The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has launched the largest-ever recruitment drive for Assistant Central Intelligence Officers (ACIO) Grade‑II/Executive, with 3,717 vacancies and the selection process comprising:
Tier‑1 (Objective Test), Tier‑2 (Descriptive Paper), and Interview (Tier‑3).
A clear understanding of the IB ACIO 2025 syllabus is essential to crack this prestigious exam. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Tier‑1: Objective (100 marks – 1 hour)
Tier‑1 includes five equally weighted sections (20 ques. / 20 marks each) — all MCQs with 0.25 negative marking.
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | National/international news, government schemes, awards, geography, etc. |
| General Studies | History, Polity, India & World Geography, Economy, Science & Tech, GK |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Number systems, percentages, averages, ratio & proportion, profit & loss, time & work, discount, mensuration, algebra, statistics, more |
| Reasoning & Analytical Ability | Seating arrangements, coding‑decoding, puzzles, logical sequences, blood relations, syllogisms, input‑output, calendars, direction sense, etc. |
| English Language | Grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, error correction, synonyms/antonyms, idioms & phrases |
Tier‑2: Descriptive (50 marks – 1 hour)
Tier‑2 evaluates your writing and comprehension skills through an essay and English comprehension:
- Essay Writing: ~250–300 words (20 marks)
- English Comprehension & Precis: Read passage + answer questions or write precis (30 marks)
Tier‑3: Interview (100 marks)
Candidates shortlisted (≈10× vacancies) will undergo a personal interview and psychometric evaluation. Performance across all three stages determines the final merit list
Exam Pattern Summary
| Tier | Format | Duration | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MCQs (5 sections) | 60 min | 100 | 0.25/q |
| 2 | Descriptive Essay + Comprehension | 60 min | 50 | No |
| 3 | Interview + Psychometric | – | 100 | No |
Preparation Strategy
- Develop Mastery Over Sections: Create a section-wise timetable to cover each topic in Tier‑1 thoroughly.
- Stay Current: Read quality newspapers/apps, jot significant national & global updates.
- Practice Numeric & Logical Aptitude: Use mock tests and previous year papers for speed and accuracy.
- Enhance English Skills: Read, write essays, practice precis, review grammar, and take quizzes.
- Mock Tests: Time-bound Tier‑1 and Tier‑2 tests help identify areas of improvement.
- Interview Prep: Work on communication skills, current affairs, and IB-related knowledge.
- Revision: Regularly revisit notes, especially high-weightage topics and essay frameworks.
Key Takeaways
- Tier‑1: Covers five sections — Current Affairs, Gen. Studies, Quant, Reasoning, English (100 MCQs in 1 hour with negative marking).
- Tier‑2: Descriptive — Essay (20 marks) + Comprehension/Precis (30 marks).
- Interview: 100 marks, assesses personality & psychometric suitability.
- Vacancies: 3,717 positions; pay scale ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 (Level 7).
What’s Next?
- Register Now: Apply via mha.gov.in before the deadline.
- Download Syllabus PDF: Direct link and exam guidelines are on the official site & trusted education portals like Adda247, CareerPower, Oliveboard.
- Start Preparation Immediately: With syllabus roadmap, mock tests, and interview prep—you’re set to crack all three stages.