The IB ACIO Syllabus 2025 is meticulously designed to assess a candidate’s overall intellectual capability, general awareness, reasoning skills, and communication proficiency. This multi-stage examination is structured to identify the most competent individuals for the prestigious post of Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) in the Intelligence Bureau.

The IB ACIO selection process is conducted in three rigorous stages:

Tier 1 (Objective-type Written Exam)
Tier 2 (Descriptive Written Exam)
Tier 3 (Interview/Personality Test)

IB ACIO 2025 Selection Process

Before delving into the subject-wise syllabus, it’s crucial to grasp the overall IB ACIO 2025 selection process. The recruitment is structured in three tiers: Tier 1 (Objective Test), Tier 2 (Descriptive Test), and Tier 3 (Interview). Each stage evaluates a different aspect of a candidate’s skills, ensuring only the most capable and well-rounded individuals secure the post. Understanding each tier’s pattern, subject coverage, and qualifying criteria can greatly enhance your study strategy and help manage exam stress.

IB ACIO 2025: Examination Summary Table

Parameter	Details
Organization Name	Intelligence Bureau (IB)
Post Name	Assistant Central Intelligence Officer Grade II/Executive
Total Vacancies	3,717
Application Dates	July 19, 2025 – August 10, 2025
Tier 1 Exam	Objective, 100 Questions, 100 Marks, MCQ Format
Tier 2 Exam	Descriptive, 50 Marks, Essay & Comprehension
Tier 3	Interview, 100 Marks, Face-to-Face Personality Test
Negative Marking	Yes, ¼ mark deduction for each wrong answer in Tier 1
Official Notification	Released July 18, 2025
Source Link	testbook.com/ib-acio/syllabus-exam-pattern

The IB ACIO exam process ensures candidates are tested extensively on analytical, general awareness, and communication skills, preparing them for sensitive and dynamic roles in India’s Intelligence Bureau.

IB ACIO 2025 Exam Pattern: Stages, Marking Scheme, and Duration

Understanding the exam pattern is vital before preparing for the IB ACIO. This section will explain the structure, distribution of marks, and the role of each exam tier. The exam format provides candidates an overview of what to expect at each stage, facilitating better preparation and time management.

Tier 1: Objective Test

This is the initial screening round consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions covering five subjects. It tests both depth and breadth of a candidate’s knowledge, as well as their ability to answer quickly under time constraints. Every wrong answer involves a ¼ mark deduction, making accuracy as important as speed.

Section	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
Current Affairs	20	20
General Studies	20	20	60 Minutes
Numerical Aptitude	20	20	(1 hour)
Reasoning/Logical Aptitude	20	20
English Language	20	20
Total	100	100	60 Minutes

Tier 2: Descriptive Test

The Tier 2 exam is crucial for gauging communication, writing, and analytical skills. The paper comprises essay writing, English comprehension, and long-answer questions related to current events, economics, or socio-political issues. A minimum of 33% marks is mandatory to qualify for the next stage.

Section	Marks	Duration
Essay Writing	20
English Comprehension	10	60 Minutes
2 Long Answer Questions (Current Affairs etc)	20	(1 hour)
Total	50	60 Minutes

Tier 3: Interview

The final stage is a personal interview carrying 100 marks. It tests the candidate’s personality, communication skills, subject knowledge, and suitability for the Intelligence Bureau role.

Stage	Mode	Maximum Marks	Purpose
Tier III – Interview	Face-to-Face	100	Personality, Communication, Knowledge

Success at every stage requires thorough preparation and clear understanding of the pattern and time constraints.

IB ACIO Tier 1 Syllabus 2025: Detailed Subject-wise Topics

Knowing the detailed syllabus for each Tier 1 section is essential. This section describes the subjects in depth so candidates can tailor their preparation plans, focusing on high-yield topics for maximum efficiency.

IB ACIO Tier 1: Section-wise Topics

1. Current Affairs
The Current Affairs section focuses on testing awareness of recent national and international events. Regular updates on government schemes, sports, science, awards, and important happenings are crucial for this part. Candidates should form the habit of reading newspapers and monthly magazines to stay up-to-date.

Sample Topics:

• National and International News
• Government Schemes & Policies
• Important Awards & Honors
• Sports & Defence Events
• Eminent Personalities

2. General Studies
This section evaluates the candidate’s command over traditional academic subjects. Topics span Indian History, Geography, Indian Polity & Constitution, Economics, Science & Technology, and Static GK. Consistent revision of NCERTs and standard reference books will help master these broad subjects.

Sample Topics:

• Indian History & Culture
• Indian Polity & Constitution
• Geography (India & World)
• Science & Technology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• Economics & Finance, Budget, Banking Awareness

3. Numerical Aptitude
Numerical Aptitude tests a candidate’s mathematical skills and ability to solve quantitative problems under time constraints. Core topics such as arithmetic, algebra, data interpretation, percentages, and averages form the backbone of this section.

