On September 13, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released the much-anticipated admit card for the Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (IB ACIO) Grade-II/Executive Examination 2025, marking a crucial milestone for candidates aspiring to join one of India’s premier intelligence agencies. With the Tier 1 exam scheduled for September 16, 17, and 18, 2025, across multiple centers nationwide, the release of the IB ACIO Admit Card 2025 has set the stage for a highly competitive recruitment process aimed at filling 3,717 vacancies. This article provides an in-depth look at the admit card’s release, the download process, exam details, and essential guidelines for candidates, ensuring they are well-prepared for this national-level examination.
The Significance of the IB ACIO Admit Card 2025
The IB ACIO Admit Card 2025 is a mandatory document for candidates appearing in the Tier 1 examination, serving as their entry pass to the exam hall. Issued exclusively online by the MHA on its official website, www.mha.gov.in, the admit card contains critical details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, registration number, exam date, shift timing, reporting time, exam venue, photograph, signature, and exam-day instructions. Without a printed copy of the admit card and a valid photo ID, candidates will be barred from entering the examination center, underscoring its importance.
The release of the admit card follows the issuance of the IB ACIO City Intimation Slip on September 5, 2025, which informed candidates of their exam city, date, and shift to aid in travel planning. The admit card, released just three days before the exam, provides the complete details, including the exact address of the exam center, ensuring candidates are fully equipped for the big day. This year’s recruitment drive, announced on July 18, 2025, with applications open from July 19 to August 10, has attracted lakhs of applicants, making the admit card release a pivotal moment in the selection process for the Group C, non-gazetted, non-ministerial posts.
How to Download the IB ACIO Admit Card 2025
Downloading the IB ACIO Admit Card 2025 is a straightforward process, but candidates must follow the steps carefully to avoid issues. The MHA does not send admit cards via post or email, so candidates are responsible for accessing them through the official portal or the National Career Service (NCS) portal, www.ncs.gov.in. Here’s a step-by-step guide to downloading the admit card:
Visit the Official Website: Navigate to www.mha.gov.in or the NCS portal at www.ncs.gov.in.
Locate the Admit Card Link: On the homepage, look for the notification titled “Online Examination Call Letter for the posts of ACIO Grade II/Executive in Intelligence Bureau (IB)” or a similar link under the recruitment or latest updates section.
Log In: Click the link and enter your credentials—User ID (or Registration Number) and Password (or Date of Birth). These were generated during the application process from July 19 to August 10, 2025.
Access the Admit Card: After logging in, the admit card will appear on the screen. Verify details such as your name, roll number, exam date, shift timing, venue, and photograph.
Download and Print: Click the download option, save the PDF, and take at least two clear printouts on A4-sized white paper for exam day.
Candidates facing login issues can use the “Forgot Password” or “Forgot User ID” options on the portal, which allow credential recovery via registered email or phone number. If discrepancies are found in the admit card—such as misspelled names, incorrect photographs, or wrong exam details—candidates must contact the MHA helpdesk immediately through the contact details provided on the website. The helpdesk, accessible via the application portal, is designed to resolve such issues promptly before the exam date.
Exam Details and Schedule
The IB ACIO Grade-II/Executive Tier 1 Exam 2025 is a computer-based test (CBT) scheduled for September 16, 17, and 18, 2025, conducted in three shifts daily to accommodate the large number of applicants. The shift timings are as follows:
Shift 1: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Shift 2: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Shift 3: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Candidates must arrive at their designated exam center at least two hours before their shift for verification and security checks, as specified in the City Intimation Slip and admit card. The exam comprises 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across five sections: Current Affairs, General Studies, Numerical Aptitude, Reasoning/Logical Aptitude, and English Language. Each correct answer earns 1 mark, with a negative marking of 1/4 mark for incorrect answers, making accuracy crucial in this 60-minute test.
The Tier 1 exam is the first stage of a three-tier selection process, followed by a descriptive Tier 2 exam and a personal interview. Only candidates who qualify in Tier 1 will receive separate admit cards for subsequent stages. The 3,717 vacancies, distributed across categories (UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS), offer a pay scale of Rs. 44,900 to Rs. 1,42,400 (Level 7), with in-hand salaries ranging from Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 90,000 depending on the posting location.
Exam Day Guidelines and Requirements
To ensure a smooth exam experience, candidates must adhere to strict guidelines outlined in the admit card. Key instructions include:
Mandatory Documents: Carry a printed copy of the IB ACIO Admit Card 2025 and a valid, original photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License). A soft copy of the admit card on a mobile device is not acceptable.
Photographs: Bring two passport-sized photographs identical to those uploaded during the application process for verification purposes.
Arrival Time: Reach the exam center at least two hours before the scheduled shift to complete frisking and identity checks. Late arrivals may be denied entry.
Prohibited Items: Electronic devices (mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators), study materials, bags, and other restricted items are not allowed inside the exam hall. Candidates should carry only essential items to avoid complications.
Dress Code and Conduct: Wear comfortable clothing as per the exam center’s guidelines, and follow invigilator instructions to maintain decorum. Any violation, such as malpractice, will lead to disqualification.
Candidates should verify all details on the admit card, including their name, roll number, exam center address, and shift timing, to avoid last-minute issues. If the exam center is in a different city, the City Intimation Slip, released on September 5, 2025, would have helped candidates plan travel and accommodation in advance.
Challenges and Candidate Preparations
With lakhs of candidates vying for 3,717 posts, the IB ACIO 2025 exam is highly competitive. The release of the admit card has intensified preparations, with aspirants focusing on the syllabus, which includes topics like national and international current affairs, Indian history, geography, quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and English comprehension. Candidates are advised to practice previous years’ question papers, available on the MHA website, to understand the exam pattern and manage time effectively. Mock tests and online resources from platforms like Testbook and Career Power can further aid preparation, especially for tackling the negative marking system.
Some candidates have reported challenges accessing the admit card due to server overload on the MHA website, particularly on the release day. If issues persist, candidates should try again after a short interval or use alternative browsers like Edge Chromium, Mozilla Firefox (version 93-110), or Google Chrome (version 88-111), as recommended by the MHA. Those who forget their login credentials can retrieve them via the portal’s recovery options, ensuring no one misses out due to technical glitches.
Cultural and Professional Significance
The IB ACIO recruitment is a prestigious opportunity, offering a chance to serve in the Intelligence Bureau, a cornerstone of India’s national security framework. The exam’s national-level status and rigorous selection process reflect the high standards expected of candidates, who must demonstrate intellectual acumen, analytical skills, and composure under pressure. The admit card’s release has sparked widespread discussion on platforms like X, with candidates sharing tips, expressing excitement, and seeking clarification on exam logistics. Posts like “Finally got my IB ACIO Admit Card! Ready for the challenge!” highlight the enthusiasm and determination among aspirants.
The 2025 recruitment drive, with its significant vacancy count, underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the IB’s workforce. Successful candidates will join a cadre responsible for critical intelligence operations, making the admit card not just a ticket to an exam but a gateway to a career of national importance.
Conclusion
The release of the IB ACIO Admit Card 2025 on September 13, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for candidates preparing for the Tier 1 exam. By following the download process, verifying details, and adhering to exam-day guidelines, aspirants can approach the test with confidence. The exam’s structure, with its focus on diverse subjects and negative marking, demands thorough preparation, while the admit card ensures candidates are equipped with all necessary information. As the countdown to September 16 begins, the IB ACIO Admit Card 2025 stands as a symbol of opportunity, inviting candidates to take their first step toward a prestigious career in the Intelligence Bureau.

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