Exam (100 Marks)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 20 | 20 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 20 |
| English Language | 20 | 20 |
| General Studies | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Time: 1 hour
- Negative Marking: 1/4th mark
✍️ Tier II: Descriptive Exam (50 Marks)
- Essay Writing (30 marks)
- English Comprehension & Precis (20 marks)
- Time: 1 hour
👥 Tier III: Interview (100 Marks)
- Personality test
- Intelligence and attitude assessment
🧠 Syllabus Overview
General Awareness
- Current Affairs (last 6 months)
- Static GK
- Awards, Books, Defence, Sports
- Indian Polity, History, Geography
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number Systems, Percentages
- Time & Work, Ratio & Proportion
- Averages, Simple & Compound Interest
- Data Interpretation
Logical/Analytical Reasoning
- Syllogism, Series
- Blood Relations, Directions
- Coding-Decoding
- Statement & Conclusions
English Language
- Vocabulary, Grammar
- Comprehension
- Synonyms-Antonyms
- Sentence Improvement, Cloze Test
Essay Writing Topics
- Social issues (e.g., Cybercrime, Unemployment)
- Internal Security (e.g., Terrorism, Border Issues)
- National Schemes & Governance
🎯 Preparation Strategy
1. Understand the Exam Structure
Before beginning your preparation, analyze the weightage of each section and past year trends.
2. Follow a Timetable
Create a daily study plan. Dedicate time to each subject and practice writing essays weekly.
3. Current Affairs is Key
Read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express. Refer to monthly current affairs PDFs.
4. Practice Mock Tests
Take regular online mock tests to improve speed and accuracy. Analyze your performance and fix weak areas.
5. Focus on Essay Writing
Tier II can be a game-changer. Practice writing essays on topics like national security, data privacy, and digital India. Use structured formats: Introduction → Body → Conclusion.
6. Personality for Interview
Read about intelligence-related current events and work on communication skills. Be honest, alert, and aware in mock interviews.
📘 Recommended Books
| Subject | Recommended Book |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook |
| Aptitude | RS Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude |
| Reasoning | RS Aggarwal – Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| English | Wren & Martin, Word Power Made Easy |
| Current Affairs | Vision IAS monthly PDFs, PIB, The Hindu |
| Essay Writing | TMH Essay Book, Editorials from newspapers |
❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring descriptive paper preparation until the last minute
- Not reading enough about internal security or governance
- Poor time management during Tier I
- Using outdated study material or skipping current affairs
- Overconfidence in interview without mock practice
🏁 Final Thoughts
The IB ACIO exam is more than just another government test. It’s an entry into India’s elite intelligence force, where your work directly contributes to national security. It’s challenging, yes — but it’s also one of the most respected and fulfilling careers in public service.
Whether you come from a rural village or an urban city, this exam provides a level playing field for aspirants with grit, curiosity, and a patriotic mindset. With the right preparation, discipline, and confidence — you can crack it.
Good luck, future ACIO!
Stay alert. Stay informed. Serve the nation.