Sample Topics:

• Number Systems
• Percentages, Profit & Loss, Discount
• Time & Work, Ratio & Proportion
• Simple & Compound Interest
• Averages, LCM & HCF
• Data Interpretation

4. Reasoning/Logical Aptitude
This segment gauges reasoning, decision-making, and analytical thinking abilities. Both verbal and non-verbal reasoning are tested, with question types ranging from puzzles and analogies to coding-decoding and syllogisms.

Sample Topics:

• Coding-Decoding
• Blood Relations, Syllogisms
• Order & Ranking, Directions
• Data Sufficiency, Puzzles
• Series (Number/Letter), Odd One Out

5. English Language
Proficiency in English is essential for both objective and descriptive stages. Grammatical accuracy, comprehension, vocabulary, and communication skills are evaluated. Regular practice using sample papers and grammar books is recommended.

Sample Topics:

• Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test
• Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement
• Fill in the Blanks, One Word Substitution
• Synonyms/Antonyms, Spelling
• Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech

IB ACIO Tier 2 Syllabus 2025: Descriptive Writing and Comprehension

The Tier 2 paper is equally important as it filters candidates who can write coherently and express ideas effectively—skills vital for intelligence officers. Tier 2 requires consistent essay practice, reading editorials, and expanding vocabulary to secure qualifying marks.

Tier 2 Sections

Essay Writing (20 Marks):
A well-structured essay must have an introduction, body, and conclusion. Possible topics often relate to national security, current issues, cultural diversity, or social challenges. The evaluation is based on structure, clarity, originality, and factual correctness.

English Comprehension (10 Marks):
This section tests a candidate’s ability to understand and analyze a given passage. Carefully reading and accurately answering inference-based questions is crucial.

Long Answer Questions (20 Marks):
Candidates will answer two descriptive questions of 10 marks each. Topics can include current affairs, socio-political issues, or economic matters. Clarity, cohesiveness, and factual representation are key.

Section	Marks	Details
Essay Writing	20	Must demonstrate structure and depth of thought
English Comprehension	10	Analyze passages and answer inference-based or vocabulary questions
Long Answer Questions	20	Express ideas on current issues, economics, or socio-political matters
Total	50

Regularly practicing writing and reading comprehension, as well as revising current affairs, will significantly boost your performance in Tier 2.

Preparation Tips for IB ACIO Syllabus 2025

A sound preparation strategy boosts performance. Understanding exam expectations, focusing on high-yield topics, managing time during exams, and practicing previous years’ papers are invaluable.

• Plan Study Schedule: Dedicate daily time to all sections, and pay special attention to weaker areas.
• Practice Mock Tests: Attempt online tests to improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
• Revision: Revise key facts, formulas, and vocabulary regularly.
• Essay & Comprehension: Write practice essays on recent topics and solve comprehension passages frequently.
• Stay Updated: Follow daily news and current affairs magazines.

Following these steps will help candidates cover the entire IB ACIO syllabus and approach the exam with confidence.

Securing a position as an Assistant Central Intelligence Officer with the Intelligence Bureau is a remarkable achievement demanding consistent effort and laser-sharp preparation. The IB ACIO Syllabus 2025 spans a variety of subjects—analytical, general, and linguistic—across three distinct tiers. Understanding each stage’s pattern and syllabus details is the first step toward effective preparation. Begin your journey today with a structured plan, diligent study, and thorough practice to maximize your chances of selection. The road may be challenging, but with determination and the right guidance, you can achieve your goal in the Intelligence Bureau.

Important Links

IB ACIO Previous Year Cut-off	Click Here
Join Rojgar Result Whatsapp Group	Click Here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the IB ACIO 2025 exam pattern?
Ans: The IB ACIO 2025 exam is conducted in three stages: Tier 1 (Objective, 100 Marks), Tier 2 (Descriptive, 50 Marks), and Tier 3 (Interview, 100 Marks). Tier 1 includes sections like Current Affairs, General Studies, Numerical Aptitude, Reasoning, and English.

Q2. Is there negative marking in the IB ACIO exam?
Ans: Yes, Tier 1 has a negative marking of ¼ mark for every incorrect answer. There is no negative marking in the descriptive or interview stage.

Q3. What topics are covered in the IB ACIO Tier 1 syllabus?
Ans: Tier 1 covers Current Affairs, General Studies, Numerical Aptitude, Reasoning/Logical Aptitude, and English Language. Each has 20 questions totalling 100 marks.

Q4. What is the minimum score required to qualify in Tier 2?
Ans: Candidates must score at least 33% marks (17 out of 50) in the Tier 2 descriptive exam to be eligible for the Interview round.

Q5. When is the IB ACIO 2025 exam and how to apply?
Ans: The notification was released on July 18, 2025, and applications can be submitted online from July 19 to August 10, 2025. Exam dates for all stages will be notified separately.