Overview of IB ACIO Exam 2025
The Intelligence Bureau (IB), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has invited online applications from Indian nationals for the Assistant Central Intelligence Officer Grade-II/Executive (ACIO-II/Exe) Examination 2025. This is a direct recruitment for a prestigious Group 'C' non-gazetted, non-ministerial post.
Importance of the IB ACIO Recruitment 2025
This recruitment drive is a significant opportunity for graduates to secure a challenging and rewarding career in national intelligence. The role is critical to the country's security framework, and candidates are advised to carefully review all eligibility criteria before applying online through the official MHA or NCS portals.
Recruitment Details
- Post: Assistant Central Intelligence Officer Grade-II/Executive (ACIO-II/Exe)
- Classification: General Central Service, Group 'C' (Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial)
Number of Vacancies
The recruitment aims to fill a total of 3,717 vacancies, with the following category-wise distribution. The number of vacancies is provisional and subject to change.
| Category | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 1,537 |
| EWS | 566 |
| OBC | 946 |
| SC | 442 |
| ST | 226 |
| Total | 3,717 |
Eligibility Criteria
Required Qualifications: Candidates must possess a Graduation degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university. The eligibility of candidates will be determined based on the closing date of application, which is August 10, 2025. Candidates must have been declared successful in their graduation on or before this date.Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of computers is a desirable qualification for this post.
Age Limit
The age limit for candidates is between 18 and 27 years as of August 10, 2025. The upper age limit is relaxable under the following conditions:
- By 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates.
- Up to 40 years for departmental candidates who have rendered 3 years of regular and continuous service. This is applicable only to Central Government Civilian employees.
- Up to 35 years for UR candidates, 38 years for OBC, and 40 years for SC/ST candidates in the case of widows, divorced women, and women judicially separated and not remarried.
- Relaxable for ex-servicemen as per government instructions.
- Up to a maximum of 5 years for meritorious sportspersons as specified in relevant government orders.
Job Responsibilities
The notification specifies that the role of ACIO-II/Exe comes with an All India Transfer liability. Therefore, only candidates willing to serve anywhere in India should apply.
Application Process
Documents Needed
Before beginning the online application, candidates should have the following ready:
- A valid personal E-mail ID and Mobile Number.
- A scanned copy of a recent passport-size color photograph (100-200KB in jpg/jpeg format, not older than 12 weeks).
- A scanned copy of the signature (80-150KB in jpg/jpeg format).
- A valid photo ID proof issued by the Central/State Government.
- Certificates and Marksheets for Class X, XII, and Graduation/Post Graduation.
Submission Online
Applications must be submitted online through the MHA's official website (www.mha.gov.in) or the NCS portal (www.ncs.gov.in). No other mode of application will be accepted. The online registration portal is open from July 19, 2025, to August 10, 2025 (23:59 Hrs).
How to Apply for IB ACIO Exam 2025? (Step by Step)
The application process is divided into two main steps:
- STEP I: Registration
- Agree to the terms and conditions and click 'Submit' to begin.
- Fill in all personal and contact details correctly.
- Upon completion, a Login ID (Application Sequence Number) and password will be sent to your registered mobile number and email ID.
- STEP II: Completion of Application Form
- Log in again using the provided credentials.
- Select your category and fill in the remaining details, including qualifications.
- Upload the scanned photograph and signature as per the specified guidelines. The photograph should be colored, against a light background, and with 70-80% face coverage. The signature must be done with a black ink pen on white paper.
- After submission, you will be redirected to the SBI EPAY LITE payment gateway to pay the examination fee and recruitment processing charges.
- Candidates are advised to print a copy of the final application form for future reference.
Selection Procedure
The selection process for the ACIO-II/Exe post consists of Tier-I, Tier-II, and Tier-III/Interview stages.
| Stage | Description | Time | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Exam (Tier-I) | 100 Objective type MCQs, divided into 5 parts (20 questions each) on: a. Current Affairs b. General Studies c. Numerical aptitude d. Reasoning/logical aptitude e. English [Negative marking of ¼ mark for each wrong answer.] | 1 Hour | 100 |
| Descriptive Test (Tier-II) | Descriptive paper consisting of: - Essay (20 marks) - English comprehension (10 marks) - Long answer questions on various topics (2x10 = 20 marks) | 1 Hour | 50 |
| Personal Interview (Tier-III) | Interview | - | 100 |
- Shortlisting for Tier-II: Based on performance in the Tier-I exam, candidates will be shortlisted for Tier-II at 10 times the number of vacancies. Minimum cut-off marks for Tier-I are UR-35, OBC-34, SC/ST-33, and EWS-35.
- Shortlisting for Interview: Based on the combined performance in Tier-I and Tier-II, candidates will be shortlisted for the Tier-III/Interview at 5 times the number of vacancies, provided they secure a minimum of 33% (17 out of 50) in the Tier-II exam.
- Final Selection: A final merit list will be prepared based on the combined performance in Tier-I, Tier-II, and the Interview.
- Document Verification & Medical Examination: The final selection is subject to the successful completion of Character & Antecedent verification, followed by a Medical Examination.
Salary and Benefits
The post of ACIO-II/Exe carries a pay scale of Level 7 (Rs. 44,900 - 1,42,400) in the pay matrix, in addition to admissible Central Government allowances.
Additional Perks
- A Special Security Allowance at 20% of the basic pay.
- Cash compensation in lieu of duty performed on holidays, subject to a ceiling of 30 days.
Working Conditions
The official notification does not specify the work hours for the post.
Location Details
The job has an All India Transfer liability, meaning candidates must be willing to serve anywhere in India. For the Tier-I exam, candidates can choose five cities as their preference from a comprehensive list provided in the notification.
Team Structure
The post is classified as General Central Service, Group 'C' (Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial), placing the officer within the operational and executive framework of the Intelligence Bureau.
Why Join the Intelligence Bureau?
Mission and Values
Joining the Intelligence Bureau means becoming part of an elite organization dedicated to protecting the nation's integrity and security. It offers a chance to contribute directly to national service in a challenging and dynamic environment.
Career Development Opportunities
While the initial appointment is temporary, it can lead to a permanent position based on various factors in force at that time. The role provides immense exposure and experience in the field of national intelligence.
Community Impact
As an ACIO, you play a vital role in gathering intelligence that shapes national policy and prevents threats, making a tangible impact on the safety and security of the country and its citizens.
FAQ
What is the last date to apply?
The closing date for online registration is August 10, 2025 (23:59 Hrs).
What is the application fee?
The fee has two components: an Examination Fee of ₹100 and Recruitment Processing Charges of ₹550. Male candidates of UR, EWS, and OBC categories must pay both (total ₹650). All female candidates, SC/ST candidates, and eligible Ex-Servicemen are exempt from the ₹100 examination fee but must pay the ₹550 processing charges.
Is there negative marking in the exam?
Yes, there will be a negative marking of ¼ mark for each wrong answer in the Tier-I exam.
Can Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBDs) apply?
No, the post of ACIO-II/Exe has not been identified as suitable for any category of PwBDs, and therefore, they are advised not to apply.
How will I receive my admit card?
Admit cards for all tiers of the exam and other relevant information will be sent to the candidate's registered email ID.
Application Troubleshooting
- Ensure you have a valid and active email ID and mobile number throughout the process.
- If you do not receive your Application Sequence Number (ASN), check your email's junk/spam folder.
- For any technical queries related to filling the online application, you can use the Helpdesk Tab on the portal or call 022-61087513 (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Saturday).
- Do not submit multiple applications, as it may lead to the cancellation of all your applications.