Intelligence Bureau ACIO Recruitment 2025: The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has just dropped exciting news for job seekers! The IB ACIO Recruitment 2025 notification is out, offering a golden opportunity to join one of India’s most prestigious organizations. With 3,717 vacancies for the Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) Grade-II/Executive posts, this recruitment drive is a big deal for anyone looking to serve the nation in a dynamic and impactful role. If you’re a graduate aged 18 to 27, this could be your chance to shine. Let’s dive into the details of this recruitment process, from eligibility to the selection process, and explore why this opportunity is worth pursuing.
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What Is the IB ACIO Role?
The Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) Grade-II/Executive position is a vital role within the Intelligence Bureau, India’s premier intelligence agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). As an ACIO, you’ll be at the forefront of safeguarding national security, gathering critical intelligence, and tackling challenges like terrorism and crisis situations. This isn’t your typical 9-to-5 job—it’s unpredictable, demanding, and incredibly rewarding. The role involves analyzing data, conducting field operations, and contributing to national safety, making it ideal for those who thrive under pressure and want to make a real difference. The 2025 recruitment drive, announced on July 14, 2025, aims to fill 3,717 posts across various categories, offering a significant opportunity for eligible candidates.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To apply for the IB ACIO Recruitment 2025, you need to meet a few straightforward requirements. First, you must be an Indian citizen with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Basic computer knowledge is a plus but not mandatory. The age limit is set between 18 and 27 years as of August 10, 2025, though there are relaxations for reserved categories: 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST, and up to 40 years for departmental candidates with three years of continuous service. The vacancy breakdown includes 1,537 posts for General, 946 for OBC, 442 for EWS, and more for other categories, ensuring opportunities for diverse applicants. Make sure to have your documents ready, as you’ll need to upload scanned copies of your photo, signature, and other certificates during the application process.
The Selection Process: What to Expect
The IB ACIO selection process is rigorous but fair, designed to identify candidates with the right skills and mindset. It consists of three main stages: Tier-I, Tier-II, and an Interview. Tier-I is a 100-mark objective exam covering general awareness, quantitative aptitude, reasoning, English, and general studies. It lasts one hour, with a negative marking of ¼ mark for each wrong answer. If you clear Tier-I, you’ll move to Tier-II, a 50-mark descriptive test focusing on essay writing (30 marks) and English comprehension/precis writing (20 marks). Finally, the interview, worth 100 marks, assesses your personality, intelligence, and suitability for the role. Some cycles may include a group discussion, though it’s optional. Candidates are shortlisted for Tier-II based on Tier-I performance (10 times the vacancies), and you’ll need at least 33% in Tier-II to qualify for the interview. The final merit list combines scores from all three stages, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.
How to Apply and Prepare for Success
Ready to apply? The online application window opens on July 19, 2025, and closes on August 10, 2025, on the official MHA website (www.mha.gov.in or www.ncs.gov.in). The process is simple: register with your basic details, fill out the form, upload documents (like a 35mm x 45mm colored photo and a signature), and pay the application fee—Rs. 550 for General/OBC/EWS males (Rs. 450 for others, with exemptions for SC/ST, females, and ex-servicemen). To prepare, focus on the Tier-I syllabus: brush up on current affairs, practice quantitative aptitude, and hone your reasoning skills. For Tier-II, work on essay writing and precis skills. Resources like “IB ACIO Guide” by R. Gupta or previous year papers can be invaluable. Online coaching or mock tests can also boost your confidence. Stay updated via the official website for admit cards and exam dates, which will be announced soon.
Joining the Intelligence Bureau as an ACIO is more than just a job—it’s a chance to serve your country and grow in a challenging yet fulfilling career. With a starting salary of Rs. 44,900, scaling up to Rs. 1,42,400, plus allowances like a 20% special security allowance, the role offers financial stability and prestige. If you’re ready to take on this exciting journey, start preparing now and seize this opportunity