To be eligible for the Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (IB ACIO) exam, you need a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or its equivalent. Your age should also fit within the specified limit, which can vary based on your category. Meeting these academic and age criteria is important for qualifying for the IB ACIO exam and pursuing a career in the Intelligence Bureau.
IB ACIO Eligibility 2026 Overview
The eligibility criteria for IB ACIO Recruitment 2026 outline the requirements that candidates must meet to apply for the Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) Grade-II/ Executive positions.
| Particulars | Exam Details |
|---|
| Organization | Intelligence Bureau |
| Exam Name | Assistant Central Intelligence Officer-Grade-II/Executive Examination 2026 |
| Vacancy | TBA |
| Post | Assistant Central Intelligence Officer, Grade II/Executive |
| Selection Process | Written Examination and Interview |
| Category | Recruitment |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Salary | Rs. 44,900/- |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years |
| Official Website | https://www.mha.gov.in |
Attempt Free IB ACIO Mock Test
What is IB ACIO Age Limit 2026?
Candidates aiming to apply for IB ACIO Exam 2026 need to be at least 18 years old but must not exceed 27 years of age. However, the candidates belonging to reserved categories can benefit from age relaxation. Eligibility for the offered positions is determined by meeting the specified age criteria, and those falling within this age range are eligible to submit their applications.
What is the Age Relaxation for IB ACIO 2026?
As per the official previous cycle's notification, candidates must be between 18 to 27 years of age as on 10th August 2025. The reference date is as per previous year's cycle. The reference dates will be updated in the official notification.
| Category | Upper Age Limit Relaxation | Remarks |
|---|
| SC/ST | +5 years (up to 32 years) | As per government norms |
| OBC | +3 years (up to 30 years) | As per government norms |
| Departmental Candidates | Up to 40 years | Only for Central Govt. Civilian employees with 3+ years of continuous service |
| Widows/Divorced Women/Judicially Separated Women (Unmarried) | UR: 35 yearsOBC: 38 yearsSC/ST: 40 years | Must not be remarried |
| Meritorious Sportspersons | Up to 5 years | Must have valid certificate as per DoP&AR OM dated 04.08.1980 |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Central Government rules | Based on length of service |
Download IB ACIO Previous Year Papers Here
What are the Educational Qualifications for IB ACIO Exam 2026?
To be eligible for the IB ACIO Exam 2026, candidates must have a Graduation or equivalent from a recognized university. Additionally, basic computer proficiency is preferred, though not mandatory. This reflects the Intelligence Bureau's emphasis on both academic competence and digital literacy.
What is the Nationality Requirement for IB ACIO 2026?
Only people who are citizens of India can apply for IB ACIO recruitment. To join, candidates must show documents proving they are Indian citizens.
Download IB ACIO Free PYP Kit
IB ACIO Eligibility for Female
Female candidates must be Indian citizens, aged 18–27 years (with category-wise relaxation), hold a graduation degree, meet medical standards, and be willing to serve anywhere in India.
IB ACIO Eligibility for Male
Male candidates must be Indian citizens, aged 18–27 years (with applicable age relaxations), possess a graduation degree, meet medical and fitness standards, and be ready for service across India.
What are the Key Takeaways?
A quick summary of the important eligibility conditions for the IB ACIO Recruitment 2026. Make sure you fulfill each of these requirements to avoid disqualification during the selection process:
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen; foreign nationals and OCI holders are not eligible.
- Age Limit: 18 to 27 years.
- Age Relaxation: OBC – 3 yrs, SC/ST – 5 yrs, Dept. Candidates (MHA only) – up to 40 yrs, Widows/Divorced Women – UR: 35 yrs, OBC: 38 yrs, SC/ST: 40 yrs, Meritorious Sportspersons – 5 yrs, Ex-Servicemen – as per govt. norms.
- Education: Bachelor's degree from a recognized university; final-year students are not eligible unless degree is awarded as per the reference date.
- Computer Knowledge: Desirable but not mandatory.
- Medical Standards: Must have good vision (6/6 and 6/9), no genetic disorders or eye conditions, physically and mentally fit.
- Service Liability: Willingness to serve anywhere in India.
- Reservation: Applicable as per government rules for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and Ex-Servicemen.
Explore All IB ACIO Courses