The Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (IB ACIO) Grade-II/Executive recruitment for 2025 has sparked significant interest among aspirants, with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announcing a massive 3,717 vacancies. Launched on July 19, 2025, the recruitment drive targets graduates aged 18-27 for a prestigious Group ‘C’ (Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial) role under the MHA, offering a pay scale of ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 (Level 7). As of September 5, 2025, the application window has closed, and candidates are eagerly awaiting the exam schedule, expected to commence from September 16, 2025. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments surrounding the IB ACIO 2025 exam, including vacancy details, eligibility, selection process, syllabus, and preparation insights, with a detailed table summarizing key highlights. Drawing on recent web reports, this piece aims to equip aspirants with all the necessary information to navigate this competitive recruitment process.
Recruitment Announcement and Application Process
The IB ACIO 2025 recruitment was officially announced on July 19, 2025, via a detailed notification on the MHA’s website (www.mha.gov.in). The application window opened the same day and closed on August 10, 2025, with the deadline for fee submission via SBI challan extended to August 12, 2025. Candidates were required to apply online through the MHA portal or the National Career Service (NCS) portal (www.ncs.gov.in), providing personal details, educational qualifications, and a choice of exam center. The process involved uploading a recent passport-sized photograph and scanned signature, adhering to specific size limits (max 200 KB, PDF/JPEG format). The application fee was ₹650 for General, EWS, and OBC male candidates (₹100 exam fee + ₹550 processing fee), while SC/ST candidates, female candidates, and eligible ex-servicemen paid only the ₹550 processing fee.
The notification, described as one of the largest recruitment drives for IB ACIO in recent years, outlined 3,717 vacancies, a significant increase from previous years. This reflects the MHA’s push to bolster India’s internal security apparatus amid rising geopolitical challenges. The category-wise vacancy distribution, detailed in the table below, ensures representation across UR, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories, aligning with central government reservation norms. Posts on X have highlighted the excitement among aspirants, with many calling it a “golden opportunity” to join India’s premier intelligence agency.
Exam Schedule and Admit Card Updates
While the exact exam dates for IB ACIO 2025 are yet to be confirmed, multiple sources, including Career Power and Jagran Josh, indicate that the Tier 1 exam is tentatively scheduled to commence from September 16, 2025. The MHA is expected to release the official schedule soon, likely by mid-September, with admit cards available 7–10 days prior, around September 7–10, 2025. Candidates can download admit cards from the MHA website, which will include details like exam city, date, and reporting time. The lack of an official announcement has sparked discussions on X, with some users advising aspirants to prepare for a September 16 target while staying updated via the MHA portal.
The selection process comprises three stages: Tier 1 (objective test, 100 marks), Tier 2 (descriptive test, 50 marks), and Tier 3 (interview, 100 marks), followed by document verification and medical examination. The combined performance in Tier 1 and Tier 2 determines eligibility for the interview, with minimum qualifying marks set at 35 (General), 34 (OBC/EWS), and 33 (SC/ST) for Tier 1, and 33% (17/50) for Tier 2. This rigorous process ensures only the most capable candidates are selected for the ACIO role.
Vacancy Breakdown and Eligibility Criteria
The 3,717 vacancies for IB ACIO Grade-II/Executive posts are distributed across categories, offering opportunities for diverse candidates. The table below summarizes the key details of the recruitment drive, including vacancy distribution and eligibility criteria, based on information from sources like Veranda RACE and Testbook.
Table: IB ACIO 2025 Recruitment Overview
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Total Vacancies | 3,717 (UR: 1,537, OBC: 946, EWS: 442, SC: 566, ST: 226) |
Post | Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) Grade-II/Executive |
Pay Scale | ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 (Level 7, 7th CPC) + Central Government allowances |
Eligibility: Nationality | Indian citizens only, with proof (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, or Passport) |
Eligibility: Education | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university; basic computer knowledge |
Eligibility: Age Limit | 18–27 years as of August 10, 2025 (relaxations: OBC 3 years, SC/ST 5 years, Ex-Servicemen as per norms) |
Application Period | July 19, 2025 – August 10, 2025 (Fee submission until August 12, 2025) |
Application Fee | General/EWS/OBC (Male): ₹650; SC/ST/Female/Ex-Servicemen: ₹550 |
Selection Process | Tier 1 (Objective, 100 marks), Tier 2 (Descriptive, 50 marks), Interview (100 marks), Document Verification, Medical Examination |
Tentative Exam Date | Tier 1 from September 16, 2025 onwards (awaiting official confirmation) |
Admit Card Release | Expected 7–10 days before exam (September 7–10, 2025) |
The eligibility criteria emphasize a graduation degree and basic computer proficiency, with no restrictions on the number of attempts as long as candidates meet the age limit. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories, with OBC candidates eligible up to 30 years, SC/ST up to 32 years, and additional relaxations for ex-servicemen and widows/divorced women (up to 35–40 years depending on category). This inclusivity has been praised on X, with users noting the MHA’s commitment to diverse representation.
Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The IB ACIO 2025 exam syllabus and pattern, detailed by sources like Adda247 and Career Power, are critical for aspirants. Tier 1 is a 60-minute objective test with 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across five sections: General Awareness & General Studies, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical/Analytical/Numerical Ability & Reasoning, English Language, and Current Affairs. Each section carries 20 questions, with 1 mark per correct answer and a 0.25-mark penalty for wrong answers. Key topics include:
General Awareness & General Studies: History, geography, polity, science, and static GK.
Quantitative Aptitude: Arithmetic, algebra, data interpretation, and geometry.
Logical Reasoning: Puzzles, coding-decoding, syllogisms, and analytical reasoning.
English Language: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and sentence correction.
Current Affairs: National and international events, sports, and government schemes.
Tier 2 is a 60-minute descriptive test worth 50 marks, comprising essay writing (30 marks) and English comprehension/précis writing (20 marks). Candidates must score at least 17 marks to qualify for the interview. Essay topics often cover national security, social issues, or current events, requiring clear, concise writing. The interview assesses personality, communication skills, and suitability for intelligence work, with a focus on situational judgment and awareness of security issues.
Preparation Insights and Resources
With the Tier 1 exam approaching, aspirants are advised to focus on a structured preparation strategy. Sources like Testbook and Veranda RACE recommend starting with high-weightage topics, such as current affairs and reasoning, which dominate Tier 1. Mock tests and previous year’s question papers, available on the MHA website, are crucial for understanding the exam’s difficulty, rated as moderate by Career Power, with General Awareness being particularly challenging due to its breadth. Online coaching platforms like Easetolearn offer mock test series and study materials tailored for IB ACIO 2025, emphasizing time management and accuracy.
A suggested study plan includes allocating 2–3 hours daily to each section, using resources like General Knowledge 2025 by Manohar Pandey for current affairs, Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal for math, and Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi for language skills. Posts on X highlight the importance of weekly mock tests to gauge progress, with one user stating, “Solving past papers gave me confidence to tackle reasoning and GK.” Candidates are also encouraged to stay updated via the MHA website for last-minute announcements.
Industry Context and Significance
The IB ACIO 2025 recruitment is part of a larger MHA initiative to fill 8,704 posts, including 4,987 Security Assistant vacancies, as noted by Career Power. This reflects a strategic effort to strengthen India’s intelligence and security framework, with ACIO officers playing a critical role in intelligence gathering, analysis, and field operations. The competitive nature of the exam, coupled with high applicant numbers, underscores its prestige, with successful candidates joining one of India’s top intelligence agencies.
The recruitment drive aligns with India’s focus on national security, with IB ACIO officers posted across various centers for tasks ranging from counter-terrorism to internal threat assessment. The attractive salary, ranging from ₹80,000–₹90,000 monthly (depending on posting location), and additional allowances like DA, HRA, and Special Security Allowance, make it a coveted career choice. Posts on X reflect aspirant enthusiasm, with one user calling it “a dream job for graduates passionate about serving the nation.”
Challenges and Expectations
The lack of confirmed exam dates has created uncertainty, with some X users expressing frustration over delays in the schedule announcement. The high competition, with thousands of applicants for 3,717 posts, demands rigorous preparation, particularly for General Awareness, which many find challenging due to its dynamic nature. The descriptive nature of Tier 2 also requires strong writing skills, a hurdle for some candidates. However, the MHA’s transparent process and extensive resources, including syllabus PDFs on its website, provide ample support.
Conclusion
The IB ACIO 2025 recruitment, with 3,717 vacancies, is a landmark opportunity for graduates to join India’s Intelligence Bureau. With applications closed and the Tier 1 exam expected from September 16, 2025, aspirants are gearing up for a competitive selection process. The detailed syllabus, structured exam pattern, and robust preparation resources equip candidates to tackle the challenge, while the attractive pay scale and prestigious role fuel motivation. As the MHA prepares to announce the exam schedule, IB ACIO 2025 remains a focal point for job seekers, promising a rewarding career in national security. Stay tuned to www.mha.gov.in for updates, and leverage mock tests and study plans to ace this opportunity.
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