The IB ACIO Exam 2025 is a competitive test aimed at selecting Assistant Central Intelligence Officers (ACIO) Grade II/Executive for the Intelligence Bureau (IB), which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). With a whopping 3,717 vacancies up for grabs in this recruitment cycle, it’s no wonder that this exam is in high demand. The selection process is thorough, featuring three distinct stages that assess a candidate’s skills, knowledge, and overall fit for the position.
IB ACIO Exam 2025: Exam Dates and Application Process
The application process for the IB ACIO 2025 exam kicked off on July 19, 2025, and will wrap up on August 10, 2025. The Tier I examination is set to take place on September 16, 17, and 18, 2025, in various cities across India. Each day, the exam will be conducted in three shifts. Candidates can find out their specific exam city, date, and shift by downloading the city intimation slip from the official MHA website. Expect the admit cards to be available a few days before the exam, probably around September 13, 2025.
IB ACIO Exam 2025: Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the IB ACIO 2025 exam, candidates need to be Indian citizens. The eligibility requirements hinge on three main factors:
IB ACIO Exam 2025: Educational Qualification
To apply, candidates need to have a graduation degree or something equivalent from a recognized university. If you’re in your final year of study, unfortunately, you can’t apply unless your degree is conferred before the application deadline.
IB ACIO Exam 2025: Age Limit
The applicant needs to be between 18 and 27 years old as of August 10, 2025. There are age relaxations available for candidates from reserved categories (like SC/ST, OBC), departmental candidates, and ex-servicemen, following government guidelines.
IB ACIO Exam 2025: Other Requirements
While it’s not a strict requirement, having a basic understanding of computers is definitely seen as a plus. Just a quick reminder: when you’re crafting your responses, make sure to stick to the specified language and avoid using any others. Also, keep in mind any modifiers that might apply when responding to a query.
IB ACIO Exam 2025: Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The IB ACIO selection process consists of three tiers
IB ACIO Exam Tier I: Objective-Type Exam
This is an online, 1-hour exam with a total of 100 multiple-choice questions for 100 marks. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
The paper is divided into five sections, each with 20 questions and 20 marks:
- Current Affairs
- General Studies
- Numerical Aptitude
- Reasoning & Logical Aptitude
- English Language
IB ACIO Exam Tier II: Descriptive-Type Paper
- This is a 1-hour descriptive paper for a total of 50 marks.
- It includes an Essay (30 marks) and English Comprehension & Precis Writing (20 marks).
- A minimum of 33% marks (17 marks) is required to qualify for this tier.
IB ACIO Exam 2025: Interview
- Candidates who qualify in Tier I and Tier II are called for the interview round, which is worth 100 marks.
- The interview assesses a candidate’s personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for the role of an intelligence officer.
The final merit list is prepared based on the combined performance of candidates in all three tiers
IB ACIO Exam 2025: Salary and Job Profile
The IB ACIO Grade-II/Executive position is quite an esteemed role, falling under Pay Level 7 as per the 7th Pay Commission. The salary for this position ranges from ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400. Along with the base pay, those who are selected also enjoy a variety of allowances, which adds to the overall compensation package.
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- Special Security Allowance (SSA) of 20% of the basic pay.
The take-home salary for a newly appointed ACIO is quite impressive, usually falling between ₹80,000 and ₹90,000 each month, depending on where you’re posted. This role mainly focuses on gathering and analyzing intelligence to help keep our national security intact. You’ll find yourself working both in the field and at a desk, and it demands a strong sense of discretion along with a genuine commitment to serving the country.
For more insights into the preparation strategy for the IB ACIO exam, watch this video: IB ACIO Preparation Strategy. This video provides tips and strategies for preparing for the IB ACIO 2025 examination.