The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) conducts the IB ACIO (Assistant Central Intelligence Officer) Exam to recruit candidates for Grade-II/Executive posts in the Intelligence Bureau. If you are looking to build a career in national security and intelligence services, it's important to understand the IB ACIO 2025 selection process, exam pattern, and syllabus. This article covers from Tier 1 and Tier 2 exam pattern to the interview and document verification process along with the best IB ACIO preparation strategy.
What is the IB ACIO Preparation Strategy?
The IB ACIO 2025 Exam preparation strategy involves understanding the exam pattern, focusing on core concepts, practicing regularly through mock tests, analyzing performance, and improving weak areas consistently to maximize chances of success.
IB ACIO Exam Pattern
The IB ACIO Exam Pattern includes Tier 1 (Objective Test), Tier 2 (Descriptive Test), and Interview. Below are the updated exam patterns for 2025.
IB ACIO Exam Pattern 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)
IB ACIO Exam Pattern Tier 2
The IB ACIO Tier 2 Exam is a descriptive paper aimed at testing a candidate's writing and comprehension abilities. 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.
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.
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IB ACIO Preparation Strategies
To crack the IB ACIO 2025 Exam with confidence, follow a systematic plan that ensures all topics are covered and ample practice is done.
- Begin with a thorough understanding of IB ACIO Syllabus for Tier 1 and Tier 2 syllabus and important topics
- Build a realistic timetable that allocates time for each subject and includes revision and breaks
- Master basic concepts, especially in Maths and English, before moving to advanced-level practice
- Improve time management and accuracy by practicing full-length mock tests under real exam conditions
- Follow current events and static GK daily using newspapers, apps, or online videos
- Set aside dedicated time for weekly revision using short notes, flashcards, and summary sheets
For a mock test strategy, revision techniques & time management refer to the table below:
| Category | Focus Area | Details / Tips |
|---|
Mock Test Strategy | Simulate Real Conditions | Attempt full mocks in a timed environment |
| Analyze Mistakes | Review answers to find weak areas |
| Improve Speed & Accuracy | Use sectional practice for improvement |
Revision Techniques | Flashcards & Short Notes | For formulas, vocabulary, and rules |
| Current Affairs Tools | Use apps and monthly PDFs |
| Prioritize Weak Areas | Daily time for difficult topics |
Time Management | Attempt Easy Questions First | Gain quick marks and manage time better |
| Timed Practice | Reduces pressure in actual exam |
| Shortcuts & Tricks | Especially useful in Quant & Reasoning |
General Awareness | Daily Newspaper Reading | For static + current mix |
| Monthly Current Affairs | Revision using MCQs and PDFs |
| Watch YouTube Updates | For visual memory and news retention |
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Daily IB ACIO Study Timetable
A good daily routine ensures steady progress.
Check Out IB ACIO 60 Days Study Plan
| Time Slot | Study Session | Focus Area |
|---|
| 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Morning Session | Numerical Aptitude (Concept + Practice) |
| 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Mid-Morning Session | General Awareness (Current + Static) |
| 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Afternoon Session | English (Grammar + Comprehension) |
| 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Evening Session | Reasoning (Puzzles, Logic) |
| 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Night Session | Mock Tests / Revision / Essay Practice |
| Anytime (15–30 mins) | Quick Review | Flashcards, Headlines, Short Notes |
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