IB ACIO Guide 2026
Overview
The Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (IB ACIO) Grade-II/ Executive exam is conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for recruiting candidates for several departments within the Intelligence Bureau.
Exam Pattern
The IB ACIO selection process involves three Tiers:
1. Tier I (Objective)
- Mode: Computer Based Examination (CBT)
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Sections:
- Current Affairs (20 questions)
- General Studies (20 questions)
- Numerical Aptitude (20 questions)
- Reasoning/Logical Aptitude (20 questions)
- English Language (20 questions)
2. Tier II (Descriptive)
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Total Marks: 50 Marks
- Sections:
- Essay writing (30 marks)
- English Comprehension and Precis writing (20 marks)
3. Tier III (Interview)
Face-to-face interview for shortlisted candidates.
Detailed Syllabus
Tier I - Sections
- Current Affairs: National and International events.
- General Studies: History, Geography, Economy, Polity, Science and Technology, etc.
- Numerical Aptitude: Simplification, Number System, Percentage, Average, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Profit and Loss, Time and Distance, Algebra, Geometry, etc.
- Reasoning/Logical Aptitude: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Analogy, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Puzzles, etc.
- English Language: Grammar, Vocabulary, Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases, Comprehension, etc.
Marking Scheme (Tier I)
- Correct Answer: +1 Mark
- Negative Marking: -0.25 Marks for each wrong answer.
- Unanswered: 0 Marks.
Preparation Strategy
- Focus on Current Affairs: This is a major section in the IB ACIO exam. Stay updated with daily news.
- Practice Descriptive Writing: For Tier II, practice writing essays and precis regularly.
- Develop Analytical Thinking: Reasoning and Numerical Aptitude require a lot of practice to solve within time limits.
- Take Mock Tests: Practice with full-length mock tests to get a feel of the exam environment.
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