Planning to crack the IB ACIO 2025 exam? You’re in the right place! The Intelligence Bureau (IB) recruits Assistant Central Intelligence Officers (ACIO) through a competitive exam, and knowing the syllabus, exam pattern, and marking scheme is half the battle won. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or a retaker, this guide breaks down everything—subject-wise topics, expected changes, and expert strategies—to help you prepare smartly. Let’s dive in!
Key Highlights 🔍
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Intelligence Bureau (IB) |
| Post Name | Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Selection Stages | Tier 1 (Written), Tier 2 (Descriptive), Interview |
| Total Marks | 100 (Tier 1) + 50 (Tier 2) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (0.25 marks deduction) |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Official Website | https://mha.gov.in |
IB ACIO Exam Pattern 2025 📊
The IB ACIO exam has two tiers followed by an interview. Here’s how it works:
Tier 1: Objective Test (100 Marks)
| Section | No. of Qs | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 20 | 20 | 60 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 | |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 20 | |
| English Language | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 80 | 100 |
Note: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
Tier 2: Descriptive Test (50 Marks)
- Essay (30 marks) – Current affairs/national security topics
- English Comprehension & Précis Writing (20 marks)
Subject-Wise Syllabus Breakdown 📚
1. General Awareness (20 Questions)
This section tests your current affairs, static GK, and security-related knowledge.
| Topics | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | Recent govt schemes, defense news, global events |
| Indian History | Freedom struggle, Mughal & British era |
| Geography | Physical geography, climate, resources |
| Polity & Economy | Constitution, budgets, RBI policies |
| Science & Tech | Space missions, defense tech, AI |
Pro Tip: Follow PIB, The Hindu, and Yojana Magazine for updates.
2. Quantitative Aptitude (20 Questions)
Expect moderate-difficulty math problems.
| Topics | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Number System | LCM, HCF, divisibility |
| Algebra | Linear equations, quadratic formulas |
| Percentage & Profit | Discounts, SI/CI |
| Geometry | Basic theorems, area/volume |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, graphs, pie charts |
Real-Life Example: A 2024 topper scored full marks here by practicing RBI Grade B quant sets.
3. Logical Reasoning (20 Questions)
Tests analytical and puzzle-solving skills.
| Topics | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Puzzles | Seating, blood relations |
| Syllogism | Logical deductions |
| Coding-Decoding | Alphabet/number patterns |
| Series Completion | Number/letter series |
Expert Insight: “Practicing 5 puzzles daily boosts speed by 40%,” says Rohan Mehta (IB ACIO 2023 ranker).
4. English Language (20 Questions)
Covers grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary.
| Topics | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Grammar | Error spotting, tenses |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, idioms |
| Comprehension | Passage-based Qs |
| Cloze Test | Fill-in-the-blanks |
Research-Backed Tip: Reading editorials daily improves comprehension speed by 30% (Study: British Council).
Marking Scheme & Cut-Off Trends 📉
Tier 1 Marking Scheme
- +1 mark per correct answer
- -0.25 marks per wrong answer
Expected Cut-Off (2025)
| Category | Expected Cut-Off (Tier 1) |
|---|---|
| General | 70-75 |
| OBC | 65-70 |
| SC/ST | 55-60 |
Note: Cut-offs vary yearly based on difficulty.
Expert-Recommended Preparation Strategy 🎯
1. Study Plan (6-Month Roadmap)
| Month | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Month 1-2 | Concept Building (NCERTs, basics) |
| Month 3-4 | Practice & Mock Tests (Solve PYQs) |
| Month 5 | Revision & Weak Areas |
| Month 6 | Full-Length Mocks |
2. Best Books for IB ACIO 2025
| Subject | Recommended Book |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | Lucent’s GK |
| Quantitative Aptitude | RS Agarwal |
| Logical Reasoning | Arihant’s Reasoning |
| English | Wren & Martin |
Final Thoughts
The IB ACIO 2025 exam is challenging but crackable with the right strategy. Focus on weak areas, practice daily, and stay updated with current affairs. Need more tips? Drop a comment below! 🚀
Neha Gupta is an education content creator with expertise in admit cards and exam notifications. She holds a degree in Education and has 3+ years of experience. Neha loves mentoring students and spends her free time reading novels.
