MHA IB ACIO Recruitment 2025 - 3717 Vacancies

Ministry of Home Affairs Intelligence Bureau announces recruitment for 3717 Assistant Central Intelligence Officer positions. Apply online from 19 July to 10 August 2025.

Important Dates

  • Application Begin: 19/07/2025
  • Last Date for Apply Online: 10/08/2025
  • Pay Exam Fee Last Date: 10/08/2025
  • Offline Fee Payment Last Date: 12/08/2025
  • Exam Date: As per Schedule
  • Admit Card: Before Exam

Application Fee

  • General / OBC / EWS: ₹650/-
  • SC / ST / PH: ₹550/-
  • Payment Mode: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking

Age Limit (as on 10/08/2025)

  • Minimum Age: 18 Years
  • Maximum Age: 27 Years
  • Age Relaxation as per government norms for reserved categories

About Intelligence Bureau and ACIO Role

What is Intelligence Bureau?

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is India's internal intelligence agency, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Established in 1887, it is responsible for gathering intelligence within India and executing counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism tasks. The IB plays a crucial role in maintaining national security and internal stability.

Role of Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO)

ACIOs are responsible for collecting and analyzing intelligence information critical to national security. Key responsibilities include:

Career Insight:

An ACIO position offers a challenging and prestigious career in national security. Officers receive specialized training and have opportunities for advancement to higher positions within the intelligence community.

IB ACIO Recruitment 2025 Vacancy Details

Total Posts: 3717

Category-wise Vacancy Distribution

Category Number of Posts
Unreserved (UR) 1537
Other Backward Classes (OBC) 946
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) 442
Scheduled Caste (SC) 566
Scheduled Tribe (ST) 226
Total 3717

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

Age Limit (as on 10/08/2025)

Physical and Medical Standards

Selected candidates must meet the following requirements:

Selection Process

Stages of Selection

  1. Tier-I Examination: Objective type test (Online)
  2. Tier-II Examination: Descriptive paper (Offline)
  3. Interview: Personality and aptitude assessment
  4. Document Verification: Verification of educational and category certificates
  5. Medical Examination: Fitness assessment as per IB standards

Exam Pattern - Tier I

Section Questions Marks Duration
Current Affairs 20 20 60 minutes
General Studies 20 20
Numerical Aptitude 20 20
Reasoning & Logical Aptitude 20 20
English Language 20 20
Total 100 100

Exam Pattern - Tier II

Section Marks Duration
Essay Writing (English) 30 60 minutes
Comprehension and Précis Writing 20
Total 50

Salary Structure and Benefits

Pay Scale

Allowances and Benefits

Financial Benefits

  • Dearness Allowance (DA)
  • House Rent Allowance (HRA)
  • Travel Allowance (TA)
  • Special Duty Allowance
  • Risk Allowance

Additional Benefits

  • Medical coverage for employee and family
  • Pension benefits after retirement
  • Subsidized accommodation facilities
  • Leave Travel Concession (LTC)

Career Growth

  • Promotion to higher grades based on performance
  • Opportunities for specialized training
  • Inter-departmental transfer options
  • Posting in various locations across India

How to Apply for IB ACIO Recruitment 2025

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Visit Official Portal: Go to the MHA recruitment website
  2. New Registration: Create an account with email and mobile number
  3. Fill Application Form:
    • Personal details (name, father's name, DOB)
    • Contact information (address, mobile, email)
    • Educational qualifications
    • Category and reservation details
    • Work experience (if any)
  4. Upload Documents:
    • Recent photograph (JPEG, 50-100 KB)
    • Signature (JPEG, 20-50 KB)
    • Educational certificates
    • Category certificate (if applicable)
    • ID proof
  5. Payment of Fees: Pay through available online modes
  6. Final Submission: Review all details before final submission
  7. Print Application: Download and preserve the application form

Important Notes:

  • All documents must be scanned in prescribed format and size
  • Name on application must match educational certificates exactly
  • Keep registration number and password safe for future reference
  • No changes will be allowed after final submission
  • Applications with incorrect information will be rejected

How to Prepare for IB ACIO Exam 2025

Preparation Strategy

  1. Understand Syllabus: Thoroughly analyze the exam pattern and syllabus
  2. Create Study Plan: Allocate time for each subject based on weightage
  3. Study Materials:
    • Current Affairs Yearly by Arihant
    • Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
    • Lucent's General Knowledge
    • Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
  4. Practice Previous Papers: Solve last 5 years question papers
  5. Current Affairs: Focus on national and international events (last 1 year)
  6. Mock Tests: Take regular tests to improve speed and accuracy

Section-wise Preparation Tips

Section Preparation Focus Weightage
Current Affairs National & international events, government schemes, awards 20%
General Studies Indian history, geography, polity, economy, science 20%
Numerical Aptitude Simplification, percentages, averages, data interpretation 20%
Reasoning Logical puzzles, coding-decoding, series, analogies 20%
English Language Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, error detection 20%

Expert Tip:

For Tier-II descriptive paper:

  • Practice essay writing on current affairs topics
  • Improve précis writing skills
  • Focus on clear and concise expression
  • Develop good handwriting (for offline exam)

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there any physical test for IB ACIO selection?

No, there is no physical test for IB ACIO selection. However, selected candidates must undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the required health standards for the position.

2. Can candidates from all states apply for IB ACIO?

Yes, candidates from all states and union territories of India are eligible to apply for IB ACIO positions, provided they meet the educational and age criteria. The recruitment is conducted on an all-India basis.

3. What is the probation period for IB ACIO?

The probation period for IB ACIO is typically 2 years. During this period, candidates undergo training and their performance is evaluated. Confirmation in service is subject to satisfactory completion of probation.

4. Are there any restrictions on applying for multiple positions?

Candidates can apply for only one position in the IB ACIO recruitment. Multiple applications from the same candidate will lead to disqualification.

5. What is the selection ratio for IB ACIO?

The selection ratio varies each year, but typically about 1% of applicants are finally selected. The approximate selection stages are:

  • Tier I: 20-25% qualify for Tier II
  • Tier II: 10-15% qualify for interview
  • Final selection: About 5-8% of interviewed candidates

6. What is the training period for selected candidates?

Selected candidates undergo a rigorous training program of 6-9 months at IB training facilities. The training includes:

  • Intelligence gathering techniques
  • Security protocols
  • Report writing
  • Field operations
  • Legal aspects of intelligence work

7. Can women apply for IB ACIO positions?

Yes, women are encouraged to apply for IB ACIO positions. There are no gender-based restrictions in the recruitment process. Female candidates receive the same salary and benefits as their male counterparts.

8. What is the job posting policy for IB ACIO?

IB ACIOs can be posted anywhere in India based on organizational requirements. The initial posting is typically at IB headquarters or regional offices, but field postings are common. Transfers are a regular feature of the job.

9. Is there any interview preparation guidance?

For the interview stage:

  • Prepare for questions on current national and international affairs
  • Be ready to discuss your understanding of national security challenges
  • Review basic concepts of intelligence work
  • Practice situational judgment questions
  • Be prepared for psychological assessment

10. What are the career progression opportunities?

IB ACIOs have a structured career path:

  1. Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO)
  2. Deputy Central Intelligence Officer (DCIO)
  3. Central Intelligence Officer (CIO)
  4. Assistant Director
  5. Deputy Director
  6. Joint Director
Promotions are based on performance, experience, and departmental examinations.