What IB ACIO is
The Intelligence Bureau recruits Assistant Central Intelligence Officers, Grade II/Executive, through this exam, placing successful candidates into India’s domestic intelligence agency. It is one of the few central government exams that leads into intelligence work specifically rather than general administration, technical, or law enforcement roles, and it draws a large number of applicants relative to the vacancies notified each cycle.
Because the role involves intelligence gathering and analysis, the recruitment process includes a more detailed background and character verification than most other central government exams, alongside the written and interview stages.
Who can apply
A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university is the only academic requirement, which is part of why this exam draws candidates from every educational background rather than one particular stream. The general age band is roughly 18 to 27 years as on the date specified in the notification, with standard relaxations for reserved categories and persons with disability.
How the exam runs
Tier I is an objective, computer based test covering General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical and Analytical Ability, and English Language, with negative marking for wrong answers as specified in the notification. Only candidates who clear the Tier I cutoff advance.
Tier II is a descriptive paper testing an essay and English comprehension and precis writing, checking written expression rather than objective recall.
Candidates who clear Tier II sit a Personal Interview. IB also conducts a detailed background and character verification given the nature of the role, in addition to the standard document verification most other exams carry out.
Preparing the application
IB specifies exact photograph and signature requirements in each notification rather than a fixed year to year standard, so check the current notification’s dimensions and file size before uploading. The tools on this site can resize your photograph to whatever specific target the notification states.
On exam day
Arrive at least an hour before the reporting time on your admit card, with the printed admit card and a government photo identification matching the name and photo on the admit card. No electronic devices are permitted inside the exam centre.
The official Ministry of Home Affairs website, linked above, carries current recruitment notifications and updates for IB exams.