The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is India’s top internal intelligence agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Founded in 1887, it plays a key role in protecting the country by handling internal security, counter-terrorism, and intelligence operations. Many aspirants aim for an IB career because it offers respect, job security, steady promotions, and work that truly matters.
The IB recruits for different roles based on qualification and skills. Popular posts include Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO), Security Assistant/Executive, Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), and technical roles like Junior Intelligence Officer (JIO). Each post has its own duties, salary, and selection process. Knowing these roles clearly helps aspirants choose the right path and prepare with confidence.
What are the different job roles in the IB?
The IB has multiple job profiles suitable for candidates with varying educational backgrounds and skill sets. The main positions are as follows
| Post | Group | Responsibilities | Educational Requirement |
| Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) | B | Intelligence gathering, analysis, surveillance, reporting, assisting senior officers | Graduate in any discipline |
| IB Security Assistant / Executive | C | Administrative tasks, record-keeping, assisting field operations, regional intelligence collection | 10th or 12th pass with local language knowledge |
| IB Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) | C | Office support, document handling, clerical work, assisting field staff | 10th pass |
| IB Junior Intelligence Officer / Technical | B | Cybersecurity operations, technical surveillance, data analysis, assisting in technical intelligence | Diploma or degree in engineering/technical field |
ACIO is the most sought-after role due to its responsibility, career growth, and higher pay. Security Assistant and MTS are entry-level posts suitable for candidates with basic educational qualifications, whereas technical roles require specialized education in engineering, computer science, or electronics.
What are the basic Eligibility Requirements?
Eligibility criteria for IB recruitment vary depending on the post. The general conditions applicable to all posts are as follows:
| Criteria | IB ACIO Eligibility | IB Security Assistant Eligibility | IB MTS Eligibility | IB JIO Eligibility |
| Citizenship | Indian | Indian | Indian | Indian |
| Age Limit | 18-27 years | 18-27 years | 18-25 years | 18-27 years |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate | 10th/12th with local language knowledge | 10th pass | Diploma/Degree in relevant technical field |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST/OBC/Ex-servicemen | SC/ST/OBC/Ex-servicemen | SC/ST/OBC/Ex-servicemen | SC/ST/OBC/Ex-servicemen |
Candidates must be Indian citizens to apply for any IB post. Government rules provide age relaxation for candidates belonging to reserved categories such as SC/ST, OBC, ex-servicemen, and other eligible groups.
How does the IB Selection Process work?
The selection process in the IB is designed to evaluate both intellectual and operational capabilities. It generally includes the following stages
- Online Application: Candidates submit applications through the official Ministry of Home Affairs website or the National Career Service portal. Offline applications are not accepted.
- Written Examination: Most posts begin with an objective-type test (Tier I) assessing general awareness, quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and English language skills. Certain posts may require a Tier II descriptive or skill-based test.
- Interview / Skill Test: For ACIO and technical posts, qualified candidates appear for interviews or skill-based assessments.
- Document Verification: Final selection requires verification of educational qualifications, identity documents, and other credentials.
What is the salary structure in the IB?
Salary in the IB varies depending on the post. Allowances such as House Rent Allowance, central government allowances, and special security incentives are included in addition to the base pay. Approximate pay scales are as follows
| Post | Pay Scale | Benefits / Allowances |
| IB ACIO Salary | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | House Rent Allowance, special security allowance, medical facilities |
| IB Security Assistant Salary | ₹21,700 – ₹69,100 | House Rent Allowance, dearness allowance, travel allowance |
| IB MTS Salary | ₹18,000 – ₹56,900 | Basic government benefits under Group C norms |
| IB Junior Intelligence Officer / Technical Salary | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | HRA, technical allowance, medical facilities, performance incentives |
ACIO and technical roles offer better career progression and pay compared to entry-level Security Assistant and MTS positions.
How difficult is the IB ACIO Exam compared to SSC Exams?
The IB ACIO exam is generally considered easier than SSC CGL but slightly tougher than SSC CHSL. The syllabus is similar to SSC exams, but the competition is high because vacancies are limited.
| Exam | Difficulty Level | Competition |
| SSC CHSL | Easy to Moderate | High |
| IB ACIO | Moderate | Very High |
| SSC CGL | Moderate to Tough | Very High |
A detailed comparison of all the IB posts is shown below:
Why do so many aspirants aim for an IB Career?
Many aspirants are drawn to the Intelligence Bureau because it offers a rare mix of job security, respect, and meaningful work. Unlike routine desk jobs, IB roles allow candidates to contribute directly to national security. The sense of purpose, confidential nature of work, steady promotions, and central government benefits make IB a long-term career choice rather than just another exam target.
Which IB post is best for you based on qualification?
The best IB post for you depends mainly on your education level and career goals. Graduates usually target officer-level roles, while candidates with basic qualifications can start with entry-level posts.
| Qualification | Suitable IB Posts |
| 10th Pass | Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) |
| 10th / 12th with local language | Security Assistant / Executive |
| Graduate (Any Stream) | Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) |
| Engineering / Technical Diploma | Junior Intelligence Officer (Technical) |
If you want faster growth and responsibility, ACIO is ideal. If you prefer a stable entry point with fewer academic requirements, MTS or Security Assistant roles are better.
Are there exams for Technical or Specialized Posts?
Yes, technical and specialized posts such as Junior Intelligence Officer (JIO) have distinct eligibility criteria and selection procedures. Candidates must possess relevant technical qualifications such as engineering degrees, diplomas in electronics, computer science, or telecommunications. The selection process may include practical or skill-based assessments in addition to the written exam. Technical roles also demand analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in relevant software or technology tools.
How often does the IB Recruit?
Recruitment in the IB is conducted periodically depending on vacancies in various posts. Notifications are generally released annually or whenever a significant number of vacancies arise. ACIO recruitment is the most prominent and receives high attention from aspirants. Security Assistant and MTS notifications are issued as per departmental requirements. Aspirants must regularly check the Ministry of Home Affairs website (www.mha.gov.in) and the National Career Service portal (www.ncs.gov.in) for updates. Timely application and preparation increase the chances of success.
Where can you apply for IB Jobs?
All IB recruitment applications are submitted online. Candidates can apply through the Ministry of Home Affairs official website or the National Career Service portal. Offline applications are not accepted. It is important to carefully read the notification, check eligibility criteria, and ensure correct documentation before submitting the online form.
FAQs
Yes, you can apply for MTS or Security Assistant positions if you meet the age criteria. ACIO and technical posts require graduation or specific technical qualifications.
Graduation is mandatory for higher-level posts like ACIO. MTS and Security Assistant roles do not require graduation but may require knowledge of local language and basic computer skills.
Yes, technical posts such as Junior Intelligence Officer are specifically for candidates with engineering or diploma qualifications. The selection includes practical and skill-based assessments along with the written exam.
The ACIO exam is considered moderately to highly competitive due to large applicant numbers and the range of subjects tested. Thorough preparation and understanding of the syllabus significantly improve chances of selection.
No, all IB posts are reserved for Indian citizens only.
Analytical reasoning, general awareness, quantitative aptitude, English language skills, observation, discretion, and problem-solving abilities are critical. For technical roles, proficiency in IT, cybersecurity, or electronics is essential.
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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.