The IB ACIO examination is a highly competitive and prestigious recruitment test conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India. Each year, thousands of aspirants from across the country apply for this post to become a part of the internal intelligence agency. To crack this exam, candidates must not only prepare thoroughly but also keep a close eye on the IB ACIO Cut Off marks, which determine whether a candidate qualifies for the next round. Understanding the IB ACIO cut off trends is crucial, as it helps aspirants evaluate the minimum marks needed to secure their place in the merit list. In this article, we will delve into the IB ACIO Cut Off 2025, analyze the previous year cutoffs, and explore the factors that affect the cutoff scores. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a returning candidate, this guide will help you align your preparation with the expected cutoff benchmarks.

IB ACIO Previous Year Cut Off Overview

The cut off marks for IB ACIO vary each year based on several factors, including the difficulty level of the exam, the number of vacancies, and the total number of candidates appearing for the test. By studying the previous years’ cut off trends, candidates can better estimate their target scores and assess their chances of clearing the exam.

The IB ACIO examination is conducted in multiple tiers:

• Tier I: Objective-type paper
• Tier II: Descriptive paper
• Interview/Personality Test

Let’s now explore the IB ACIO previous year cut off for various tiers and years to understand how the trend has evolved.

IB ACIO Previous Year Cut-Off

IB ACIO 2017 Tier 1 Cut Off

The IB ACIO 2017 examination was one of the most talked-about editions due to the high number of applicants and the moderate difficulty level of the question paper. The Tier 1 exam was conducted to screen candidates for the Tier 2 descriptive test.

Here is the IB ACIO 2017 Tier 1 cut off for various categories:

Category	Cut Off (Out of 100)
General (UR)	65
OBC	60
SC	50
ST	50

These cut off scores were calculated out of 100 marks, with 25% negative marking for incorrect answers.

IB ACIO 2017 Tier 2 Cut Off

After qualifying in Tier 1, candidates were called for Tier 2, a descriptive test comprising essay writing and comprehension skills.

The cut off for Tier 2 was based on the combined performance of Tier 1 and Tier 2. While MHA did not officially disclose the standalone Tier 2 cut off, the final selection was based on a combined merit list, including both Tier 1 and Tier 2 marks.

Final Cut Off (Tier 1 + Tier 2 Combined):

Category	Final Cut Off
General (UR)	65 + 30 = 95
OBC	60 + 25 = 85
SC/ST	50 + 20 = 70

IB ACIO 2015 Tier 1 Cut Off

The IB ACIO 2015 exam saw a lower number of applicants than in 2017, but the cut off was still competitive.

Here’s a look at the Tier 1 cut off for 2015:

Category	Cut Off (Out of 100)
General (UR)	75
OBC	70
SC	65
ST	65

Factors Affecting IB ACIO Cut Off 2025

The cut off for IB ACIO 2025 will depend on a variety of factors. Understanding these elements can help candidates predict the expected cutoff more accurately and strategize their preparation better.

1. Number of Vacancies

The number of available posts is a primary determinant. Fewer vacancies usually result in a higher cut off, as competition intensifies. If more seats are available, the cut off may be relatively lower.

2. Difficulty Level of Exam

If the question paper is tougher, the average score decreases, leading to a lower cut off. Conversely, an easy paper can result in higher scores and a steeper cut off.

3. Number of Applicants

A surge in the number of candidates increases the competition and can lead to higher cut offs, especially in the General and OBC categories.

4. Normalization of Scores

In some years, if the exam is conducted in multiple shifts, a normalization process is applied. This can affect the raw scores and, consequently, the final cut off.

5. Category-Wise Reservation

Government-mandated reservation policies ensure that each category gets a fair representation. This leads to different cut off marks for different categories like SC, ST, OBC, and EWS.

6. Performance Trends

If a significant percentage of candidates perform exceptionally well, the cut off can rise. Trends in overall candidate performance directly impact the final cut off.

7. Previous Year Trends

Historical data also plays a role. Exam authorities may maintain a consistent cut off range year after year unless major changes are introduced in the syllabus or pattern.

Expected IB ACIO Cut Off 2025 (Tier 1 – Prediction)

Based on past trends and assuming a moderate level of difficulty, here is a tentative cut off prediction for Tier 1 in 2025:

Category	Expected Cut Off (Out of 100)
General (UR)	68 – 72
OBC	63 – 67
SC	55 – 60
ST	50 – 55
EWS	65 – 70

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the IB ACIO Cut Off 2025?

The official cut off for IB ACIO 2025 will be released after the Tier 1 exam results. However, based on past years, the expected cut off for General category lies between 68–72 marks.

Q2: Is there any sectional cut off in IB ACIO exam?

No, there is no sectional cut off in the IB ACIO Tier 1 exam. Candidates are evaluated based on the overall score out of 100.

Q3: How is the final selection done in IB ACIO?

Final selection is based on the combined performance in Tier 1, Tier 2, and the Interview round. The final merit list includes candidates who score above the overall cut off.

Q4: Does the cut off vary for different categories?

Yes, the cut off varies by category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS) as per government reservation norms. General category usually has the highest cut off.

Q5: Where can I check the official cut off once released?

The official cut off marks will be available on the Ministry of Home Affairs website under the Recruitment section for IB ACIO.