Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO), Grade‑II/Executive – IB Recruitment 2025

The Intelligence Bureau, India’s oldest and critically important domestic intelligence agency, has announced 3,717 vacancies for Assistant Central Intelligence Officer, Grade‑II (Executive) in 2025. This post comes under the Group‑C cadre of the Central Government after final selection and you become a part of national security, intelligence gathering, threat assessment and sensitive operations. If you are a graduate, whose interest is in investigation, government service, and security framework, then this recruitment drive is a rare yet high-responsibility opportunity for you which should not be skipped.

Vacancy Overview – Which Posts, How Many Vacancies and Category Breakup

Total 3,717 ACIO posts have been included in the 2025 drive. The category-wise allocation is as follows: General (Unreserved) 1,537, OBC 946, SC 566, ST 226, and EWS 442. These reservation norms provide a fair chance to candidates belonging to every social category. Youth, aspirants or meritorious individuals can all participate in this drive based on their eligibility and category.

Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply and How to Check Qualifications

Eligibility is clearly defined: The candidate must have completed a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Computer literacy is desirable but not mandatory.  As per the age criteria, the minimum age of the applicant should be 18 years and maximum 27 years (as on closing date), with extra relaxation for reserved categories—OBC +3 years, SC/ST +5 years. Additional relaxation schemes are applicable for meritorious sportspersons, ex-servicemen or departmental IB employees. Importantly, applicants should have an aptitude to tolerate a disciplined environment and a clean background.

Important Dates & Application Process – How and When to Apply

After the official release of the short notice, the full notification and online form were available from 19 July 2025. The application window was open between 19 July to 10 August 2025, in which candidates were required to register on the UPSC/IB portal, select the correct category, enter personal details, upload documents and pay the application fee.  The fee for General/OBC/EWS candidates was ₹650; SC/ST/PwBD/Female applicants were entitled to a fee exemption. A limited correction window was also provided which allowed minor edits after form submission. Applicants were advised to print and save the confirmation slip after final form submission.

Selection Process – Teen‑Tier Structure With Focus on Merit and Skills

The IB ACIO selection process is based on a three-tier format:

Tier‑I (Online Objective Test, 100 marks) is a 1-hour exam covering general awareness, current affairs, logical ability, reasoning, quantitative aptitude and English comprehension sections. There is negative marking (0.25 marks deduction for wrong answers), hence accuracy is critical.

 Tier‑II (Descriptive Paper, 50 marks) consists of essay writing and comprehension tests – this tests the candidate’s written expression, clarity of thought and analytical writing skills.

Tier‑III (Interview/Personality Test, 100 marks) your confidence, behavioural suitability, communication skills and overall aptitude are evaluated. Final merit list is prepared on the basis of the combined total of official cut-offs, written scores and interview marks.

Salary Structure & Benefits – How much package will be available and how to get it

Selected ACIO Grade‑II candidates get basic salary under pay level 7: starting from ₹44,900 and maximum up to ₹1,42,400. Apart from this, a Special Security Allowance of 20% is also given due to the nature of operations. In-hand salary is approximately ₹55,000 – ₹80,000 on monthly basis, based on location and posting allowances. Along with this additional perks include: medical coverage, leave travel concession, central government pension benefits (after completion of requisite service tenure), incremental promotions, confidential postings, and occasional training are provided at all sites.

Detailed Exam Syllabus & Smart Preparation Strategy

 Tier‑I objective syllabus is broad hai: General Awareness (India – internal security, external affairs, national integration, international relations), Quantitative Aptitude (basic arithmetic, data interpretation), Reasoning (analytical puzzles, coding-decoding), and English Language (comprehension, grammar).  Tier‑II descriptive paper contains reputed essay topics like governance, national issues, social themes or intelligence-based essay prompts.  The Tier‑III interview stage focuses on behavioral questions, problem-solving scenarios and potential suitability for sensitive assignments.

 Smart strategy recommendations include: daily revision of current affairs, practice past year ACIO mock papers, analytical reasoning drills, essay writing daily and interview confidence practice through mock interviews.

Career Growth & Long Term Prospects – Where can this journey take me?

 ACIO Grade‑II begins the career in the field and desk departments of IB. Based on performance and seniority, candidates progress through the promotion stages to ACIO Grade‑I, Senior Grade Officer, Deputy Director and Director cadre. If you maintain consistent excellence, it is possible to reach the senior leadership levels of IB within 15–20 years. The career path from Group C cadre to Group B (non-gazetted), and then to central intelligence leadership makes this job rewarding.

Day to day life of An Aso – what is work like on a daily basis

The role of an ACIO involves a mixture of desk and field work. Field assignments involve intelligence gathering, surveillance, liaison with law enforcement agencies, infiltration monitoring, evidentiary gathering, informant handling and threat assessment.  Desk assignments include data collation, report drafting, MIS reports, intelligence analysis, finance and administrative coordination.  Field postings can be risk-laden, security clearance is mandatory and you must adapt to unpredictable conditions and work under confidentiality.

Soft Skills Required – Which skills should a candidate have?

 An ACIO must have excellent communication (written as well as verbal), strong ethical integrity, emotional resilience, high behavioral adaptability, analytical mindset, safety-sensitive decision making, and the ability to handle confidential information discreetly.  Language proficiency (Hindi / English / regional languages) is also helpful depending on the assigned zone.  Tasks like coordinating with police, deciphering intelligence inputs, and small-team management are often demanded.

Risks & Rewards

 The IB ACIO post is a high-responsibility role—sometimes field inspection in unsafe zones may be required;  Secrecy and psychological pressure are also part of the job.  But the reward is equally high—national service, involvement in the core of the security framework, professional identity and stable central government career.  The assurance of long term retirement benefits and family security along with government allowances and confidentiality structure is basic.

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

 1. Application form wrong data entry or photo/sign area issue always double-check before submission.

 2. Exam city preference incorrect, choose carefully, later change not allowed.

 3. Ignoring Mock tests is essential to practice negative marking and time management

 4. Do prompt preparation for the interview stage. Rehearsed behavioral answers, basic knowledge statements, posture and clarity matter. 

5. Clicking payment or links on any unofficial platform other than the official portal is a risk of scams. Use only the official MHA/UPSC portal.

Why ACIO Recruitment is Unique and Worth Pursuing

ACIO post gives you entry into a central intelligence environment—land of few and impact-driven job sectors. You directly support India’s internal security framework and work for national interests. ACIO position gives influence, responsibility and government identity along with decent compensation and growth path.  If you are prophetic, intelligent, committed and patriotic, then this position can match your vision

Conclusion – Why 2025 ACIO Drive is Important for You

Intelligence Bureau’s 2025 ACIO recruitment drive is an unmatched opportunity for aspiring central service candidates. With 3,717 posts, defined selection process, achievable salary band, secure pay & allowances, confidential career role and promotional pipeline, this role offers a distinct mission. If you are eligible, mentally prepared for field/desk responsibilities, and trust in structured preparation, then take advantage of the application window (19 July – 10 August). This appointment is not just a job—it is a way to be part of a national security mission.  With strong preparation, clear strategy and integrity you can reach IB ACIO cadre.