The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) conducts the IB ACIO (Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer) Exam annually to recruit eligible candidates for Grade II/Executive Group C posts. This article provides complete details about the IB ACIO 2025 Exam Pattern for Tier 1 and Tier 2, including typing/skill test (if applicable), cut-offs, and document verification.
What is the IB ACIO 2025 Selection Process?
The Selection Process for IB ACIO Exam 2025 consists of a three-tier selection process aimed at evaluating candidates' knowledge, writing skills, and personality. It includes Tier I (objective), Tier II (descriptive), and Tier III (interview). Final selection is based on combined performance across all tiers along with document and medical verification. following stages:
| Stage | Name of Test | Type | Details |
|---|
| Stage 1 | Tier 1 – Objective Type Test | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | 100 MCQs; Duration: 1 hour; 5 subjects; 1/4th negative marking |
| Stage 2 | Tier 2 – Descriptive Test | Pen & Paper Mode | Essay (20 marks) + English comprehension (10 marks) Long answer type questions (2 questions of 10 marks each on Current Affairs, Economics, Socio-political issues etc); 1 hour total |
| Stage 3 | Interview | Personality Assessment | 100 marks; tests suitability, mental alertness, communication skills |
| Stage 4 | Document Verification & Medical Examination | Verification & Fitness Check | Original documents checked; medical fitness as per MHA norms |
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What is the IB ACIO Exam Pattern for Tier 1?
The IB ACIO Tier 1 Exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with objective-type multiple-choice questions. It is the first stage of the recruitment process and carries 100 marks.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|
| General Awareness | 20 | 20 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 |
| Logical/Analytical Ability | 20 | 20 |
| English Language | 20 | 20 |
| General Studies | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Total Duration: 1 Hour (60 minutes)
- Negative Marking: ¼ mark deducted for every wrong answer.
- Mode of Exam: Online (CBT)
- Medium: English & Hindi (except English section)
What is the IB ACIO Exam Pattern for Tier 2?
The IB ACIO Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2025 includes a descriptive paper of 50 marks to be completed in 1 hour, with sections on Essay (20 marks), English Comprehension (10 marks), and two long answer questions (20 marks) on topics like Current Affairs, Economics, or Socio-political issues. It is qualifying in nature but essential for shortlisting.
| Papers | Maximum Marks | Time |
|---|
| Essay | 20 | |
| English comprehension | 10 |
| Long answer type questions (2 questions of 10 marks each on Current Affairs, Economics, Socio-political issues etc. | 20 | |
| Total | 50 | 1 Hour |
- Candidates who clear Tier 1 are eligible for Tier 2.
- Marks obtained in Tier 2 are considered for final merit.
What is the IB ACIO Interview (Personality Test)?
Candidates shortlisted based on their performance in Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams are called for the Interview Round, which carries 100 marks.The interview assesses candidates on communication skills, mental alertness, awareness, and suitability for intelligence work. Final merit is prepared based on combined scores of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Interview.
What are the Minimum Qualifying Marks in IB ACIO 2025?
As per previous years' trends, the minimum qualifying marks (cut-off) in each stage are as follows:
| Category | Expected Minimum Marks (Out of 100) |
|---|
| UR | 35–40 |
| OBC/EWS | 30–35 |
| SC/ST | 25–30 |
Note: Exact qualifying marks will be notified officially by MHA.
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What is the IB ACIO Expected Cut Off for Tier 1?
The IB ACIO Cut Off Marks expected is 35 for General and EWS, 34 for OBC, and 33 for SC/ST categories.
| Category | Expected Cut Off (Out of 100) |
|---|
| General (UR) | 35 |
| OBC | 34 |
| SC | 33 |
| ST | 33 |
| EWS | 35 |
Cut-off varies based on exam difficulty, number of vacancies, and candidate performance.
What are the Documents Required for IB ACIO Document Verification 2025?
For IB ACIO Document Verification 2025, candidates must carry original documents including Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, Class 10 & 12 certificates, graduation mark sheets, caste/EWS/disability certificates (if applicable), and NOC (if employed).
| Accepted Documents | Purpose |
|---|
| Aadhar Card / E-Aadhar Printout | Identity & Address Proof |
| PAN Card | Identity Verification |
| Voter ID Card | Identity Verification |
| Passport | Optional Identity Proof |
| Class 10 & 12 Certificates | Proof of Date of Birth and Education |
| Graduation Degree/Mark Sheets | Eligibility Verification |
| Caste/EWS Certificate (if applicable) | Reservation Claim |
| NOC from Employer (if already employed) | Required for Govt. employees |
| Disability Certificate (if applicable) | For PwD Candidates |
Key Points about IB ACIO Exam Pattern
Below are the key takeaways about IB ACIO Exam Patter:
- IB ACIO 2025 selection involves Tier 1 (objective), Tier 2 (descriptive), Interview, and Document/Medical Verification
- Tier 1 is a CBT with 100 MCQs, 1 hour, covering General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical/Analytical Ability, English, and General Studies
- Tier 2 is a descriptive paper of 50 marks, 1 hour, including Essay, English Comprehension, and two long-answer questions on Current Affairs, Economics, or Socio-political issues
- Tier 2 is qualifying but considered for final merit
- Interview carries 100 marks, assessing communication, mental alertness, awareness, and suitability for intelligence work
- Minimum qualifying marks vary by category: UR – 35–40, OBC/EWS – 30–35, SC/ST – 25–30
- Expected Tier 1 cut-off: General/UR – 35, OBC – 34, SC/ST – 33, EWS – 35
- Candidates must carry original documents for verification, including ID proof, educational certificates, caste/EWS/disability certificates, and NOC if employed
- Marks normalization applies if exams are in multiple shifts
- No provision for re-evaluation of answer sheets
- Final selection is based on combined performance in Tier 1, Tier 2, and Interview
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