IB ACIO Exam 2025: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Syllabus & Selection

IB ACIO Exam 2025: A Complete Guide for Aspirants

The IB ACIO exam is one of the most prestigious competitive exams in India, conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to recruit candidates for the post of Assistant Central Intelligence Officer Grade II (Executive) in the Intelligence Bureau (IB). It’s a golden opportunity for graduates seeking a government job with national importance.

Let’s explore everything about the IB ACIO 2025 exam, including eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, and preparation tips.

What is IB ACIO?

The Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (IB ACIO) is a Group C, Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial post under the Government of India. It plays a crucial role in collecting domestic intelligence, ensuring internal security, and assisting in counter-terrorism operations.

IB ACIO 2025: Important Highlights

IB ACIO 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Nationality

• Must be a citizen of India.

2. Educational Qualification

• A Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university.

3. Age Limit

• Minimum: 18 years
• Maximum: 27 years
• Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government rules.

IB ACIO Selection Process 2025

The selection process involves three main stages:

1. Tier 1 – Objective Written Test (100 marks)
2. Tier 2 – Descriptive Test (50 marks)
3. Interview – Personality Test (100 marks)

✅ Tier 1: Exam Pattern

⏱ Time: 1 Hour
❗ Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer

✅ Tier 2: Descriptive Paper

• Essay Writing (30 marks)
• English Comprehension & Precis (20 marks)
  ⏱ Time: 1 Hour

✅ Interview (Tier 3)

• Conducted for candidates who clear both Tier 1 and Tier 2
• Personality, communication skills, presence of mind tested

IB ACIO Syllabus 2025

📘 General Awareness

• Current Affairs (National & International)
• Static GK: History, Geography, Polity, Economy
• Science & Technology
• Awards, Books, Sports

📐 Quantitative Aptitude

• Number System, Profit & Loss
• Time, Work, and Distance
• Data Interpretation
• Ratio, Averages, Percentages

🔍 Logical/Analytical Ability

• Syllogism, Puzzles, Blood Relations
• Direction Test, Coding-Decoding
• Statements & Arguments

📖 English Language

• Grammar, Vocabulary, Synonyms/Antonyms
• Comprehension, Sentence Correction
• Cloze Test, Error Detection

🧠 Descriptive (Tier 2)

• Essay on current issues
• Precis writing
• English comprehension

How to Apply for IB ACIO Exam?

1. Visit the official MHA website: www.mha.gov.in
2. Click on the IB ACIO Recruitment 2025 notification
3. Register with email ID and phone number
4. Fill out the online application form
5. Upload photo, signature, and documents
6. Pay the application fee:
   • ₹100 for General/OBC
   • Free for SC/ST/Female candidates
7. Submit the form and print the confirmation

Best Books for IB ACIO Preparation

• Lucent’s General Knowledge
• RS Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude
• Arihant’s Fast Track Objective Arithmetic
• Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – RS Aggarwal
• Wren & Martin – English Grammar
• Previous Year Papers – Practice Book

Preparation Tips for IB ACIO 2025

✅ Make a Study Plan: Allocate 4–6 hours daily, covering each section
✅ Read Newspapers Daily: Especially The Hindu, Indian Express
✅ Solve Previous Year Papers: Understand question trends
✅ Take Online Mock Tests: Improve speed and accuracy
✅ Work on Essay Writing: Focus on structure and current topics
✅ Revise Regularly: Especially current affairs and static GK

IB ACIO Salary Structure 2025

• Pay Level: 7th CPC, Level 7
• Basic Pay: ₹44,900/month
• Gross Salary: ₹60,000–₹70,000/month (with allowances)
• Includes HRA, DA, TA, Special Security Allowance

Job Role & Career Growth

ACIOs work closely with other national security agencies, gathering intelligence, analyzing threats, and ensuring internal security. With experience, promotions to ACIO-I, DCIO, and higher are possible.