IB ACIO Apply Online 2025
Complete Guide to Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer Recruitment
IB ACIO 2025: Quick Overview
What is IB ACIO?
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is India's premier internal intelligence and security agency, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Established in 1887, IB is one of the world's oldest intelligence agencies, responsible for internal security, counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism, and gathering intelligence within India and abroad related to national security threats.
The Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) Grade-II/Executive is a Group 'C' non-gazetted post responsible for assisting in intelligence operations, data analysis, field investigations, and supporting senior intelligence officers in safeguarding national security. ACIOs work across various divisions including counter-terrorism, cyber intelligence, economic intelligence, and political intelligence, making it a critical role in India's security apparatus.
The IB ACIO recruitment is conducted periodically when vacancies arise. The 2025 recruitment drive offers 3,717 positions, making it one of the largest IB recruitment campaigns in recent years. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous training and will be deployed across India to work in intelligence gathering, surveillance, analysis, and other security-related functions vital to national safety.
IB ACIO Eligibility Criteria 2025
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institution. The degree must be completed and result declared before the application deadline. Candidates in their final year or awaiting results are not eligible to apply.
Important: Distance education and correspondence degrees from UGC-recognized universities are accepted, provided they are recognized by the government.
Age Limit (as on August 10, 2025)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/EWS/Unreserved | 18 Years | 27 Years | - |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 18 Years | 30 Years | +3 Years |
| SC/ST | 18 Years | 32 Years | +5 Years |
| PwBD (General) | 18 Years | 37 Years | +10 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 18 Years | 40 Years | +13 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 18 Years | 32 Years | +5 Years (after deducting military service) |
Nationality
A candidate must be either:
- A Citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
How to Apply Online for IB ACIO 2025?
⚠️ Important: Applications are accepted ONLY ONLINE through the official portals. Applications through any other mode will be summarily rejected.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Phase 1: Registration
- Visit Official Websites: Go to www.mha.gov.in (Ministry of Home Affairs) or www.ncs.gov.in (National Career Service Portal)
- Locate Application Link: On the homepage, find and click on "Online Applications for the posts of ACIO Grade II/Executive in Intelligence Bureau (IB)" under the "What's New" or "Recruitment" section
- Read Notification: Download and thoroughly read the detailed notification PDF containing all instructions, eligibility criteria, and examination scheme
- Click Registration: Select "New Registration" if you're a first-time applicant
- Enter Basic Details: Fill in your name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number, and other required personal information
- Generate Credentials: After submitting registration, a system-generated Registration ID and Password will be sent to your registered email and mobile number. Save these credentials securely for future login
Phase 2: Application Form Filling
- Login: Use your Registration ID and Password to log in to the application portal
- Personal Details: Complete all sections including personal information, educational qualifications, address details, and category information
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of:
- Recent passport-sized photograph (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, JPEG format, 10-100 KB)
- Signature (JPEG format, 10-40 KB)
- Educational certificates (if required)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/EWS, if applicable)
- Select Exam Centers: Choose any five examination centers/cities in order of preference from the available options
- Preview Application: Carefully review all entered information before final submission
- Pay Application Fee: Click "Submit" to be redirected to the payment gateway (SBI). Pay the required fee through Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI
- Final Submission: After successful payment, your application will be considered complete
- Download Receipt: Take a printout of the application form and payment receipt for future reference
Application Fee Structure
Note: All candidates must pay recruitment processing charges. Fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances.
IB ACIO Selection Process 2025
The selection for IB ACIO Grade-II/Executive is conducted through a three-tier evaluation process designed to assess candidates' knowledge, writing skills, and personality traits:
Tier-I: Objective Type Written Test
| Subject/Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness/Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| General Studies | 20 | 20 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 |
| Numerical/Analytical/Logical Ability & Reasoning | 20 | 20 |
| English Language | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Duration: 60 Minutes (1 Hour)
Negative Marking: ¼ mark deducted for each wrong answer
Tier-II: Descriptive Type Written Test
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 30 |
| English Comprehension & Précis Writing | 20 |
| Total | 50 |
Duration: 60 Minutes (1 Hour)
Qualifying Marks: Minimum 33% required to qualify for next tier
Candidates are shortlisted for Tier-II based on combined performance in Tier-I. This test evaluates writing ability, language proficiency, and analytical thinking.
Tier-III: Interview/Personality Test
Maximum Marks: 100
Candidates shortlisted based on combined performance in Tier-I and Tier-II are called for personal interview. The interview panel assesses:
- General awareness and knowledge
- Personality traits and suitability for intelligence work
- Communication skills and confidence
- Mental alertness and decision-making ability
- Patriotism and commitment to national security
Final Selection: Based on combined marks of Tier-I + Tier-II + Tier-III (Total: 250 Marks)
Important Dates & Timeline
| Notification Release Date | July 19, 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | July 19, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | August 10, 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | August 10, 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Tier-I Exam Date | To Be Announced |
| Tier-I Admit Card Release | 7-10 Days Before Exam |
| Tier-II Exam Date | To Be Announced (Expected November 2025) |
| Interview (Tier-III) | To Be Announced (After Tier-II Results) |
Salary Structure & Benefits
Pay Level-7 as per 7th Pay Commission
| Basic Pay Range | ₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400 |
| Entry Level Basic Pay | ₹44,900 per month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per Government rates (currently ~50%) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 8%, 16%, or 24% (based on city classification) |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | As applicable |
| Special Security Allowance | Additional allowance for intelligence officers |
| Other Allowances | Medical, LTC, GPF, Pension, etc. |
Approximate In-Hand Salary: ₹60,000 - ₹70,000 per month (including all allowances)
Official Links & Resources
| Official Website (MHA) | www.mha.gov.in |
| National Career Service Portal | www.ncs.gov.in |
| Download Notification PDF | MHA Vacancies Page |
| Apply Online Link | Available on MHA Homepage |
| Helpline Number | 022-61087513 (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Mon-Sat) |
Important Tips for IB ACIO 2025 Application
- Apply Early: Don't wait until the last day. Server congestion on closing dates can cause technical issues. Complete your application at least 2-3 days before the deadline.
- Keep Documents Ready: Prepare scanned copies of photograph, signature, and certificates in the specified format and size before starting the application to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Use Active Email & Mobile: Ensure your registered email ID and mobile number are active throughout the recruitment process as all communication will be through these channels.
- Save Registration Details: After registration, immediately save your Registration ID and Password. Take a screenshot or write them down securely.
- Double-Check Information: Carefully verify all entered information before final submission. Errors cannot be corrected after submission and may lead to rejection.
- Payment Confirmation: After paying the fee, wait for payment confirmation page and take a screenshot. Save the payment receipt for future reference.
- Take Printout: After successful submission, download and print the application form. Keep it safe for future needs.
- Read Notification Thoroughly: Download and read the complete official notification PDF to understand all requirements, examination scheme, and instructions.
- Choose Exam Centers Wisely: Select five exam centers in order of preference considering distance, accessibility, and convenience.
- Beware of Fake Websites: Apply only through official websites (mha.gov.in or ncs.gov.in). Beware of fake recruitment websites and middlemen promising selection.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article provides general information about IB ACIO recruitment 2025 based on publicly available sources. Candidates are strongly advised to refer