The IB ACIO Tier 2 Descriptive Test 2025 is an important stage in the selection process for Assistant Central Intelligence Officers. The marks obtained in this paper are qualifying but they play an important role in shortlisting for the final selection. The IB ACIO Tier 2 Descriptive Test 2025 includes essays, comprehension passages, and long-answer questions on topics like current affairs, national security, socio-political issues, and the economy. This blog not only contains details about the IB ACIO Tier 2 Descriptive Test 2025, including the revised exam pattern but also the sample questions, and important topics to help you prepare effectively.
IB ACIO Tier 2 Descriptive Exam Pattern
The IB ACIO Exam Pattern for descriptive paper is a one hour offline written exam with a total of 50 marks. Understanding the structure helps candidates prepare efficiently.
| Section | Marks | Details |
| Essay | 20 | Write a structured essay on current affairs, socio-political, or economic topics |
| English Comprehension | 10 | Short passage followed by 3–5 analytical questions |
| Long-Answer Questions | 20 | Two questions of 10 marks each on socio-economic, political, or security issues |
| Total | 50 | Duration: 1 hour |
Check IB ACIO Exam Syllabus
Changes in IB ACIO Tier 2 Pattern
The main change in the IB ACIO Exam Tier 2 pattern from 2023 is a shift from long-form writing to direct analysis. The essay marks are reduced from 30 to 20, and précis writing has been removed. The 20 marks from the précis section are now used for two long-answer questions, which test your understanding of current affairs and socio-political topics.
| Feature | Old Pattern (Pre-2023) | New Pattern (2025/Latest) | Change |
| Essay Weight | 30 Marks | 20 Marks | Reduced |
| English Comprehension | 20 Marks (Incl. Précis Writing) | 10 Marks (Comprehension Only) | Reduced |
| Précis Writing | Included (Part of 20 Marks) | Removed | Significant Change |
| Long Answer Type Questions | Not Included (0 Marks) | 20 Marks (2 questions × 10 marks) | New Addition (Focus on Current Affairs / Socio-political Issues) |
| Total Marks | 50 Marks | 50 Marks | – |
Key Features of IB ACIO Descriptive Mock Tests
Practicing mock tests creates the real exam environment and develops essential skills:
- Covers topics like current affairs, national security, socio-political and economic issues.
- Provides model answers and solutions for reference.
- Improves typing speed and accuracy for online exam submission.
- Instant feedback on essay structure, content, and coherence.
- Helps track progress in time management and writing quality.
Sample Essay Topics for IB ACIO Tier 2
Write an essay in English (250–300 words, 20 marks) on any one of the following topics:
- How digital threats are shaping intelligence operations in India?
- Opportunities and challenges for the Indian workforce.
- How can cities grow while protecting the environment?
- How female leadership contributes to social and political progress?
- Benefits and challenges in India’s economic growth.
- Is social media strengthening or weakening democratic participation in India?
- Protecting heritage sites while promoting tourism.
- The role of vocational training in modern India.
Instructions for Candidates:
- Write clearly and logically with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Stick to the 250–300 word limit.
- Focus on clarity, relevance, and structured arguments rather than only grammar.
- Use examples, recent developments, or data to support your points.
English Comprehension Section, Sample Passage & Questions
The English comprehension section tests your reading, understanding, and analytical skills. Each answer should be 30-40 words, written in your own words.
Sample Passage:
In India, public attention often focuses on air pollution as the major environmental challenge. While air pollution is indeed serious, water pollution and poor sanitation also affect millions of people. Studies show that nearly 70% of water sources in urban and rural areas are contaminated to some extent. Contaminated water leads to diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis, affecting children and adults alike. Industrial waste, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff are the main causes of water pollution. Urbanization and lack of proper infrastructure exacerbate the problem. Combating water pollution requires investment in sewage treatment plants, strict regulation of industrial discharge, and promoting awareness about clean water usage. Community participation in maintaining water bodies and government initiatives to monitor water quality are essential. Improving water quality not only benefits public health but also enhances productivity and economic growth by reducing disease burden and healthcare costs.
Questions (Answer in 40 words each, 2 marks per question, Total 10 Marks)
- i) Explain why the solution to water pollution and sanitation problems is closely linked.
- ii) What are the main causes of water pollution in India?
- iii) How does improving water quality benefit the economy of the country?
- iv) Why are children more vulnerable to waterborne diseases compared to adults?
- v) What role can community participation and government initiatives play in tackling water pollution, and why is it important?
Long Answer Questions, Sample Topics
The long-answer section requires in depth analysis and structured responses. Each question carries 20 marks. Sample questions:
- Analyze India’s strategic position in South Asia and its response to regional conflicts.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of government interventions during economic slowdowns or crises.
- Discuss how emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and drones are changing intelligence operations.
- Examine the social and economic issues arising from rapid urbanization in India.
Instructions for Candidates:
- Read the question carefully and highlight keywords.
- Structure answers with an introduction, main points, and conclusion.
- Include examples, statistics, or recent developments to support your arguments.
- Write concisely and maintain relevance to the question.
Why Practice IB ACIO Descriptive Mock Tests?
Regular practice improves performance and confidence:
- Simulate real exam conditions and manage time effectively.
- Enhance essay writing, English comprehension, and analytical skills.
- Identify weak areas in topics like current affairs, national security, and economic policies.
- Get familiar with IB ACIO descriptive paper PDF formats for realistic preparation.
- Build confidence to handle open-ended questions under pressure.
FAQs
Ans. The descriptive test is worth a total of 25 marks. The essay carries 15 marks, while the comprehension section is for 10 marks. These marks are added to your main exam score to determine the final cut-off.
Ans. To prepare for the essay section:
1. Focus on topics related to banking, the economy, social issues, ethics, and technology.
2. Include an introduction, body, and conclusion.
3. Avoid grammatical errors and stick to the word limit (250-300 words).
Ans. The IB ACIO Tier 2 is conducted offline in a pen-and-paper format, assessing essay writing, English comprehension, and long-answer analytical skills.
Ans. The exam has shifted from long-form writing to analytical answers. Essay marks are reduced from 30 to 20, and précis writing has been removed.
Ans. Focus on expressing ideas clearly, analyzing issues logically, improving time management, and staying updated on current affairs and socio-political topics.
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I’m Mahima Khurana, a writer with a strong passion for creating meaningful, learner-focused content especially in the field of competitive exam preparation. From authoring books and developing thousands of practice questions to crafting articles and study material, I specialize in transforming complex exam-related topics into clear, engaging, and accessible content. I have first hand experience of 5+ months in SSC Exams. Writing, for me, is not just a skill but a way to support and guide aspirants through their preparation journey one well-written explanation at a time.