IB ACIO Recruitment 2025: Your Complete Guide to Landing the Coveted Intelligence Bureau Job
Last updated: July 20, 2025 | Official notification released on mha.gov.in
📢 Breaking News: The Intelligence Bureau has announced 3,717 vacancies for Assistant Central Intelligence Officers (ACIO) – one of the most sought-after government jobs in India’s security sector. With applications opening July 19, here’s everything you need to know to navigate this competitive recruitment process.
Why IB ACIO is the Dream Job for Many
The Intelligence Bureau (IB), India’s internal intelligence agency, offers candidates a unique opportunity to serve the nation while enjoying job security and attractive benefits. The ACIO position (Grade-II/Executive) comes with:
- 💰 Competitive salary (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 pay scale)
- 🛡️ Prestige of working in national security
- 📈 Excellent career growth opportunities
- 🏛️ Central government employee benefits
Key Dates You Can’t Afford to Miss
| Event | Date | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | 18 July 2025 | Official announcement with all details |
| Application Start | 19 July 2025 | Portal opens for registration |
| Last Application Date | 10 August 2025 | Deadline to submit forms |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 10-12 August 2025 | Varies by payment method |
Note: Written exam dates will be announced separately – likely in September/October 2025
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Explained
Age Requirements
Candidates must be between 18-27 years as of August 10, 2025. Age relaxation applies for:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- Ex-servicemen: Additional relaxation
Educational Qualification
A simple graduation degree from any recognized university is the minimum requirement. Unlike some competitive exams, there are no percentage cutoffs – you just need to have completed your degree.
The Selection Process: Your Roadmap to Success
The IB follows a rigorous three-tier selection process:
1. Tier 1 Exam (The First Hurdle)
This 100-mark screening test contains five sections to test your general awareness and aptitude:
- Current Affairs: Stay updated on national/international events
- General Studies: Polity, history, geography basics
- Quantitative Aptitude: Focus on speed and accuracy
- Logical Reasoning: Puzzles and analytical questions
- English Language: Grammar and comprehension
Pro Tip: Previous year toppers suggest spending 30% preparation time on current affairs.
2. Tier 2 Exam (Where Writing Skills Matter)
The descriptive test separates serious candidates:
- ✍️ Essay Writing (30 marks): Current affairs and social issues
- 📝 English Precis (20 marks): Condensing passages clearly
Key Advice: Practice writing timed essays – quality matters more than quantity.
3. The Interview (Your Personality Test)
The 100-mark interview assesses:
- 💡 Presence of mind and quick thinking
- 🗣️ Communication skills and clarity of thought
- 🇮🇳 Awareness about national security issues
- 🧠 Problem-solving approach
Insider Tip: Be prepared for situational questions about ethical dilemmas.
Vacancies: Category-wise Breakdown
With 3,717 vacancies, this is one of IB’s largest recruitment drives:
| Category | Vacancies | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| General | 1,537 | 41.4% |
| OBC | 946 | 25.5% |
| SC | 556 | 15% |
| ST | 226 | 6.1% |
| EWS | 442 | 11.9% |
Understanding the Cutoff Game
While official 2025 cutoffs will be announced later, here’s what previous years tell us:
- General category candidates typically need 65-75 marks in Tier 1
- Cutoffs are usually 5-10 marks lower for reserved categories
- The final selection combines marks from all three tiers
Strategy: Aim for at least 15-20% above previous cutoffs to be safe.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit mha.gov.in (the only official portal)
- Register with basic details to get login credentials
- Fill the detailed application form
- Upload documents (photo, signature, certificates)
- Pay the application fee (varies by category)
- Submit and print the confirmation page
Warning: Beware of fake websites – always use the official MHA portal.
Preparation Resources
To ace the IB ACIO exam:
- 📚 NCERT books (Class 6-12) for basic concepts
- 🗞️ Daily newspaper reading for current affairs
- ✏️ Previous year question papers (available on MHA site)
- ⏱️ Regular mock tests for time management
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