IB ACIO

IB ACIO: A Prestigious Career in National Security

The Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (IB ACIO) exam is a highly sought-after opportunity for graduates to join India's premier internal intelligence agency. [39] Conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), this recruitment is for the Grade-II/Executive post, a Group 'C' non-gazetted role that is at the forefront of national security. [39] An ACIO's job involves intelligence gathering, analysis, and dissemination, making it a challenging and dynamic career for those dedicated to serving the nation.

Life as an IB ACIO: Salary, Growth, and Job Profile

A career as an IB ACIO offers a blend of challenge, prestige, and financial stability.

Salary and Allowances: The post is classified under Level 7 of the 7th Pay Commission, with a pay scale of ₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400. [39] In addition to the basic pay, officers receive a Special Security Allowance (20% of basic pay) and other government allowances. The gross salary can be around ₹68,000, with an in-hand salary of approximately ₹56,000 per month initially. [18]

Career Progression: The career path for an ACIO is well-structured. An ACIO-II can be promoted to ACIO-I, then to Deputy Central Intelligence Officer (DCIO), and further up to Assistant Director and beyond, based on performance and service tenure. [43, 50] It offers significant opportunities to reach senior leadership roles within the bureau.

Job Profile: The work is a mix of office and field duties. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing intelligence, resolving threats, and handling sensitive situations. The job demands a high level of discretion, analytical skill, and the ability to work under pressure. [11]

IB ACIO Examination Structure

The selection process for IB ACIO is a rigorous three-tiered process designed to select the most capable candidates.

• Tier 1: An online objective-type exam with 100 questions, carrying 100 marks. It is divided into five sections: Current Affairs, General Studies, Numerical Aptitude, Reasoning/Logical Aptitude, and English Language. [8] The duration is 1 hour, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. [20]
• Tier 2: A descriptive paper of 50 marks, designed to test writing and analytical skills. It includes an essay (30 marks) and English comprehension & précis writing (20 marks). [32] The duration is 1 hour, and candidates must score at least 33% to qualify. [59]
• Tier 3: A personal interview of 100 marks. This final stage assesses the candidate's personality, communication skills, mental alertness, and overall suitability for a career in intelligence. [8]

Key Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India. [41]
• Education: A Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university is mandatory. [25]
• Age Limit: The age limit is generally 18 to 27 years, with relaxations for reserved categories as per government rules. [25]

How to Apply for the IB ACIO Exam

The application process is conducted online through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) or the National Career Service (NCS) portal.

1. Registration: Visit the official website (mha.gov.in or ncs.gov.in) and click on the recruitment notification for ACIO Grade-II/Executive. [18] Complete the new registration by providing your personal details.
2. Login and Fill Form: Use the registration credentials to log in and fill out the detailed application form.
3. Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-size photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
4. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online. The fee is typically ₹100 for the examination fee and ₹100 for recruitment processing charges, with exemptions for certain categories.
5. Final Submission: Review the application carefully before final submission. It is advisable to print a copy of the completed application form for future reference. [18]